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Reviewed: 04/12/24
Are you an aspiring lawyer getting ready to take the bar exam but need some help with creating a bar exam study schedule? Continue reading for tips on how to build an exceptional study schedule to guarantee your success!
So, you’ve aced your LSAT and got accepted into the law school of your dreams. After years of hard work, you are getting so close to becoming a lawyer! Now, your final major step to becoming a practicing lawyer is passing your bar exam.
Getting ready for the bar exam can be overwhelming and stressful. The bar is notoriously difficult, and it covers six areas of law:
This is a wide range of legal material to memorize. However, if you prepare early and create a bar exam study schedule, you have a great chance of doing well on the exam.
After your years of diligence and dedication, we want to help you with your final steps in your legal journey, whether you're a law school graduate or someone who's pursued legal studies through other means. Continue reading for all the tips and tricks you need to build an effective bar exam study schedule.
Your success on the bar exam begins with your studying schedule. Key the following in mind as you make your bar exam study schedule:
Before you create your study schedule, book your exam. Booking your exam will give you a timeline to structure your study plan around.
Once you know when you are taking the bar exam, plan out a study timeline. When creating your timeline, think about how many days you have to study and how many hours a day you should study to reach the recommended 400 to 600 study hours.
Do some research and find out what the bar exam consists of in your state. Some states have different bar exams, while others have the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), which is the same across states.
States may weigh different sections differently. If that is the case, you should plan to spend more time on the subjects that weigh heavily on the exam to maximize your potential points earned.
If you are struggling at any point in your bar exam preparation, reach out. You can reach out to family, friends, professors, or one-on-one tutoring experts.
There are so many supports and resources available to you - take advantage of resources to make sure you feel and perform your best!
During the last few weeks leading up to your exam, dedicate your study time to reviewing and taking practice tests. Review all the materials, concepts, and topics you have studied, and take practice tests so you have a solid idea of how long sections on the exam will take you to complete.
Knowing exactly how to manage your time on a major exam like this is always a good idea so you don’t run out of time.
Don’t cram in major studying the week prior to your bar exam. Burning out and overloading yourself with last-minute cramming will not help you on the exam. You cannot perform your best or think your best when you are burnt out.
Additionally, ensure you have all the logistical details worked out a few days before your exam.
For example:
While pre-exam nerves and anxiety may make you feel the urge to cram in last-minute studying, consistency is a much more effective way to memorize and understand the topics. If you have set a schedule that provides ample time to study and review, the more likely you’ll be prepared and ready to take the exam.
Take the week before the exam to rest and clear your mind! You might want to try yoga or meditation to calm your nerves leading up to the exam.
Get ready to tackle the Bar Exam head-on by downloading our straightforward study schedule templates, 10-week, 12-week, 4-month and 6-month durations. These practical plans offer a clear roadmap to cover essential subjects and practice strategies efficiently, ensuring thorough preparation tailored to your timeline.
Simplify your Bar Exam preparation with these adaptable study plans, crafted to suit different study paces and preferences. Best of luck with your bar exam prep!
To ace the bar exam, set a clear study schedule, practice extensively with real exam questions, and adjust your approach based on your progress. Don't forget to prioritize your health, focus on high-value subjects, and actively engage with the material to enhance comprehension and retention. Let’s take a closer look at each of these tips.
By addressing these common mistakes and implementing effective study strategies, you'll be better prepared to pass the bar exam.
Still have questions about building a bar exam study schedule? Keep reading as we answer some of your frequently asked questions.
This all depends on your schedule and when you plan to take the exam.
The American Bar Association recommends that you begin preparing for the bar exam at least six months before you take it. This preparation includes catching up on lectures, assignments, and other school materials before you graduate.
If you can study for the bar full-time (meaning 40 to 60 hours a week), you might be able to start studying for the bar about nine weeks before taking the exam. In this scenario, three months should be enough.
You should spend at least 400 to 600 hours studying for the bar. If you begin studying earlier, you can spend about 20 to 30 hours a week studying. If you begin studying later, or your bar exam was scheduled close to your graduation date, you should spend at least 40 to 60 hours a week studying.
You can use this article’s sample study schedule as your own bar study schedule!
Feel free to modify the schedule to best suit your needs. For example, if you work better later at night, you should do most of your studying at night. If you are someone who needs multiple breaks, extend your study time but add in more breaks throughout the day.
When you are creating a bar exam study schedule, remember:
Don’t overcomplicate your study schedule, as it may be hard to manage and follow. Keep it simple and straightforward!
Again, this depends on your personal schedule, the study schedule you create, and when you are going to take the bar.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are scheduled to take the bar exam within a few weeks after you graduate, then you may have to increase your study days to six or seven days a week. There is a lot to cover in the bar exam.
If you have at least a few months before you take the exam, you should aim to study for the bar four or five days a week. Be mindful not to overload yourself and your schedule. Breaks are important!
Get ready by utilizing your bar exam study schedule. Successful preparation begins with strategic planning and time management. Consistent and continuous study is key.
Here are some non-study-related tips to help you get ready for the bar exam:
As mentioned before, self-care is just as essential to your success for the bar exam as studying. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally, especially while you’re under a lot of stress, is key to being prepared to ace the exam.
While all of this is a lot of information to take in, remember that you are not starting from scratch–your J.D. has been preparing you for the exam.
You should also be actively preparing for the bar while you are completing your J.D. Your lectures, class notes, and assignments provide you with the best (and most reliable!) study materials.
