By: Jacob Maslow

Completing the bar exam is the last step to becoming a practicing lawyer. It’s also notoriously difficult. Studying for the exam can sometimes feel overwhelming, but sticking to a study schedule makes things manageable. You probably know what study strategies work for you by now, but here are some tips for creating a schedule as you prepare for your exam.

1. Schedule the Bar Exam First

Schedule your bar exam before you do anything else. We recommend scheduling your exam four to six months to give yourself as much time as possible to study. This will give you a better idea of your timeline so that you can plan accordingly.

2. Create a Timeline

You can create a study timeline once you know when you’re taking the bar exam. You should spend 400 to 600 hours studying for the exam. This is a major time commitment even if you’ve scheduled your exam six months or more in advance, which is why the next step will be crucial.

3. Schedule Enough Time for Each Subject

Before you start studying, research what the bar exam consists of in your state. Some states use the Universal Bar Exam or UBE, while others each have their bar exam. In any case, you should expect the following subjects to be covered: constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, evidence, real property, and torts.

When you know exactly what exam you’re taking and how each section is weighted, you can develop a schedule that gives enough attention to each subject. You should have a good grasp of these subjects, but give more priority to the subjects that weigh more heavily on your exam.

4. Reach Out for Help if You’re Struggling

The bar exam is challenging. Even if you knew your stuff and had a relatively easy time in law school, you might still struggle. Don’t hesitate to ask someone for help if that’s the case. Ask your friends, family members, or professors for help sooner rather than later. You can even seek out one-on-one tutoring if you need it.

5. Spend the Last Month Reviewing

The final weeks before your exam should be spent reviewing your material and taking practice tests. You’ll already know what you need to know by then, so it’s just a matter of applying your knowledge in an exam. Review your study materials regularly, and time yourself when taking practice tests so you can spend your time accordingly during the actual exam.

6. Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health

We tend to prioritize hard work and “the grind” in today’s society. While that isn’t necessarily bad, you don’t want to work yourself into exhaustion or stress yourself out before your exam. You have limits and won’t gain anything if you try to overcome them. If you’re too tired to study or feel too stressed out, take a break. Even the most challenging material will make more sense when you look at it through fresh eyes. Stick to your schedule, but don’t forget to relax in between study sessions.

Published By: Aize Perez