It is not uncommon to face a setback after taking the bar exam. This test is renowned for its rigor. If you have recently learned that you will be joining the ranks of those retaking the bar exam, take a deep breath. You are not alone.
Plenty of now distinguished legal professionals failed the bar exam. They faced the moment and used it as a catalyst for future success.
We are here to help you refocus. When the time is right for you to retake the exam, here are a few tips and strategies to help you prepare for a successful outcome.
You Are Not Starting at Square One
First, change your mindset. You have not returned to the starting line. All the hard work leading up to the first bar exam laid a solid foundation. Reattempting the bar exam means reinforcing the knowledge you have already acquired.
Your resilience will help you come back more confidently than before. However, confidence requires a plan. To pass this time, you must look critically at what happened last time.
Step 1: Conduct an Honest Assessment
While it may be tempting to put the failed exam behind you, understanding what went wrong in your previous approach is crucial. Rather than jump back into studying blindly, sit down, clear your mind, and ask yourself the tough questions.
- How much of your bar prep course did you actually complete?
- Did you focus too heavily on one area versus another?
- Were you present and actively taking notes during lectures?
- Did you actively write out and self-analyze practice essays, or did you just read the model answers?
- Did you submit essays for feedback?
- Did you allow time in your study plan for physical and mental well-being? (Self-care is so important now and always!)
If your jurisdiction allows, request your essays and performance test (MPT) answers. Compare your scores to the grading rubric. This analysis will help you identify weak areas and focus your study efforts more effectively.
Step 2: Understand Your Data
If your state releases exam information broken down by subject, use it as your roadmap. Did you crush Constitutional Law but score low in Real Property? That is valuable information.
Look at your percentile rank by subject area to learn how you performed versus others.
Here is a simple way to calculate your standing:
- Look at your state’s overall exam pass rate.
- Subtract that number from 100.
- For example, if the pass rate is 65%, then 35% of people did not pass.
In this scenario, look for subjects where you fell below the 35th percentile. These are your critical areas of opportunity. Understanding your performance will drastically improve your odds when retaking the bar exam. You can now tailor your study plan to fortify your strengths and repair your weaknesses.
Step 3: Let the Three “A”s Guide You
Once you have your self-evaluation, focus on the specific actions that will get you to a passing score. Use the three “A”s as your guide: Acquire, Apply, and Assess.
Acquire
You can acquire new depth of knowledge from your notes by revisiting the BARBRI Foundations Episodes and actively listening to lectures again. You will be astounded by how much more you get out of the materials now that you have sat for the exam.
BARBRI Bar Review provides a learning environment that doesn’t overload your working memory. Instead, it’s built to help you acquire the long-term knowledge structures needed for success. Learn more about the learning science behind BARBRI bar prep.
Apply
When you work practice questions, carefully review the explanatory answers for every choice—not just the ones that were incorrect. Grapple with each question to understand why you got the answer right or wrong.
Assess
Start writing practice essays and performance tests early. Compare your answers to the model answers and study the differences. Your percentile rank by subject can provide good insights as to where you are doing well and what areas may need more of your attention.
When you study with BARBRI, you get the most accurate Pass Predictor in the industry. You see your rankings by subject compared to other students prepping for the same bar exam.
4. Reevaluate Your Study Plan
Did you use a structured course, or did you try a DIY study plan?
If you tried to go it alone or used a less comprehensive course, consider enrolling in BARBRI Bar Review. We offer a tailored study plan and full-length practice exams. The BARBRI Personalized Study Plan (PSP) is the only tool that creates a customized calendar (and Half-Day Calendar Customization) that adjusts to your priorities and performance in real-time.
Consider supplemental bar prep tools, like AdaptiBar and Critical Pass Cards powered by BARBRI. The AdaptiBar MCQ Simulator helps you master bar exam sample questions with clear, detailed explanations. It provides a real-time data dashboard, so you never have to guess how you are doing. Flashcards help you absorb key concepts and how they are applied.
Step 5: Stick to a Schedule + Manage Stress
You likely have less time to devote to studying this time around, perhaps due to work or other commitments. To be highly efficient, set out a realistic schedule and do not deviate from it.
Many examinees fail not because they were unprepared, but because anxiety got the better of them. Test anxiety is a significant barrier, but you can use your previous experience to your advantage. You now know the protocols. You know the timing.
Incorporate stress-reducing activities like daily exercise into your routine. Take multiple practice exams to build stamina. Confidence comes from preparation. When you know you have put in the work with the best resources available, the anxiety fades.
Your Path to Bar Exam Readiness
Retaking the bar exam is challenging, but it is also an opportunity to prove your resilience. With a clear plan, BARBRI bar prep resources, and a commitment to your goals, you can change your narrative to “passed with flying colors.”
Remember, the BARBRI Guarantee allows bar exam retakers a free repeat of the same BARBRI Bar Review course for the next exam cycle.
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