If you are studying for the bar this summer and feeling extremely stressed, or unsure how to find the time to master what seems like a massive amount of information, you are not alone. A 2021 survey of students preparing to take the bar exam by The Bar Examiner  found that 64 percent felt overwhelmed by the amount of material, 44 percent experienced anxiety, and 32 percent were concerned that their time management was inadequate.

This is understandable. The exam has high stakes, and nothing can change that fact or the emotional intensity that comes with it. But it is possible, with a combination of preparedness through smart studying and a dose of self-compassion, to turn down the volume on the negative feelings that can make learning more difficult than it needs to be.

Many students have been in your position before and some, like Kerriann Stout, have gone on to dedicate themselves to helping test takers with this critical moment that every lawyer must navigate. Stout, who was previously a columnist for Ms. JD,  is the founder and CEO of Vinco, an exam coaching company that, among other services, helps students pass the bar with less stress and more confidence. She offered our community her advice on everything from the distinction between passive and active studying, to how to seek support from friends and family, to what to do in the 24 hours before the test: 

On the biggest mistake test-takers make when studying for the bar:

Not doing enough practice questions and/or not starting practice questions early enough in their studying. I often hear students say they are "saving" their practice questions for when they feel more comfortable with the law. The truth is, that day may never come. There is so much law tested on the bar exam that you are constantly learning some and forgetting some. Doing a high volume of practice questions is important for pattern recognition, time management, and confidence building. 

On the importance of practice questions: 

Doing practice questions is an important part of how you learn the law. Many students divorce the process of doing practice questions from memorizing the law. However, doing practice questions helps you learn the law! Doing practice questions also shows you if you are able to apply the law in the context of the exam. You could memorize your outlines front and back and up and down, but if you can't use that information to answer questions under timed conditions, it is not useful to you in this context. The bar exam is just as much about strategy and timing as it is about knowledge.

On passive versus active studying: 

You want to emphasize active studying. Think: doing practice questions, making outlines, creating or reviewing flashcards, etc. You want to de-emphasize more passive study, such as watching videos or reading outlines. I've worked with hundreds of repeat bar exam takers in my career, and one thing many of them have in common is that they engaged in too much passive studying the first time around. 

On handling moments of self-doubt: 

Mental health and/or mindset are a really critical factor in bar prep and on the test itself. The bar exam is mentally demanding, and it represents one of the final barriers to becoming a lawyer. It is also unique in that most students almost singularly focus on bar prep for 2-3 months. The pressure can really build up, and if someone lacks good coping skills or a support system, it can derail them. I think it is really important to come up with a plan before bar prep starts for how you will manage the stress. It isn't a matter of "if" you doubt yourself, or"if you get a bad score on a quiz, or "if" you feel fear of failure — it is a matter of when. So, instead of trying to push through and pretend that everything is fine all the time, it is important to find healthy strategies for handling these things when they come up. I don't think it is ever a bad idea to speak to a mental health professional and get their advice!

On studying based on your specific exam:

Currently, in most jurisdictions, the written portion of the bar exam is broken up into essays and MPTs. However, this varies by jurisdiction, and the UBE itself is going through a major overhaul right now as well. So, students should make sure they are familiar with the specific components of their bar exam before they begin studying. Practicing under exam conditions is one of the best pieces of advice I can give for the essay portion. If you only have 30 minutes to write an essay, then it truly doesn't matter if you can write a great essay in 60 minutes. If the exam is closed book (which it is), it doesn't matter how good an essay you can write while referencing your notes.

On the importance of approaching the Bar differently from law school exams:

First, law school exams often emphasize case law, requiring you to recall case names and compare the facts. Whereas the bar exam is more focused on the black letter law. Second, bar examiners have less ability to use discretion. They are grading off a rubric, and they are grading (in most jurisdictions) very quickly. This is why it is so important to know the proper formatting for the written portions of the exam and to deliver your responses in that format. 

On the 24 hours before the test:

No studying! There is almost nothing that you can do the day before the bar exam that will be determinative in passing the bar exam. However, if you have a bad set of practice questions or a tough essay, it can really mess with your head, which can absolutely have a negative impact on test day performance. I highly recommend no studying of any kind at all the day before. But, if you feel absolutely compelled to do so, focus on passive studying only (review outlines, cheatsheets, or flashcards) and avoid practice questions all together.

On how to ask friends and family for support:

The #1 thing you should ask for is grace and patience. When someone is studying for the bar exam, they have to say "no" to a lot of things that they normally say "yes" to. It is really helpful if the people in your life understand that you aren't saying no to the party or event because you don't want to go. The bar exam is a big undertaking; it really does take hundreds of hours and thousands of practice questions to be prepared. To prioritize studying, you need to clear their schedule of most other activities. 

On the best way to think about the exam:

The bar exam is a professional gatekeeping mechanism. It doesn't tell you anything about the kind of person you are or the kind of lawyer you will be. It doesn't define you. To get to this point in your career, you've met every academic challenge you've faced; this is just another one of those challenges. Face it with courage, confidence, and perseverance. Don't be afraid to ask for help or make changes to your plan. You've got this!

For more support as you navigate this journey, make sure to join Ms. JD’s free online community. And check out our Pre-Law Magazine for a package or articles that will inspire you and help you take charge of your legal career.