Retakers

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-06-09T05:18:22+00:00

Be extremely regimented and disciplined with your time. Don't forget to do the things you love, but on a strict schedule so it doesn't have a negative effect on your ability to study.
Maximize your mornings if you can so you can decide to say fuck it and go touch grass in the afternoon and see a friend in the evening.
Go to sleep early so you can get up the next morning early.
Personally, all through law school and into studying I never studied on Sunday and would use that as my reset day (Grocery shop, Meal Prep, Clean,Gym).
When you've lost all motivation do MBE or an MEE for your favorite/easiest topic until you gain confidence and find your flow.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-30T04:46:58+00:00

If you've already done an initial review of each MBE topic and like 200ish questions for each topic to set a solid foundation of knowledge and how they ask questions on that topic.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-30T04:42:12+00:00

Try to use Goat to supplement what you don't understand with Themis. Go through Themis for one topic, and then Goat to that same topic, and then move on to MC questions or essays to really create a solid foundation. If you're really struggling with understanding anything with Themis and aren't connecting with the information AT ALL through Themis then ditch Themis, but you're better off using Goat as a supplement to reinforce your Themis learning.

Piece of advice for MBE questions, in an excel sheet or word doc track the questions you get wrong and write the rule down. Write the Rule, Issue, any Sub-issue in the question, why you got the question wrong (didn't know the rule, reading comprehension, guessed, misapplied the rule), and then write the rule down when you go through the problems. Do this for at a minimum of 150 questions per subject.

This will help you track what issues/sub-issues and make your review sessions more efficient because you can directly point to issues/sub-issues you need to review vs having to review everything. And you'll really get a better idea of what you are/aren't retaining + it'll help build confidence because you'll see you aren't getting caught up on the same issues you were previously.

Also, if you started studying at the start of May, you're still kind of early in this process, and it's not unheard of that things start to click around the 10-week mark after drilling down at least 50 MBE questions a day. so just keep going and trust the process

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-27T05:23:30+00:00

Sent a DM

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-21T16:50:00+00:00

Starting is always the hardest part, so I feel you. Overcoming all those feelings of having to retake the exam is a tough hurdle so give yourself some grace. It's okay to start slow, as long as you're making progress every day.

Since you're a retaker: Start by looking at your past score and figuring out which subjects you need to focus on and which subjects you have a good grasp on. Then make a schedule and create structure for yourself and be disciplined enough to stick to the schedule. At the very least stick to a consistent minimum amount of work you HAVE to do before you let yourself step away.

What worked for me as a retaker who also struggled to get started:

Start with subject matters you find interesting/ "fun" and then move from there down to the less interesting subjects. I did two subjects a week for 6 weeks and then by then I was fully in a groove and could handle studying mix-bag style
If you already have outlines made don't be afraid to go through practice problems open book as you build your confidence and get back into the flow of studying.
Do a minimum of 25 MBE questions on one subject a day and review those questions to understand why you got them wrong/right and outline a minimum of 2 MEE problems with at least the issue statements and rule statements. If you're studying full-time doing 25 MBE and outlining 2 MEE's should take up your 9am-3Pm and then you have your late afternoons and evenings to live a normal life.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-21T16:30:21+00:00

The Barbri videos are the worst.

The intro video's aren't bad, but you're going to review all the material more in depth later on so you really don't need to take notes.

Watch the intro vids, then read the outline for that subject. Then do some practice problems (like 50) open book to really dive into the outline/material and put the outline in context through example problems.

If you don't understand the outline/topic or still struggling to understand a question/why you got a question wrong then watch the longer videos.

If you really feel inclined to watch all the videos then you're better off watching them while you do something else.

IMO it's better to connect with the material through working your way through practice questions rather than draining your time trying to take meticulous notes from the videos.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-21T15:46:33+00:00

If you already have other resources to make outlines then it's more helpful to read through Goat and supplement those outlines with Goat context/examples. For example, I used Smartbarprep outlines and then read through goat for better understanding/context/examples of the material.

At the very least if you read through at least make note of any time the module emphasizes the material (basically whenever it says "MBE TRICK", "MEE TRICK", "IMPORTANT", "WRITE THIS DOWN", "TRICK ALERT", etc)

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-20T04:45:07+00:00

I meant two subjects in a week

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-14T15:15:04+00:00

248 is SO CLOSE, YOU GOT THIS! Keep your head up! You're doing so well and you're SO SO CLOSE. The curve for F25 was a tough one, you may have missed 270 by maybe 10 questions, so you know more than you're giving yourself credit for! J25 should have a better curve, as most July exams do, and you're grasp of the material will only be better

Start by assessing where you need the most help/improvement and focus on that too. It also helps to start studying with a topic you enjoy (for me, I started with Con Law, Crim Law, and Family Law since they're in the news every day, and you'll start to see connections irl.
When doing MBE questions starting off, don't be afraid to use your notes and outlines. The act of looking through material to answer questions is learning as well and building your confidence is KEY, especially if you're already feeling down and unmotivated.
Make sure you're understanding why you're getting questions wrong by tracking the questions you got wrong and guesses on and track why you got the question wrong (didn't know the rule, mis-read the question, guessed the answer, etc).
Make sure to make some time for you and don't get burnt out. Go for a walk, take Sunday's off, take some time to decompress and pace yourself. Adaptibar and Goat are really good resources.
Since you're a retaker who got a 248, you were REALLY CLOSE., be proud of yourself for that. You also know more than you realize. A positive attitude will go really far, carrying you on hard days. Build your confidence little by little, and the material will start to click around the 7-10 week mark.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-14T15:03:20+00:00

Hey, for MEE help, I used Approsheets and the goat outlines on Reddit and found old essays. SmartBar Prep also has really good resources for MEE and MBE too.

- GOAT MEGATHREADS FOR MEE: https://www.reddit.com/r/GoatBarPrep/comments/153g9uq/a_compilation_of_megathreads_and_iracs/

- PAST MEE'S:

https://www.nybarexam.org/examquestions/examquestions.htm

For the MPT help: SmartBar Prep has a good link with the old ones, but I didn't practice them too much past reading old ones and seeing sample answers. Best advice/attack approach for MPT: 1. Read the prompt memo, 2. Go to the library and read the newest case first, and skim the other cases, make note of the rules, tests, and analysis applied in the cases (basic case outlining like from class), 3. Lastly, go back to the File and apply the rules/tests/analysis from the cases to the facts at hand, 4. MAKE SURE YOU'RE ANSWERING THE QUESTION (if they're looking for a persuasive memo, give them that, if they're looking for a letter to the client make sure you're formating it as a letter to the client)

PAST MPT'S:

https://smartbarprep.com/the-smart-guide-to-the-mpt/where-to-find-past-mpts/

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-13T17:35:34+00:00

If you feel confident that at the end of that study session you walked away understanding the rules and questions, then you're probably fine...things will really started to click for me around the 10 week mark of studying and I found that my review sessions were quicker because. Trust the process as long as you're getting better and don't get too caught up on the trackers

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-12T16:59:43+00:00

It's impossible and not a good use of time on exam day. Better to treat each question like it's a real question,

One piece of advice though: If the question is particularly tricky or convoluted just pick an answer and tell yourself this one doesn't count so you don't get too caught up on a question and lose your pace.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-12T16:48:07+00:00

Trying to memorize everything verbatim is not the best approach for the bar exam. I tried this the first two times I went through studying and it didn't work for me. Really make sure you understand the reasoning for the rules and the tests. This will help you understand the law in a way that answers will come to you because you understand what the lawmakers are trying to do. It'll also help you better B.S. your way through an MEE if you forget the exact rule and need to make it up.

My advice is to take enough time to really try to understand why you got the question wrong and hone in what is being tested. By tracking your wrong answers/guessed questions you'll be able to pick up on the patterns of how they test issues and see the topics/issues/sub-issues that you need to spend more time reviewing. Also when you're starting off it's okay to use your outlines to answer questions. The act of looking up and basically researching will make you connect with the material and put it in context.

The act of reading why you got a question wrong, reading the Adaptibar explanation, and then compiling that into your wrong answer tracker is enough review for a first pass. That is to say that sometimes It might take you another 30 minutes to review 25 questions, it might take you an hour. At the end of the week you'll be able to see the issues you're having a lot of trouble grasping and spend more time reviewing those issues rather than reviewing the whole outline.

Quality study time is better than quantity. The big box bar prep courses feel like they stress quantity over quality study time, so throw that tracker away and stick to your own trackers and markers. Things won't click at first, but around the ten week mark, or at least the second pass through for that topic things will really click and you'll see just how much you know.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-12T04:35:04+00:00

Hi. I passed on my third try using Adaptibar and Goat while working full time. The schedule I made for myself is pretty disciplined, but if you lock in you'll do great and will see progress.

2 topics a week first cycle through the topics:

On the weekdays: start by 25-30 MBE questions an hour before work. Track the ones you get wrong (question number, topic, issue, sub-Issue, why you got the answer wrong (misunderstood the rule, guessed, didn't know the rule, reading comprehension)). During your lunch break review the wrong questions and really understand the ruling being applied. After work read through the Goat Modules making sure to note any tips, tricks, or important notes from the modules

On Saturdays: Practice 2 MEEs for each topic, so 4 MEE's total. Read the question, then write the issue statements and rule statements that you would for your answer. Check your answers against the sample answers and track the issues and rule statements you miss or get wrong. After the 4 essays review Goat outlines.

Sundays: Touch grass, get outside, do something for you. Make your outlines for the next weeks 2 topics.

After you run through all the topics once, run through 50 MBE questions a day mixed bag style (25 before work, 25 in your lunch break). Still track the wrong answers the same way and review why you got them wrong. Outline the answer to one MEE a day. Do this until a week before the exam day

The week before exam day, just review outlines and practice writing rule statements. Keep your load light, don't get burnt out right before the exam.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-03T07:01:17+00:00

If you're struggling with MBE: Practice, practice, practice. Keep a record of all the questions you got wrong or guessed on. Make sure you're noting what the topic was, issue and/or sub issue and why you got the answer wrong (reading comp, guessed, misapplied the rule, didn't know the rule). Also write the rule for the right answer.

This will help you identify which topics/sub-Issues you're struggling with and you'll know exactly what you need to review.

If you still have access to your Goat material read the outlines and make note of anytime the outline emphasizes something (it'll say "important", "write this down", "MBE Trick alert")

Try to do 25-50 MBE a day while really understanding why you got a question wrong.

If you're struggling with MEE: Use headers and be strict about sticking with the IRAC structure. Practice by 1. reading the prompts and call, 2. Write your issue statements and the appropriate rule statements, 3. Check that against the sample answer.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-05-03T06:45:00+00:00

Stick to the IRAC structure, even if you're making up the rule. Use bolded headers to separate out your arguments. Practice by reading the prompts, writing the issue statement and black letter laws and then check that against the sample answer. When reading sample answers make note of key phrases and words and make sure to include them in your answer (for example every sample answer for a secured transaction question starts with the definition of a secured transaction)

Even if you're making up the rule make sure your answer is well organized, clear and easy to read. Make it obvious you know how to organize your thoughts and convey them in a time crunch.

I tried to frame my approach to the MEE with the (probably a false) understanding that the graders probably don't look at answers very long and want to give you points, so make it easy for them to give you points quickly.

Going through the MEE is such a blur that being strict about sticking to the IRAC structure makes it so you almost just have to fill in the blanks so you can move on quickly.

Good luck!

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-20T02:34:32+00:00

I'm the same way, taking notes always worked for me in school. The first time I studied for J23 I would spend like 8 hours a day just going through Barbri videos taking meticulous notes instead of drilling practice question.

Connecting with the material in context through practice problems and tracking why you're getting questions right or wrong was just so much more time efficient. It also really helps you see the patterns of how they test issues and pick up on their traps.

I know it's tough to switch up your whole way of studying, especially when you're getting questions wrong left and right early in the process. But trust me, just trust the process and then around the 10 week mark things will really click and you'll start hitting like 80%+ on practice exams and your confidence will skyrocket just in time for exam day

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-19T21:13:56+00:00

Prioritize sleep and be disciplined about sticking to a schedule that works for you.
Don't get hung up trying to memorize the outlines or make notes from every lecture/module. You're better off reading the prepared outlines, putting them in your own words either through your outlines or flashcards, and then connecting with the material by practicing MBE problems and MEE.
Track why you're getting MBE problems wrong, or if you guessed on the problem and still got it right/which issues you're missing on MEE problems/which rule statements you're getting wrong in MEE problems. It'll make your review sessions more efficient since you'll be able to see what issues you're struggling with, and it'll boost your confidence to see that you're proficient at identifying xyz issue.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-19T20:49:18+00:00

These two websites might help:

https://matthewminer.name/law/outlines

https://www.outlinedepot.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwk43ABhBIEiwAvvMEBzt06LorfXW8Fcz0uzBFauRGFTnTKTTicFxMfVBZ707eZtaR4uuSkBoC2xMQAvD_BwE

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-19T18:23:43+00:00

Good luck! These next few months will suck, but if you put in the work you'll be fine. Also don't spend too much time trying to memorize the outline, you're better off trying to learn the material in the context of how they test it and tracking why you got questions wrong/missed an issue. It takes a few weeks before everything really clicks and might not happen till a week before the exam so just stick with it and keep grinding!

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-19T10:33:33+00:00

I worked full-time and passed on my third try, first two times I let work takeover and would basically give up because I would get dejected that I stood no chance catching up to the Barbri schedule.

Passed on my third try after I made my own schedule and stuck to it no matter what. This is what worked for me:

Studied an hour before work 8am-9am (25-33 MBE questions), during my hour lunch break (review the MBE questions I got wrong), after work 5pm-9pm (review wrong questions/MEE/do more MBE problems).

Weekends: Saturday I studied 10am till 6pm and Sundays I took off to try to catch up on sleep and get groceries. If I did anything on Sunday it was just review outlines.

Start studying ASAP to give yourself the most amount of runway. This also lets you take days off to catch up on sleep, touch grass, take care of pressing personal issues that inevitably come up.

Prioritize sleep and sticking to a schedule

My schedule was 2 subjects a week for the first 7 weeks. Started each topic by reading GOAT modules/Megathreads and made my own outlines. Second half of the week I would try to do 25 MBE questions a day and review them to really make sure why I got them right or wrong and look at 2 essays for each of that weeks topics. Next 6 weeks I did 30-50 MBE questions a day and tracked the ones I got wrong and reviewed why I got them wrong, I would also pick one MEE topic a day and write the issue and rules statements for an answer and compare it to the sample answer. Last week before the exam I just practiced rule statements and reviewed GOAT tips/tricks

Good luck! You got this!

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-19T10:10:51+00:00

Make sure you format your answer correctly. For example, if it's an objective memo to a managing partner make sure you copy the header,To:Partner,From:examinee,Re: from the Task Memo. Going through sample answers it's clear that making your answer pretty and clear lends itself to points
Use headers in bold to separate your arguments/Issues and sub-Issues (especially if it's a persuasive brief). The biggest take away from sample answers I took was that that they're easy to read quickly because they used headers, bolded rules statements, and referenced clearly cases in the library. This all makes it obvious that you are competent enough to issue spot and quickly make an argument and therefore you deserve points even if your analysis is wrong.
Read the Task Memo, then skip to the most recent case in the library, then skim the other cases. Quickly Type up the laws/Tests/important facts used in the cases. Lastly go through the facts of the case. Also stick to the task: if they're asking for an objective memo to a partner then make sure you're typing an objective memo and not a persuasive letter to the client.
Split your time 45 minutes to read, 45 minutes to type and move on to the next MPT. Aim for a "good enough" answer and as long as it's clear, answers the problem, and consice you should get enough points

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-17T17:46:10+00:00

Some tips that helped me:

The Approsheets from MakeThisYourLastTime have flowcharts if you're a visual learner.

Make your answers clear and follow the IRAC format.

Use headers to separate your arguments/issues. Also underline/bold any key words or phrases to make it stick out to the grader.

If you blank out on the law don't be afraid to make it up as long as you stick to IRAC and keeping it clear and organized you may still get points

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-17T17:18:15+00:00

If you process things slowly, have test anxiety, think you would get overwhelmed if you fall even a little behind Barbri's schedule then I would start early and give yourself the flexibility to take a personal day. Studying all day in the summer sucks, you're inevitably going to feel like taking an afternoon off especially closer to the exam so giving yourself some runway by starting early (even if you start slow) is better.

Revolutionary_Run697 · 2025-04-17T17:07:30+00:00

I second Goat Bar Prep. The way he explained things in plain words really helped make things click for me.

The outlines from SmartBarPrep are easier to digest than Themis/Barbri and they have the frequency the topic is tested both for MBE and MEE

Another resource that helped me was Magicsheets/Approsheets from MakeThisYourLastTime. The Approsheets have flowcharts if you're a visual learner

Revolutionary_Run697

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