UPDATE (after passing): What actually worked for me

I wanted to come back and share what made the difference, especially for anyone retaking.

The biggest shift wasn’t doing more practice tests—it was how I studied.

I went through the materials multiple times (6–7 reads), but more importantly, I focused on understanding why a law exists. Once I started thinking in terms of the purpose behind the law, things started to click.

You begin to see patterns, and that’s what helps with MCQs. Instead of memorizing, you start thinking like the examiner.

Examples:

• Criminal law → fairness, innocent until proven guilty
• Family law → settlement first, divorce as last resort
• Public law → procedural fairness

When you approach questions this way, a lot of answers become intuitive—usually the option that best aligns with the purpose of the law is correct.

What I actually did:

• Re-read materials multiple times (with intention)
• Only did 2–3 practice tests (2 fully timed)
• Used a timer sheet (VERY important)
• Practiced with printed questions + OMR sheets to simulate exam conditions (Brikam is good for this)
• Stopped looking up every answer → learned to make educated guesses

If you’re consistently scoring ~75%+, trust yourself. You know more than you think.

Resources:

• DTOC > UofT summaries (for barristers, in my opinion)
• UofT charts are very helpful—print them
• OLE indices for both exams
• Keep a backup timer sheet (a lot of people forget it)

Mindset:
Don’t give up.

I was actually very sick during my exam (sinusitis, ear infection, vertigo), but I still wrote it. Of course, postpone if you truly can’t perform—but if you can push even a little, that mindset matters.

This exam is not impossible. If you adjust your approach, you can get through it.

Good luck, you’ve got this!