July 2016 California Bar Exam Forum

[a male human]

Are you guys already studying for the July test?

I just got my huge box of BarBri books. Do you just start reading the outlines, or is there more to it?

If you're taking a course with Barbri, I believe they will send you online access to a schedule and a daily list of checkboxes as well as an impossible progress meter to simultaneously give you a sense of progress for motivation and a sense of dread for fearmongering and codependency on Barbri.

[hlss09]

Haha I'm just wondering if I should start studying now, or if that's a waste! I just got all my Bar/Bri materials, so I could start....

[sopranorleone]

Haha I'm just wondering if I should start studying now, or if that's a waste! I just got all my Bar/Bri materials, so I could start....

Complete waste, IMO, unless you plan to consistently review through July what you study now. My opinion: go enjoy life as much as you can now, and start studying in mid-May.

[AspiringCALawyer]

Robert, thanks by the way!

First timer taking it here. Finishing my final semester in law school now. I will begin prep soon (probably within the next two weeks).

I am still figuring out an attack plan. I studied for the SAT and ACT while deployed, and did the LSAT while working full time. However, this time I have nothing to do for the next five months but finish law school and study for the bar full time. Kinda pumped, oddly enough. So working to make sure this feeling says fresh. The goal is to get the right materials lined up, get the plan down on paper, and then begin. That's where I'm at.

BrokenMouse: I hear you. My position is that this semester I have a really light load primarily so I can start bar prep before May. I know myself, and I know two months will not be enough for me to be prepared to pass. Obviously not a fact. But I would rather not take the chance. A concern I have is the potential for early burn out.

Late in my study for the February exam, I saw a list of tips that suggested starting early (e.g., 4-6 months in advance and studying 20-25 hours per week) rather than cramming everything in once bar review starts. I started perhaps a couple weeks before the BarBri schedule; however, since I was working full-time at the time, I really couldn't realistically do too much. Since I won't know until May if I passed, that alternative would require me to start studying again now. My mind couldn't handle that this month. Plus, I returned all my books for my deposit refund (except got to keep notes handout book).

Whatever approach you choose, keep in mind it's a lot of material. Thus, you could face burnout, if you start too soon.

[AspiringCALawyer]

Robert, thanks by the way!

First timer taking it here. Finishing my final semester in law school now. I will begin prep soon (probably within the next two weeks).

I am still figuring out an attack plan. I studied for the SAT and ACT while deployed, and did the LSAT while working full time. However, this time I have nothing to do for the next five months but finish law school and study for the bar full time. Kinda pumped, oddly enough. So working to make sure this feeling says fresh. The goal is to get the right materials lined up, get the plan down on paper, and then begin. That's where I'm at.

Sure no problem.

Are you taking Barbri?

Yes, but I still have not paid yet. I am waiting for my $500 discount to go through. Also, I am still just waiting before paying $2000 for something, because I want to make sure BarBri is the one. Did you use BarBri?

Yes I did Barbri my first time. I have mixed feelings about it. I find their simulated MBE questions strange and not on point. And I think their lectures are mostly a waste of time. But then again, many people pass the exam just doing Barbri.

For this past Feb, I used Barbri's Convisor Mini Review book, Adaptibar, Baressays.com, Barbreaker essay book, and some Themis books.

Since I used Barbri in the past for PA and NY bars 18 years ago (passed on first try), I used Barbri again for February exam. At that time I also used PMBR (believe name has changed) for MBE portion.

For CA bar, though, I was only taking attorney bar (sans MBE). In January, I started to wonder whether doing the MBE assignments as part of my PSP was worthwhile. I don't recall any option when I registered to indicate I was only taking attorney bar. In early February, I started to focus on learning law, essays and PT and less on MBE questions. The MBE review did help somewhat with learning the law. I didn't take the simulated MBE exam, though. If I have to repeat, I will probably not do any MBE questions at all as part of my Barbri course (will take advantage of free repeat course). Initially, I didn't even realize there was a long outline versus the Convisor Mini Review. I would suggest reading the intros of all the books to get familiar with what they are.

[AspiringCALawyer]

Are you guys already studying for the July test?

I just got my huge box of BarBri books. Do you just start reading the outlines, or is there more to it?

I was studying for CA bar long distance (online); therefore, I followed my personal study plan ("PSP") online for my study schedule. For the February exam, study started December 21. For July, I would imagine there's also a suggested study schedule--typically starting in late May. There are some early study materials available, though, to supplement that big book of materials. Also, online there was an intro video that explained what each book was and how it's used.

[AspiringCALawyer]

For those who took February 2016 - I know our scores don't come out until May, but are we able to sign up for the July 2016 bar today along with the first timers, or do we have to wait until results come out?

You won't be able to sign up until after May 13 results come out. The repeater deadline is May 31.

[a male human]

Robert, thanks by the way!

First timer taking it here. Finishing my final semester in law school now. I will begin prep soon (probably within the next two weeks).

I am still figuring out an attack plan. I studied for the SAT and ACT while deployed, and did the LSAT while working full time. However, this time I have nothing to do for the next five months but finish law school and study for the bar full time. Kinda pumped, oddly enough. So working to make sure this feeling says fresh. The goal is to get the right materials lined up, get the plan down on paper, and then begin. That's where I'm at.

BrokenMouse: I hear you. My position is that this semester I have a really light load primarily so I can start bar prep before May. I know myself, and I know two months will not be enough for me to be prepared to pass. Obviously not a fact. But I would rather not take the chance. A concern I have is the potential for early burn out.

Late in my study for the February exam, I saw a list of tips that suggested starting early (e.g., 4-6 months in advance and studying 20-25 hours per week) rather than cramming everything in once bar review starts. I started perhaps a couple weeks before the BarBri schedule; however, since I was working full-time at the time, I really couldn't realistically do too much. Since I won't know until May if I passed, that alternative would require me to start studying again now. My mind couldn't handle that this month. Plus, I returned all my books for my deposit refund (except got to keep notes handout book).

Whatever approach you choose, keep in mind it's a lot of material. Thus, you could face burnout, if you start too soon.

Going off this, I would also give yourself extra time because it is a lot of material. I think 3-4 months is ideal you want a more thorough understanding, have a job, not hyper-focused (like I can't just do 8 hours straight), etc. But allotting TOO much time (5-6+ months) could lead to burnout and forgetting stuff.

[rhs67858]

Robert, thanks by the way!

First timer taking it here. Finishing my final semester in law school now. I will begin prep soon (probably within the next two weeks).

I am still figuring out an attack plan. I studied for the SAT and ACT while deployed, and did the LSAT while working full time. However, this time I have nothing to do for the next five months but finish law school and study for the bar full time. Kinda pumped, oddly enough. So working to make sure this feeling says fresh. The goal is to get the right materials lined up, get the plan down on paper, and then begin. That's where I'm at.

BrokenMouse: I hear you. My position is that this semester I have a really light load primarily so I can start bar prep before May. I know myself, and I know two months will not be enough for me to be prepared to pass. Obviously not a fact. But I would rather not take the chance. A concern I have is the potential for early burn out.

Late in my study for the February exam, I saw a list of tips that suggested starting early (e.g., 4-6 months in advance and studying 20-25 hours per week) rather than cramming everything in once bar review starts. I started perhaps a couple weeks before the BarBri schedule; however, since I was working full-time at the time, I really couldn't realistically do too much. Since I won't know until May if I passed, that alternative would require me to start studying again now. My mind couldn't handle that this month. Plus, I returned all my books for my deposit refund (except got to keep notes handout book).

Whatever approach you choose, keep in mind it's a lot of material. Thus, you could face burnout, if you start too soon.

Going off this, I would also give yourself extra time because it is a lot of material. I think 3-4 months is ideal you want a more thorough understanding, have a job, not hyper-focused (like I can't just do 8 hours straight), etc. But allotting TOO much time (5-6+ months) could lead to burnout and forgetting stuff.

Thanks!

[rhs67858]

Are you guys already studying for the July test?

I just got my huge box of BarBri books. Do you just start reading the outlines, or is there more to it?

I'll begin around the end of this month. I, too, am planning on using Barbri (though still a bit hesitant to pull the trigger). I have the Emmanuel MBE Book 1 coming in the mail tomorrow so ill probably play with that for a bit.

[rhs67858]

Pasadena or Ontario?

I am scheduled to take it at Pasadena; however, I am thinking of changing to Ontario.

Pasadena: I checked prices for the Sheraton and three days is roughly $1200. Not a fan. I wanted to walk to the testing place in the a.m. I checked Hilton Pasadena and it says, "guests cannot arrive on this date," after typing in the dates 26-28. Either they are booked already or I am over it anyway (probably call tomorrow though).

Ontario: It has three hotels all within walking distance. Regarding walking, they are significantly cheaper than Pasadena yet not crummy looking, and I could imagine enjoying my stay in them all.

I am from Irvine so I am fine driving to either location. Any feedback regarding your experience at either location's hotels, as well as the testing locations themeselves (e.g., testing inside either convention center), would be greatly appreciated. Moreover, did anyone workout at local gyms during those three days? Perhaps like right after the exam each day?

[rcharter1978]

Pasadena or Ontario?

I am scheduled to take it at Pasadena; however, I am thinking of changing to Ontario.

Pasadena: I checked prices for the Sheraton and three days is roughly $1200. Not a fan. I wanted to walk to the testing place in the a.m. I checked Hilton Pasadena and it says, "guests cannot arrive on this date," after typing in the dates 26-28. Either they are booked already or I am over it anyway (probably call tomorrow though).

Ontario: It has three hotels all within walking distance. Regarding walking, they are significantly cheaper than Pasadena yet not crummy looking, and I could imagine enjoying my stay in them all.

I am from Irvine so I am fine driving to either location. Any feedback regarding your experience at either location's hotels, as well as the testing locations themeselves (e.g., testing inside either convention center), would be greatly appreciated. Moreover, did anyone workout at local gyms during those three days? Perhaps like right after the exam each day?

I'm from the Ontario area. The Radisson, the "Folk Inn," the Doubletree, the Residence Inn and another hotel are all nice hotels within walking distance. I used to work at the Radisson (when it was a Marriott), and there is a train in the Ontario area that runs behind the Radisson. If you're super sensitive to noise you should be aware of it (it only made a difference for guests when they were in the back of the hotel). The residence inn has a nice little workout area, as does the Radisson. I imagine the Doubletree does as well. With so many people at those hotels there might be a long wait for the treadmill/machines after the exam. If you have a membership to LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Gold's Gym, or Crunch there are clubs (with more equipment/machines...less wait) within a 15 minute drive. I think the Convention Center is fine, its a giant room, and its freezing as heck.

[AspiringCALawyer]

Pasadena or Ontario?

I am scheduled to take it at Pasadena; however, I am thinking of changing to Ontario.

Pasadena: I checked prices for the Sheraton and three days is roughly $1200. Not a fan. I wanted to walk to the testing place in the a.m. I checked Hilton Pasadena and it says, "guests cannot arrive on this date," after typing in the dates 26-28. Either they are booked already or I am over it anyway (probably call tomorrow though).

Ontario: It has three hotels all within walking distance. Regarding walking, they are significantly cheaper than Pasadena yet not crummy looking, and I could imagine enjoying my stay in them all.

I am from Irvine so I am fine driving to either location. Any feedback regarding your experience at either location's hotels, as well as the testing locations themeselves (e.g., testing inside either convention center), would be greatly appreciated. Moreover, did anyone workout at local gyms during those three days? Perhaps like right after the exam each day?

Hotel: In choosing a site for February 2016 exam, I decided on Ontario (instead of Pasadena; LA Convention Center was not an option) because the hotels were less expensive (I stayed for 10 days). Plus, I was told Pasadena was very popular with LA locals; therefore I thought it would be harder to get. Also, I was not thrilled with the descriptions I read on TripAdvisor about the Pasadena hotels.

Since I was coming from the midwest, I arrived the week (Tuesday) before due to the unpredictable winter weather. I was told a lot of test takers come on Sunday. I booked my hotel when I registered for the test (initial deadline). I used my AAA discount rather than identifying myself as taking the bar. I stayed at Doubletree. As a Hilton Honors member I got free WiFi in my room. The decor was dated; however, the room was spacious and pretty quiet (some train and airplane noise) and had a balcony (never used). The hotel has a gym (never used but looked at it) and pool (sat out briefly on my Wednesday "day off"--took attorney bar). In the evenings I studied.

Convention Center: It was a 4-minute walk across the parking lot (I timed it beforehand; I walk slow) from my hotel. There were several other hotels that were just as close. (For those who drove, parking is about $10 and seemed adequate--in February, though). All the surrounding hotels/businesses around the convention center have signs against parking in their lots. I don't know how it's enforced because I wasn't required to put any sticker in my rental car.

I was pleasantly surprised at how clean the facility was and was grateful there were additional restroom facilities inside the halls (about 7 or 8 stales in ladies room. There were about three other restroom facilities right outside the hall that could be used beforehand). Plus, it was relatively quiet (didn't need to use my earplugs). I refrained from drinking a lot before the sessions; however, I had to go during the last session of the third day (with about an hour left). One could freely go to the bathroom (no taking turns); there was a proctor outside the door. I decided to go at that time because if you don't finish the session before the last 5 minutes, you cannot get up until all the exams are collected. Also, if you use laptop and finish early, you'll have to leave the laptop and return for it later (end of day, not lunch time). For those using laptops (the vast majority), there were power strips at each seat. If there were any laptop issues, a proctor would give you a hard copy to write any remaining answers.

For lunch, there are restaurants in the area (limited to mostly fast food e.g., Subway, In N Out, Wendy’s), Denny’s or local Mexican and Indian restaurants.) I went back to my room to eat/relax. A.M. session: seated by about 8:20/8:30; finished around noon. Afternoon session: seated around 1:30/instructions 1:45; finished around 5.

For those carrying contraband (e.g., bags, phones, etc.) one leaves them outside (at your own risk, even though there were attendants outside the hall). I'd be surprised if anyone stole anything because we were all taking the test. No one from the general public was allowed in that restricted area.

There was one hiccup the first day when the fire alarm went off as we were getting our instructions. Fortunately, before we got all the way outside during the evacuation, we got the all clear to come back. I'm glad I brought a sweater because the air was turned up at certain points. Although I do not want to revisit the location in July, it was an impressive facility.

[rhs67858]

rcharter1978 and AspiringCALawyer,

Thank you both for the responses. I have changed my location to Ontario. Also, I will probably get there early in the morning on the 25th, or even the 24th at night, so that I have a full day to chill/prep before the exam.

[FinallyPassedTheBar]

In my opinion the Ontario location is the only testing center that has hotels with reasonable rates. All other testing centers have hotels with rates north of $200/night, some closer to $300

[chicoalto0649]

Just signed up for LA. Passed in NY 2013, Failed CA in 2014. Will have much more time to study better.

Any word on how much test has changed since implementation of Civ Pro on MBE? I heard con law was different too...Bar Bri always served me well and just got a complete set of books + other goodies for the Feb 2016 exam.

Also, when is a good time to sign up for adaptibar? Never used it before and interested to hear people's experiences.

[rhs67858]

I just ordered Barbri materials, so when they come I will sort materials out and figure out how to proceed. I want to start studying April 1. Also, I got the S&Ts book 1 over the weekend so I will get into it this month at nights after the gym. I would like to get through about 2,000 practice questions (while really reviewing each one irrespective of whether or not I miss it), so I will do the calculations and figure out how many per day I need to do.

Since the MBE counts for only 35% of our total, I want to keep that very apparent as I prep.

Anyone else starting around April?

[a male human]

I just ordered Barbri materials, so when they come I will sort materials out and figure out how to proceed. I want to start studying April 1. Also, I got the S&Ts book 1 over the weekend so I will get into it this month at nights after the gym. I would like to get through about 2,000 practice questions (while really reviewing each one irrespective of whether or not I miss it), so I will do the calculations and figure out how many per day I need to do.

Since the MBE counts for only 35% of our total, I want to keep that very apparent as I prep.

Anyone else starting around April?

Just FYI, S&T1 by itself won't get you 2,000 unique questions. Something like AdaptiBar would give you 1,500 questions.

You can repeat the 500-600 questions in S&T (500-600 including the full practice test), however. As long as you understand the explanations, I think the book gives a nice, broad coverage of the topics on the MBE.

[rhs67858]

I just ordered Barbri materials, so when they come I will sort materials out and figure out how to proceed. I want to start studying April 1. Also, I got the S&Ts book 1 over the weekend so I will get into it this month at nights after the gym. I would like to get through about 2,000 practice questions (while really reviewing each one irrespective of whether or not I miss it), so I will do the calculations and figure out how many per day I need to do.

Since the MBE counts for only 35% of our total, I want to keep that very apparent as I prep.

Anyone else starting around April?

Just FYI, S&T1 by itself won't get you 2,000 unique questions. Something like AdaptiBar would give you 1,500 questions.

You can repeat the 500-600 questions in S&T (500-600 including the full practice test), however. As long as you understand the explanations, I think the book gives a nice, broad coverage of the topics on the MBE.

Thanks a male human, I am looking forward to getting a great foundation of the topics through that book. Am I correct in assuming that with that book and Barbri's plan (if followed almost completely) that I will get to 2,000. I could probably figure that out once this materials shipment comes.

[a male human]

I just ordered Barbri materials, so when they come I will sort materials out and figure out how to proceed. I want to start studying April 1. Also, I got the S&Ts book 1 over the weekend so I will get into it this month at nights after the gym. I would like to get through about 2,000 practice questions (while really reviewing each one irrespective of whether or not I miss it), so I will do the calculations and figure out how many per day I need to do.

Since the MBE counts for only 35% of our total, I want to keep that very apparent as I prep.

Anyone else starting around April?

Just FYI, S&T1 by itself won't get you 2,000 unique questions. Something like AdaptiBar would give you 1,500 questions.

You can repeat the 500-600 questions in S&T (500-600 including the full practice test), however. As long as you understand the explanations, I think the book gives a nice, broad coverage of the topics on the MBE.

Thanks a male human, I am looking forward to getting a great foundation of the topics through that book. Am I correct in assuming that with that book and Barbri's plan (if followed almost completely) that I will get to 2,000. I could probably figure that out once this materials shipment comes.

Are you thinking the rest of the questions would come from Barbri? I'm not sure how many questions they have available exactly, but you'll likely get a substantial amount close to 2,000.

Keep in mind that S&T has real, licensed questions while Barbri has fake questions that are supposedly harder (that I think are unnecessarily convoluted and not reflective of the questions you'll see on the MBE). If you want to use Barbri, I think that Barbri questions would be useful for learning and drilling particular subjects you're not good at, rather than using it as a benchmark or to test yourself. You only have so many questions to spend with S&T.

In the end, only real questions will give you the most accurate sense of practice and how well you're doing. In fact, here's what someone told me regarding this (take with grain of salt):

[joshhoward]

Has anyone managed any good pricing as of late from any of the major prep companies? If so, wondering if you could share what price/company/how you got it (feel free to pm me if you rather not post publically). I tried some casual email bargaining, but to little avail.

Thanks!

[AspiringCALawyer]

Has anyone managed any good pricing as of late from any of the major prep companies? If so, wondering if you could share what price/company/how you got it (feel free to pm me if you rather not post publically). I tried some casual email bargaining, but to little avail.

Thanks!

I see Barbri is only offering $500 off. I say only because when I signed up by October 1, 2015 for February 2016 bar they were offering $1K off. That might have just been for February (perhaps a "slower" time). Subsequently, I did see $750 off.

[joshhoward]

I see Barbri is only offering $500 off. I say only because when I signed up by October 1, 2015 for February 2016 bar they were offering $1K off. That might have just been for February (perhaps a "slower" time). Subsequently, I did see $750 off.

ok thank you for sharing that info!

[SlowLearner]

I wanted to share the materials I am using for July 2016 self study.
Does anyone have any suggestions on any good materials I am missing?
In particular, what individual bar prep books (Barbri, Kaplan etc) are worth buying individually?
Is it worth it to get my Conviser or Essay Workbook updated to a more recent year?

Main materials:
Barbri California Essay Exam Practice Workbook 2012
Barbri Conviser mini-review 2013
Strategies and Tactics Emmanuel (second edition) 1 & 2
Adaptibar
MBE Civil Procedure Questions by Wolters Kluwer

Ordered and waiting for:
Scoring High on Bar Exam Essays by Mary Campbell Gallagher
Perform Your Best on the Bar Exam Performance Test (MPT) Mary Campbell Gallagher
The Goat's Guide, Klein, Jessica

Will purchase: Baressays.com
Considering: Barissues.com

I will also use a tutor or essay grading service for written work.
Any and all suggestions gratefully received.

Best of luck to everyone preparing for July (or waiting for Feb results!..)

[a male human]

I wanted to share the materials I am using for July 2016 self study.
Does anyone have any suggestions on any good materials I am missing?
In particular, what individual bar prep books (Barbri, Kaplan etc) are worth buying individually?
Is it worth it to get my Conviser or Essay Workbook updated to a more recent year?

Main materials:
Barbri California Essay Exam Practice Workbook 2012
Barbri Conviser mini-review 2013
Strategies and Tactics Emmanuel (second edition) 1 & 2
Adaptibar
MBE Civil Procedure Questions by Wolters Kluwer

Ordered and waiting for:
Scoring High on Bar Exam Essays by Mary Campbell Gallagher
Perform Your Best on the Bar Exam Performance Test (MPT) Mary Campbell Gallagher
The Goat's Guide, Klein, Jessica

Will purchase: Baressays.com
Considering: Barissues.com

I will also use a tutor or essay grading service for written work.
Any and all suggestions gratefully received.

Best of luck to everyone preparing for July (or waiting for Feb results!..)

I think you're well equipped to study! Barbri CMR is probably enough for most of your needs. You can supplement with online research or other outlines. 2013 version should be good enough, but be wary of newer essays potentially giving you trouble. In particular, Civ Pro did get a few updates in the law in 2014. Con Law may also have new law.

That said, the bar doesn't seem to test cutting-edge legal concepts that may soon be overturned but well-established "bar law."