February 2016 California Bar Exam Forum

[MrMustache]

Edit: problem solved.

[Metal_Inquisition]

Hello all,

Like many others here, long, long time lurker and this is my first post. Just wanted to introduce myself. Failed the July 2015 bar exam; wasn't even close.

But I'm in it for the long haul with you guys. Let's kill it this time!

[injun]

Looking to sell my materials ASAP if anyone is interested, PM me for more info

[guitar519]

Also joining in the group after a July defeat. Did Jay Chavkin's Personal Bar Prep course and it ended up not being the best decision (9/10 of us didn't pass). I don't have finances to commit to a tutor so I'll be self studying this time. I bought adaptibar (pm me if you want a $50 code) and lean sheets. We can do this!

[BrokenMouse]

Has anyone used both bar issues and bar essays websites? Based on the description it seems like barsissues has everything bar essays has...?

[a male human]

Has anyone used both bar issues and bar essays websites? Based on the description it seems like barsissues has everything bar essays has...?

BarEssays has actual graded essays you can look at and compare with your practice essays.

BarIssues is a database where you can search issues by frequency and subject, and you get a convenient link to past essays containing a specific issue you want to tackle. Does not have graded essays.

[healthnut]

Hi All! Wishing you all the best of luck on the February bar. I took July as an out-of-state student for the first time and passed [somehow]. I wanted to pass on some tips and some of my own work that will hopefully help you!

1. Get Adaptibar. I used Themis AND Adaptibar. Yes, you will see some of the same questions, but SO WHAT?? You want to do as many questions as you can (the same or different) so you get the format and can spot the answer when you're down to two. Also, it's $$$, but you can find $50 off (PM if needed) and why take shortcuts now on this exam that is seemingly just getting harder? By day one, I did >2000 questions between Themis and Adaptibar. Although, I have no doubt Adaptibar is mostly to blame for how I ended up with an MBE >150.

2. Read sample essays. Know what a 55 looks like vs. a 75. Something that was thrown around as I was studying was the fact that "If you put anything, you're sure to get at least a 55." From seeing others' scores, I think I can comfortably say that this is not true. You really must put more than words on paper (i.e. write as if you expect to get a grader that actually looks at your essay).

3. FORMAT! I cannot help but thank "2807" on here for helping me with my essay format. Barbri/Themis/Kaplan are not going to show you how to format your essays properly or efficiently. Below is an example of how I formatted my essays. The goal is to get the reader to glance at your essay and say, "She/He looks like they know what they are doing. Pass. MOVE ON--I've got more money to make!" Do that with whether statements that incorporate KEY WORDS!

Essay Format:
1. QUESTION TOPIC

Whether Statement (i.e. Whether shareholders, B and C, may create an enforceable shareholder agreement in regards to votes)

PARAGRAPH OF LAW

PARAGRAPHS OF APPLYING FACTS TO LAW

Conclusion
[Simple statement that applies base of law to main fact(s).]

This is continued (2-??) until all provided questions have been answered. Keep the same format that the question gives you, so if you see 2(a), make a bold/underlined 2(a). It will further promise the reader that you are aware of the question and have "delicately" answered the right question--DO NOT MAKE UP YOUR OWN SYSTEM. As you can see, it's very methodical, and the reader can see that I hit all aspects of IRAC without searching for anything. I hope all of them skimmed it for four minutes thinking nothing more than: "Looks like she knows enough of what is going on here to pass. NEXT!"

4. Regime. It was not necessary for me to study 10+ hour days. Every morning, I woke up around 6:30 AM, went to the gym until 9, showered/breakfast, studied, yoga at noon, and studied again until about 6:30 PM. I completed 100% of the Themis coursework this way and never burned out. This set schedule helped me stay on track and kept me accountable to the point where I felt comfortable walking into the exam on day one.

5. Study how you study best. Don't stray from what you did in law school and undergrad. I study best making blank handouts and filling them out until I know them without notes + making notecards (but not ever reviewing them again). I did this throughout the summer. My handouts are below if any are interested. I only did handouts for the MBE subjects. I also made concise three-page outlines for every subject. Happy to send these out if needed--just PM. However, it's likely the time I put in making those outlines that mattered--not the hours spent reading them on the treadmill.

6. Turn your life off, but be mindful of the support you will need. After a choppy year, I broke up with my boyfriend of seven years in May and moved back to California to study. YOU CAN DO IT! However, it required me to cut him out completely and delete things--get off of FB, Instagram, etc. but don't feel guilty about texting and keeping up with friends. They will keep you sane! I remember thinking in July, "Should I turn off everything and go black? Will that be the difference between passing or failing?" NO! You will need your friends to keep you mindful of what really matters in life and likely to keep you on track with positive thoughts. If a friend calls midday, take the call, enjoy the conversation, and get back to studying after. It is a preparation for a three-day marathon, so you're not expected to run your best pace on week three or seven of prep.

7. Be a sheep. http://www.swlaw.edu/pdfs/RebeccaSimonDailyJournal My dad gave me this article week two or three during bar prep when he realized I was likely getting slightly ahead of the Themis program. Looking back, I totally agree with it! (Although I did have FOUR dreams during the waiting game of myself failing the bar, calling my dad, and him yelling at me, "YOU WEREN'T A F-ING SHEEP!!! I TOLD YOU TO BE A SHEEP!"--you've been warned!)

That's all I have for now! Good luck! Remember that it's more mental preparation and format than how much you actually know! It is JUST a test and not a characterization of who you are.

MBE Handouts to fill out: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dec2k4tm6hik ... Qd2Ja?dl=0

Hope this helps! Would love to give back in any ways that I can as a thread similar to this for July 2015 often kept me sane during the summer!

[Metal_Inquisition]

When is everyone starting to study? This week? I hear conflicting opinions about starting too early or "its never to late to start..." Last time I think part of my problem was that I burned myself out but studying all day every day 10 hours a day. I don't want to make the same mistake and burn out but I feel like a failure already by not starting now. Dammit!!

[MrMustache]

When is everyone starting to study? This week? I hear conflicting opinions about starting too early or "its never to late to start..." Last time I think part of my problem was that I burned myself out but studying all day every day 10 hours a day. I don't want to make the same mistake and burn out but I feel like a failure already by not starting now. Dammit!!

I'm starting next Monday. Decided to make one final pre-bar prep trip to go stargazing this weekend before I start shunning my family and friends for the next three months.

[Neveragain]

Hi All! Wishing you all the best of luck on the February bar. I took July as an out-of-state student for the first time and passed [somehow]. I wanted to pass on some tips and some of my own work that will hopefully help you!

1. Get Adaptibar. I used Themis AND Adaptibar. Yes, you will see some of the same questions, but SO WHAT?? You want to do as many questions as you can (the same or different) so you get the format and can spot the answer when you're down to two. Also, it's $$$, but you can find $50 off (PM if needed) and why take shortcuts now on this exam that is seemingly just getting harder?

2. Read sample essays. Know what a 55 looks like vs. a 75. Something that was thrown around as I was studying was the fact that "If you put anything, you're sure to get at least a 55." From seeing others' scores, I think I can comfortably say that this is not true. You really must put more than words on paper (i.e. write as if you expect to get a grader that actually looks at your essay).

3. FORMAT! I cannot help but thank "2807" on here for helping me with my essay format. Barbri/Themis/Kaplan are not going to show you how to format your essays properly or efficiently. Below is an example of how I formatted my essays. The goal is to get the reader to glance at your essay and say, "She/He looks like they know what they are doing. Pass. MOVE ON--I've got more money to make!" Do that with whether statements that incorporate KEY WORDS!

Essay Format:
1. QUESTION TOPIC

Whether Statement (i.e. Whether shareholders, B and C, may create an enforceable shareholder agreement in regards to votes)

PARAGRAPH OF LAW

PARAGRAPHS OF APPLYING FACTS TO LAW

Conclusion
[Simple statement that applies base of law to main fact(s).]

This is continued (2-??) until all provided questions have been answered. Keep the same format that the question gives you, so if you see 2(a), make a bold/underlined 2(a). It will further promise the reader that you are aware of the question and have "delicately" answered the right question--DO NOT MAKE UP YOUR OWN SYSTEM. As you can see, it's very methodical, and the reader can see that I hit all aspects of IRAC without searching for anything. I hope all of them skimmed it for four minutes thinking nothing more than: "Looks like she knows enough of what is going on here to pass. NEXT!"

4. Regime. It was not necessary for me to study 10+ hour days. Every morning, I woke up around 6:30 AM, went to the gym until 9, showered/breakfast, studied, yoga at noon, and studied again until about 6:30 PM. I completed 100% of the Themis coursework this way and never burned out. This set schedule helped me stay on track and kept me accountable to the point where I felt comfortable walking into the exam on day one.

5. Study how you study best. Don't stray from what you did in law school and undergrad. I study best making blank handouts and filling them out until I know them without notes + making notecards (but not ever reviewing them again). I did this throughout the summer. My handouts are below if any are interested. I only did handouts for the MBE subjects. I also made concise three-page outlines for every subject. Happy to send these out if needed--just PM. However, it's likely the time I put in making those outlines that mattered--not the hours spent reading them on the treadmill.

6. Turn your life off, but be mindful of the support you will need. After a choppy year, I broke up with my boyfriend of seven years in May and moved back to California to study. YOU CAN DO IT! However, it required me to cut him out completely and delete things--get off of FB, Instagram, etc. but don't feel guilty about texting and keeping up with friends. They will keep you sane! I remember thinking in July, "Should I turn off everything and go black? Will that be the difference between passing or failing?" NO! You will need your friends to keep you mindful of what really matters in life and likely to keep you on track with positive thoughts. If a friend calls midday, take the call, enjoy the conversation, and get back to studying after. It is a preparation for a three-day marathon, so you're not expected to run your best pace on week three or seven of prep.

7. Be a sheep. http://www.swlaw.edu/pdfs/RebeccaSimonDailyJournal My dad gave me this article week two or three during bar prep when he realized I was likely getting slightly ahead of the Themis program. Looking back, I totally agree with it! (Although I did have FOUR dreams during the waiting game of myself failing the bar, calling my dad, and him yelling at me, "YOU WEREN'T A F-ING SHEEP!!! I TOLD YOU TO BE A SHEEP!"--you've been warned!)

That's all I have for now! Good luck! Remember that it's more mental preparation and format than how much you actually know! It is JUST a test and not a characterization of who you are.

MBE Handouts to fill out: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/dec2k4tm6hik ... Qd2Ja?dl=0

Hope this helps! Would love to give back in any ways that I can as a thread similar to this for July 2015 often kept me sane during the summer!

Question for you- can you provide us with a little more of the essay format you used? This is extremely helpful, and looks like it worked for you.

Thanks!

[healthnut]

Question for you- can you provide us with a little more of the essay format you used? This is extremely helpful, and looks like it worked for you.

Thanks!

Sure--here is a sample trusts essay. It's graded by a Themis grader so take it with a grain of salt, but you get the basics. My work in blue; grader in red. Best I can find from my saved documents.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tw2heqr85krmr ... E.pdf?dl=0

Non-graded Evidence--may be easier to read.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ngb4knd6vk1a3 ... 2.pdf?dl=0

[Metal_Inquisition]

When is everyone starting to study? This week? I hear conflicting opinions about starting too early or "its never to late to start..." Last time I think part of my problem was that I burned myself out but studying all day every day 10 hours a day. I don't want to make the same mistake and burn out but I feel like a failure already by not starting now. Dammit!!

I'm starting next Monday. Decided to make one final pre-bar prep trip to go stargazing this weekend before I start shunning my family and friends for the next three months.

Good deal. Take it all in before you get tied down. I'll prob start the middle of this week... The Barbri re-take (why do I even bother??) starts December 21, I think, which just seems so late.

[lawbosscalif]

I have brand new, never used, complete set, 2015 Kaplan California Bar Prep books. PM me if interested. I passed with Kaplan in 2014 and know of many people who were successful with Kaplan on the first try. FWIW.

[fadedsunrise]

Haven't started because still undecided on whether I should take a course or self study. Definitely not repeating Kaplan because I just don't trust it after I didn't pass the first time with it, but should I sign up for full Barbri course? I can technically afford it because I've been saving like a miser in case I needed to retake and pay bar fees again.

[MarcZero]

Haven't started because still undecided on whether I should take a course or self study. Definitely not repeating Kaplan because I just don't trust it after I didn't pass the first time with it, but should I sign up for full Barbri course? I can technically afford it because I've been saving like a miser in case I needed to retake and pay bar fees again.

Personally, I'm using Themis again, but I'm not really going to "use" it. We already know the basics. It's not like we're learning stuff we haven't touched in 3 years this time. This was all stuff we learned just 4-6 months ago. I'm using the updated books Themis gave us and re-outlining everything to refresh my memory. Then, I'm using my money to hire a tutor to get personalized feedback for essays and PTs. It doesn't matter what major program you use, a lot of that stuff (video lectures, etc.) are not going to be the best use of your time this time around I think. Why waste your money on features you aren't going to really use? I'm spending my money directly on the areas I need help with.

[rcharter1978]

Haven't started because still undecided on whether I should take a course or self study. Definitely not repeating Kaplan because I just don't trust it after I didn't pass the first time with it, but should I sign up for full Barbri course? I can technically afford it because I've been saving like a miser in case I needed to retake and pay bar fees again.

What do you think you'll get out of the Barbri course? I think my biggest beef with Barbri is that its a very one size fits all approach. Its a course meant for the bottom 10% of the class and the top 10% of the class. Which means its going to be a LOT of work that maybe the top 10% of the class doesn't really need to do and could be using their time more effectively. But, because the bottom of the class (arguably) needs to do more work, you just get a ton of work. And I think everyone knows that you're not going to do it all, but they are trying to cover their own asses.

I think if you're strictly looking for black letter law, or you feel you didn't get enough black letter law with Kaplan than maybe Barbri is worth it. But even then, you might get a good amount of black letter law from Critical Pass flashcards or buy purchasing the CMR off of someone.

[fadedsunrise]

Haven't started because still undecided on whether I should take a course or self study. Definitely not repeating Kaplan because I just don't trust it after I didn't pass the first time with it, but should I sign up for full Barbri course? I can technically afford it because I've been saving like a miser in case I needed to retake and pay bar fees again.

What do you think you'll get out of the Barbri course? I think my biggest beef with Barbri is that its a very one size fits all approach. Its a course meant for the bottom 10% of the class and the top 10% of the class. Which means its going to be a LOT of work that maybe the top 10% of the class doesn't really need to do and could be using their time more effectively. But, because the bottom of the class (arguably) needs to do more work, you just get a ton of work. And I think everyone knows that you're not going to do it all, but they are trying to cover their own asses.

I think if you're strictly looking for black letter law, or you feel you didn't get enough black letter law with Kaplan than maybe Barbri is worth it. But even then, you might get a good amount of black letter law from Critical Pass flashcards or buy purchasing the CMR off of someone.

I did do Critical Pass this time around, in addition to Kaplan. And I finished somewhere between bottom 30% and bottom 40-45%(? slightly below half), so I do feel like I'm perhaps one of those that needs a lot of work. On the other hand, I came sort of close to passing (1424).

[aydog80]

Let's get a headcount on folks living in or near Los Angeles who want to have a once in a while study session strictly just for practice exams. Please also state if you are a repeater so we can gauge where everyone's at in life.

Yes I would be interested in joining the study group

I am a repeater looking to join for the Feb 2016 bar

(I had a 1370 overall) MBE's were horrible

[rcharter1978]

Haven't started because still undecided on whether I should take a course or self study. Definitely not repeating Kaplan because I just don't trust it after I didn't pass the first time with it, but should I sign up for full Barbri course? I can technically afford it because I've been saving like a miser in case I needed to retake and pay bar fees again.

What do you think you'll get out of the Barbri course? I think my biggest beef with Barbri is that its a very one size fits all approach. Its a course meant for the bottom 10% of the class and the top 10% of the class. Which means its going to be a LOT of work that maybe the top 10% of the class doesn't really need to do and could be using their time more effectively. But, because the bottom of the class (arguably) needs to do more work, you just get a ton of work. And I think everyone knows that you're not going to do it all, but they are trying to cover their own asses.

I think if you're strictly looking for black letter law, or you feel you didn't get enough black letter law with Kaplan than maybe Barbri is worth it. But even then, you might get a good amount of black letter law from Critical Pass flashcards or buy purchasing the CMR off of someone.

I did do Critical Pass this time around, in addition to Kaplan. And I finished somewhere between bottom 30% and bottom 40-45%(? slightly below half), so I do feel like I'm perhaps one of those that needs a lot of work. On the other hand, I came sort of close to passing (1424).

Okay, you finished in the bottom 50% of your class (at our school they are brutal, I know someone who got a letter telling them they were in the top 90% of the class). Since you got so close to actually passing the bar, I don't see where you would need to do such a comprehensive review of black letter law. I don't particularly think that Barbri does a great job of essays and PT's (especially not with the grading). You clearly don't need a ton of work since you were less than 20 point away from passing. I would only say that Barbri is not just a monetary cost (which is expensive), its an opportunity cost too. If your time could be better spent doing a few well directed, specific things to help improve your score and work like hell on those things you may be able to get those extra points next time. But those are just my two cents.

[onefatbovine]

I too will be retaking the bar this February. For the July exam, I used only Barbri and BarEssays.com. I found Bar Essays to be extremely helpful in determining what issues I may have missed, how to structure my essays, and how to phrase certain rules. In fact, my essay scores weren't that bad this last time around (avg ~65), and I owe a lot of it to Bar Essays. My downfall was the MBEs. I definitely didn't do enough MBE practice, and relying on Barbri's MBEs was a big mistake. As a result, I signed up for Adaptibar (aka what everyone else has been raving about). So far it's been pretty good, and I'm really hoping that what everyone's says about it is true.

My school gave us free access to BarEssays for the July exam, but now that that offer is no longer available to us for February (and because $$$ is tight), I'm hoping a generous person can provide me with a BarEssays promo code. I have a promo code for $50 off Adaptibar as well, so we can do a nice trade if you want. (Note: Adaptibar promo code is not exclusive to those who have a BarEssays code -- if you want it, PM me with your email address!)

[rcharter1978]

I too will be retaking the bar this February. For the July exam, I used only Barbri and BarEssays.com. I found Bar Essays to be extremely helpful in determining what issues I may have missed, how to structure my essays, and how to phrase certain rules. In fact, my essay scores weren't that bad this last time around (avg ~65), and I owe a lot of it to Bar Essays. My downfall was the MBEs. I definitely didn't do enough MBE practice, and relying on Barbri's MBEs was a big mistake. As a result, I signed up for Adaptibar (aka what everyone else has been raving about). So far it's been pretty good, and I'm really hoping that what everyone's says about it is true.

My school gave us free access to BarEssays for the July exam, but now that that offer is no longer available to us for February (and because $$$ is tight), I'm hoping a generous person can provide me with a BarEssays promo code. I have a promo code for $50 off Adaptibar as well, so we can do a nice trade if you want. (Note: Adaptibar promo code is not exclusive to those who have a BarEssays code -- if you want it, PM me with your email address!)

I think someone posted a code for baressays. I have a $65 code for Adaptibar if anyone wants it. I've been told it works.

[a male human]

Yep, just PM me if you want a $20 coupon for BarEssays.

onefatbovine I'll PM you now since I see your post now.

[Zaizei]

Hi guys! I'm joining this topic, since I failed last exam.

Can someone please give me his/her honest opinion about my situation?

I'm a foreign trained attorney (Spain) that took barbri to prepare to sit for the bar exam on July (this was my first attempt). I failed because of the written part (my MBE score was pretty good): For each PT I got a 55 and for the essays I got 55, 65, 60, 60, 55, 50. I didn't pass for 100 points... Is this too much? I have changed my strategy and now I have a tutor (Jay Chavkin). He told me that from my score breakdown, it's clear that I know the law (because of my MBE score) but that I don't know how to write essays and PTs. How can I improve my writing in a way that I pass the bar? And is it doable?

I have read posts of people that failed for more than 100 or 200 points on their first attempt and in the second one they have passed... But I don't want to have false hope... everyone in my family (from US and Spain) is saying that I can pass the exam and now that I have a tutor it will be easier, but I know they are sugar coating things for me. Please I need an honest opinion!!

[rcharter1978]

Hi guys! I'm joining this topic, since I failed last exam.

Can someone please give me his/her honest opinion about my situation?

I'm a foreign trained attorney (Spain) that took barbri to prepare to sit for the bar exam on July (this was my first attempt). I failed because of the written part (my MBE score was pretty good): For each PT I got a 55 and for the essays I got 55, 65, 60, 60, 55, 50. I didn't pass for 100 points... Is this too much? I have changed my strategy and now I have a tutor (Jay Chavkin). He told me that from my score breakdown, it's clear that I know the law (because of my MBE score) but that I don't know how to write essays and PTs. How can I improve my writing in a way that I pass the bar? And is it doable?

I have read posts of people that failed for more than 100 or 200 points on their first attempt and in the second one they have passed... But I don't want to have false hope... everyone in my family (from US and Spain) is saying that I can pass the exam and now that I have a tutor it will be easier, but I know they are sugar coating things for me. Please I need an honest opinion!!

I'm not sure if you've sent in final payment, but I remember reading very mixed reviews about Jay Chavkin. I feel like some of the more negative reviews may have been posters on this site, so if you're not yet locked in, you may want to reach out them.

[Zaizei]

Hi guys! I'm joining this topic, since I failed last exam.

Can someone please give me his/her honest opinion about my situation?

I'm a foreign trained attorney (Spain) that took barbri to prepare to sit for the bar exam on July (this was my first attempt). I failed because of the written part (my MBE score was pretty good): For each PT I got a 55 and for the essays I got 55, 65, 60, 60, 55, 50. I didn't pass for 100 points... Is this too much? I have changed my strategy and now I have a tutor (Jay Chavkin). He told me that from my score breakdown, it's clear that I know the law (because of my MBE score) but that I don't know how to write essays and PTs. How can I improve my writing in a way that I pass the bar? And is it doable?

I have read posts of people that failed for more than 100 or 200 points on their first attempt and in the second one they have passed... But I don't want to have false hope... everyone in my family (from US and Spain) is saying that I can pass the exam and now that I have a tutor it will be easier, but I know they are sugar coating things for me. Please I need an honest opinion!!

I'm not sure if you've sent in final payment, but I remember reading very mixed reviews about Jay Chavkin. I feel like some of the more negative reviews may have been posters on this site, so if you're not yet locked in, you may want to reach out them.

Yes, I have made the payment in full. I know about people that did really well with Jay and some other that didn't (the ones that didn't, did not take private tutoring with him, just group sessions).