Game Day Strategy: How to Approach Bar Exam Test Days

Much of the country's focus is on Sunday's "big game." But, for a portion of the country, and for us in bar support, our big game is at the end of the month: the February Bar Exam. No matter how much preparation an examinee does, test-day performance can influence results. For bar takers, here's a quick, bite-sized list of strategies you can implement to set yourself up for game day success.

 

• Preparing for Test Day in Advance by Simulating Exam Conditions – Practice in a test-like environment. Pack the day before – checklist of essentials (ID, admission ticket, pencils, snacks, layers, etc.). Plan logistics – hotel, transportation, and meals to avoid last-minute stress.
• The Morning of the Exam: Optimizing Your Routine – Plan what to eat. Warm up your brain – light review is better than last-minute cramming. Arrive early but not too early. Settle in and manage pre-test nerves.
• Managing the MBE (Multiple-Choice Day): Time Management Strategies – Pace yourself to avoid rushing or running out of time. Learn when to move on from a tough question. Avoid overthinking (easier said than done, I know).
• Approaching Essays & Performance Tests: Reading the Prompt Carefully – Avoid common reading comprehension mistakes. Allocate enough time per question. Outlining vs. Writing –  planning is critical to scoring well. How will you handle unexpected or difficult prompts?
• Between Sessions: Reset & Recharge Lunchtime Strategies – Think about what to eat (and not eat) to maintain focus. Mentally reset. Let go of the morning session to stay fresh. Movement and deep breathing help. 
• Post-Exam: What to Do (and Not Do) Resisting the Urge to Overanalyze – Discussing answers with others is unhelpful. Give yourself a mental break – decompress and shift gears. Look toward results with a healthy mindset.

Good luck to all!

(Erica Sylvia, UMass Law)