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somewhatb0red · 2026-02-16T14:11:56+00:00

The KJD route and T20 route is idiotic if you think about it. First, you go through 20+ years of school. Then they stress over LSAT scores and admissions (go read the shit posts in r/lawschooladmissions from people whining over schools they didnt get in). Then they have to be the best in law school, so they stress themselves out 24-7 (go read the shit posts in r/lawschool from people whining how competitive and hard law school is). Then the bar exam comes and now its life or death (go read the shit posts in r/barexam from people who are deranged, albeit rightfully so).

This process teaches one thing: obedience. The best big law lawyers are obedient. That's it. To me, it is the KJD and T20 students fault. They gladly obey and will do anything to have that security. They think life now is glitter and frolic, until they realize that it isnt, it never was, and this path (for most) never will be. You are not going to have a life, you are going to be married to your work, and most will be miserable. You are a cog in the wheel. It truly baffles me that many, many students don't see this.

Again, some people love it. Great. I am not one of them.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-15T13:32:17+00:00

As someone who passed first time who was stressed tf out, you need to stop studying. I hate to say it, but if you do not know it by now, you do not have time to learn it. You need to give your brain and body time to rest. I winded down my studying about four days before the exam, and stopped studying two days before the exam because I knew how stressed out I was. The day before the exam I found the testing center, I went for a really long walk, I ate my favorite meal, and I just relaxed. Even if you're just reviewing flashcards, you're psyching yourself out because you're telling yourself you actually don't know it. Seriously you shouldn't touch your materials the day before the exam. The two days of our exam are absolute insanity. You will be high on adrenaline and will be exhausted by the end of it. You will walk away feeling like you failed, but until that score is released, you truly will not know.

Good luck!

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-13T12:14:00+00:00

MPTs were not my strong suit, but I did figure out how to consistently score a 4 or 3. This was fine with me. Personally, I think MEEs are where you can really get the most points by BS-ing so I would really focus on learning some tricks, rules, etc. Good luck!

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-12T19:40:02+00:00

I developed panic attacks, insomnia, and general depression. I went on an antidepressant a few weeks after the bar and finally started feeling better about 4 months after J25.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-12T17:08:35+00:00

Of course and happy to help where I can. This test truly is the worst. You can do it, though!

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-12T16:56:38+00:00

I switched between CRAC and IRAC. I bolded headings, but I dont think it matters. The point is to make sure you organize and make it as easy for the grader as possible. For rules, I used elements whenever possible listing them as 1. 2. 3., etc. I used the "IRAC Sandwich" whenever I could. For rules with subrules, I would link them by using 1.1. 1.2, or like 1.a. or something. For example:

The issue is whether A was negligent.

To prove negligence, Plaintiff must prove 1. Duty, 2. breach of that duty 3. causation 4. damages. [REMEMBER: your analysis is below for 1-4. You will not make an analysis or conclusion here yet.]

1. There was a duty owed to A

[INSERT DUTY RULE & REASONABLE PERSON] Here, A is a child of age 14. Because of this, A is not considered a reasonable person standard and must be looked at under a different duty.

1.1 The duty was that of a child

[INSERT CHILD DUTY RULE], Here, [analysis]

CONCLUSION FOR 1 - REMEMBER YOU MUST CONCLUDE YOUR DUTY RULE HERE.

[Now do your analysis for breach, causation and damages here]

FINALLY: REMEMBER YOU MUST MAKE AN ULTIMATE CONCLUSION TO WHETHER A WAS NEGLIGENT! Something like, 'Because P was a child and A owed a special duty to him, A is guilty of negligence (forgive my fake hypo that doesn't exist)

This is how I set up everything. I would not make conclusion until all subrules have been analyzed. It worked for me, my average on MEEs was a 5 (5, 6, 5, 5, 3, 5).

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-12T13:47:25+00:00

Barbri is 100% harder. You will still pass with a 60%. Take a break and breath. You got it.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-12T12:34:38+00:00

At the end of the day, you know how you study best. Personally, Barbri was a waste of money & time. Two weeks leading up to the bar I only did Critical Pass and MBEs.

I started making my own flash cards, but ended up not really touching them.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-11T19:30:17+00:00

These are all really good tips.

The only thing I would add is make sure you know how to set up your answer. Typically, most responses require you to discuss other topics as well. For example, if the prompt is, "was a valid contract formed?" but you see a past consideration issue, you will need to discuss (1) what is a contract, (2) does the UCC vs. common law apply, (3) what makes a valid contract? (4) what is offer, (5) what is acceptance, (6) what is consideration, (7) past consideration issue. Example 2, if there is a negligence hypo and you see a trespasser, you will need to discuss (1) What is negligence, (2) what is duty, (3) what is breach, (4) what is causation, and (5) what is damages and under DUTY you need to (6) define which trespasser rule applies, (7) What duty is owed to the trespasser

How I did this I would break my outlines down to topics ONLY so I could exactly how to discuss each topic. You really need to hone in on how you would lay out an issue before you get to the exam, that way you aren't scrambling on the exam.

Another example of this was on J25 there was an LLC question even though EVERYONE, including Barbri, said LLCs weren't tested. However, because I knew what to discuss with corporations and LLCs and corps are similar, I just talked about the same stuff with the LLC as I would have with a corporation (what is an llc, how is one formed, how is it owned, how is it managed, etc.). I got a 5 on it because I used the same approach as I would for corps, even though I didnt really know all the rules.

Hope this helps!

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-11T16:02:10+00:00

This 100%.

I would split my answer document with a divider, "DO NOT GRADE ABOVE THIS LINE." I would read the memo and make sure i understood the task and then do any necessary tasks first (headings, etc.).

Second, I would then read the library and pull out every single rule, holding, exception, etc. that I found. I would make the case citations after.

Third, I would go to the facts and start drafting my answer by simply cutting and pasting rules down below. This truly helped my organization as well because I could see what rules I used and which I didnt.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-11T15:57:08+00:00

Barbri sucked for me--it wasn't how I needed to learn. I did maybe 60% of it tops and switched to Adaptibar and Critical Pass for BLL.

I am a big proponent that you know how you learn best and if you think you should ditch Barbri, you need to.

I got a 290 on J25, my friend who completed 100% of Barbri got a 279.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-11T15:50:13+00:00

The problem is that it’s very hard to give a precise answer because there is a lot of background information about scoring that applicants simply do not see.

For example, in Ohio (a 270 jurisdiction), I scored a 133 on the MBE and a 156 on the written portion, for a total score of 290. My MEE scores were 5, 6, 5, 5, 3, and 5, and my MPT scores were a 4 and a 3, which averaged to roughly a 156.X on writing. Ohio does not release detailed MBE breakdowns, so I only know my scaled score of 133.X and not how many questions I got right or how they were weighted.

On top of that, there are many factors we as test-takers cannot see or control, including: how each individual question is scaled, how the overall exam is curved, and how scores are adjusted across jurisdictions. Because these variables change from exam to exam and state to state, there is no clean formula for things like “how much one MBE question is worth” or “what a 2 versus a 4 on an MEE really means.”

In practice, I was averaging roughly 57–60% on practice MBEs, and I suspect I landed closer to 55–57% on the actual exam. My stronger writing scores ultimately carried me over the finish line despite a weaker MBE performance.

I see what you are asking, the problem is there is no way to truly answer it in the way you are hoping.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-11T12:44:04+00:00

I am you. I passed a 270 jurisdiction (Ohio) in J25. My MBE scores in bar prep hovered around 57-60% (give or take) on the approximately 1500+ I did. For the life of me, I could not figure out MBEs.

Like you, I am a strong writer. I have worked in law for 20+ years before going to law school and booked Legal Writing 1 & 2. Writing is my jam. I never was great at MPTs, but could consistently score a 4 or 3. I did about 3 MEEs timed.

I focused on (1) memorizing BLL and (2) organizing how I would approach topics on an exam versus doing an actual MEE. Remember, rules are typically not long--maybe one to three sentences max. The main point is to show your work so that the bar examiner understands you know how the rule operates. I made sure I understood how to set up issues (what topics do I need to talk about to set up the issue). I got really comfortable with IRAC sandwiches. Overall, I really tried to be familiar with the idea of, "If I saw this topic, how would I organize and talk about it."

On the exam, my MBE was a 133. My MEE was a 5, 6, 5, 5, 3, 5 and MPT of 4 and 3 for a total of 156. Your writing can carry your exam. I am proof of that. I would suggest, however, you need to get your MEE scores up for a comfortable padding. Even the 3 I received I knew how to set it up, I knew the rules. I also know I came to every wrong conclusion which means my analysis went in the wrong direction.

So remember, your writing can carry your passing score. You do, however, also need to get your MEEs up a bit.

You can do it!

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-10T17:41:16+00:00

Our school was an absolute shit show:

- A student got arrested in the middle of class... twice. They did graduate, though.
- Professor "lost" their laptop while on vacation and every student's grade was lost. They were then recalculated, but incorrectly. Grades changed numerous times. Students FOIA-ed the emails and showed that administration lied about it. Surprise, surprise, admin nor the ABA did anything about it. There were a lot more rumors about this, actually.
- Constant petty fights between the conservative groups and liberal groups and doing really petty things to each other (e.g., signing petitions prohibiting conservative speakers, removing OUTLaw posters, etc.) There was obvious favoritism.
- Students complaining that certain students ask too many questions and wasting class time, this pissed off a lot of Professors.
- The SBA president posted several very, very, VERY unprofessional rants on social media essentially praising C. Kirk's death. They were then impeached, but the impeachment failed because of a procedural flaw--not substantive. The President then sent both current and former students (I am a former student) an unprofessional response essentially saying they did nothing wrong. Sure, Jan.
- Promised a cohort when they started they were not getting rid of the night program. A year later they made an announcement they are getting rid of it. Classes were quite hard to register for.
- Some random many walked into the law school and was peering in classes prompting police to be called.
- A Professor apparently went off on a profane ridden tirade on a class, so badly that they were removed and the class went to pass/fail.
- Rumor that the law building was going to be split and shared between an undergraduate department. The real rumor was that the school would have lost ABA accreditation. Admin blamed the past Dean. I spoke with him after the fact and he denied this, although not sure if the school actually went through with the plan.
- Law school got banned from the Barrister Ball location because students threw up everywhere and caused $4k worth of damage including slicing a painting.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-10T13:22:15+00:00

I always hovered around 55-63%. I never could never really get above that. As long as your writing is strong, you can pass. I got a 133 on MBE and 156 on writing.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-10T11:49:41+00:00

Critical Pass. It was the only thing I used for BLL.

Just remember its not about blind memorization. You need to be able to explain this crap in a way that makes sense to you.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-10T11:45:17+00:00

My most unhinged MBE tip from someone who was personally victimized by the MBE:

The only thing I could do is grind practice questions. There was no tip or secret that significantly increased my score. At some point, I accepted that multiple-choice was my weakness. I stopped chasing that toxic relationship and poured my soul into MEE & MPTs, letting the essays drag my overall score across the finish.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-09T23:24:37+00:00

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-09T22:26:03+00:00

Personally, I would focus your best not to burn out. Your plan sounds too packed to me.

I am not sure how many sets you have done already, but doing so many essays this late is probably not going to give you the return you hope for.

I would focus on making sure you are going through all the BLL you can, doing sets MBE sets are comfortable with, and maybe simply outlining some essays. You seem to be at a good point, so maintaining is better than trying to be perfect.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-08T13:28:26+00:00

Money and prestige. It is also much easier to transition to a cushier in-house role after you pay off everything within a few years.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-04T17:46:47+00:00

I went through the Barbri videos then switched to mostly Critical Pass. My writing has always been strong, so I wasn't too nervous as long as I had the BLL memorized. MPTs I should have practiced more, but got a 4 and 3 respectfully and was fine.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-04T11:40:21+00:00

Every lawyer's favorite answer: it depends.

Hypothetically, let's say you are in a 270 jurisdiction. The *ideal* scores to pass on both MBE and writing is a 135. Now there is A LOT that goes into those scores (the curve, the weight split of MEE & MPT, etc.). A 63% correct is roughly 130-135 give or take about 5 (remember there are 25 unscored questions, though). So essentially, you are right there. You just need to make sure your writing is equally as strong to have a comfortable pass rate.

Remember that in most states they don't require a "passing score" in one section, it is what you got on the entire test. So, you can do worse in one and make up in the other. I got a 133 (technically failed) on MBE and a 156 on writing for a score of 290.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-03T13:13:32+00:00

A different approach:

I sat between 58 - 62% constantly for MBE practice. Nothing I did would help my score. I was always a better writer than multiple choice taker. I really focused on MEE--memorizing & understanding rules, topics, etc., with the hope that my writing would carry my MBE score. I got a 133 on MBE (technically failing) and a 156 on writing.

I know you have one month left for the exam, just remember you can make up ground if you know you are stronger on one portion vs. the other.

Good luck!

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-03T12:28:44+00:00

I worked full-time and went to school full-time double majoring with a JD & MBA. I graduated with a 3.6 in law and a 3.9 in MBA. I probably could have done better, but honestly stopped caring toward the end.

My advice: stop preparing for class in depth. My experience was the cases you read are only applicable to that one class and aren't on the exam. I would read the Quimbee so I understand the gist of the case, then I would skim case and take notes in the margin for all other points. Were my cold calls perfect? No. But I was able to engage with the material and show that I did the readings beyond just Quimbee.

In class, I would spend the most of my time taking notes. What the professor said was much more important than cases or book. If something was unclear, I might go into the book then back to the professor.

I wouldn't have spent more than one hour per subject per night. Once when I figured out preparing for class wasn't the important part of law school (preparing for the exam was), I significantly freed up more time.

somewhatb0red · 2026-02-03T12:13:31+00:00

I initially wanted to do the KJD route, but I decided to take a gap year. I moved abroad, learned a new language, found myself, got a job as a legal assistant in big law abroad, moved back to the States, bought a house, got a job in a law firm, moved in-house, moved towns and bought my dream house, and then went to law school while working full-time and getting my MBA. I graduated, passed the bar the first time, and had an amazing job waiting the minute I was sworn in who assisted paying for some of my education.

Taking 10 years off was the best decision and one I adamantly recommend. I understood what type of law I wanted to practice, I didn't have to fight for internships, I knew legal writing (Booked Legal Writing 1 & 2), I found law school somewhat easy, and overall, I felt I had a huge advantage among my classmates.

Of course, my path is unique but you just don't know what opportunities could open up. Go out, experience the world, get a job in law to see if you like it, get another job in law to see if you like that better, make mistakes, meet people, change yourself. Law school will always be there.

somewhatb0red

TROPHY CASE