ABA Information
This page is based on the article "The Top 5 Reasons People Do Not Pass the Bar Exam." Each section has resources and strategies to help you succeed on the bar exam.
- Top 5 Reasons People Do Not Pass the Bar ExamThe ABA delves into the top 5 reasons many students do not pass the bar exam.
Knowing Nuances of the Law
Not knowing nuances of the law can hold you back from peak performance on the bar exam. The following tools will help with memorization and outlining the nuances, details, and exceptions to the rule that are frequently tested on the bar exam.
- Emanuel's Law OutlinesEmanuel's outlines (presented online through the A-Z List, Study Aid: Wolters Kluwer) give thorough outlines of all subjects tested on the bar. Great tools for returning to studying for the bar before bar review courses begin.
- Flippity FlashcardsMake your own flashcards using Google Sheets and Flippity. Create content and then publish and view on Flippity.
- MBE FlashcardsNew editions are published with each MBE exam cycle (twice a year).
Seven color-coded sections cover civil procedure (62 cards), constitutional law (50 cards), contracts (42 cards), criminal law & procedure (70 cards), evidence (42 cards), property (65 cards), and torts (44 cards); each section includes an index and 5 blank cards. - MEE FlashcardsNew editions are published with each MEE exam cycle (twice a year).
Five color-coded sections cover family law (19 cards), business associations (34 cards), conflict of laws (8 cards), secured transactions (22 cards), trusts & estates (24 cards); each section includes an index and 5 (2 for conflict of laws) blank cards.
Essay Practice
Waiting until you know all the material does not leave much time for practicing essay writing. Top tips suggest practicing real life bar questions as you study instead of waiting until the end.
- State Bar Exam Questions and Sample AnswersListing of multiple states with past test questions and answers. Even if the state where you are taking the bar is not represented, test questions may still be good sample questions to practice.
Methodical Approach to the MBE
The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) writes the MBE each year. Practicing real MBE questions will help you prepare for the structure of questions on the actual MBE. Other MBE tips include taking time each day to practice a few MBE questions instead of 100s of questions at a time. Some practice guides suggest aiming for 33 MBE questions per day.
- MBE Sample Test Questions from the NCBEThese test questions are test questions from the NCBE and are real questions taken from the MBE.
- NCBE MBE Questions from 1992Caveat: The 581 questions contained in this document appeared on MBEs administered between 1972 and 1991, which consisted of questions in the following areas: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. This document does not contain Civil Procedure questions.
- NCBE MBE Questions from February 1991Caveat: The 200 questions contained in this document appeared on the MBE administered in February 1991, which consisted of questions in the following areas: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. This document does not contain Civil Procedure questions.
- NCBE MBE Questions from July 1991Caveat: The 200 questions contained in this document appeared on the MBE administered in July 1991, which consisted of questions in the following areas: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. This document does not contain Civil Procedure questions.
- NCBE MBE Questions from July 1998Caveat: The 200 questions contained in this document appeared on the MBE administered in July 1998, which consisted of questions in the following areas: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law and Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, and Torts. This document does not contain Civil Procedure questions.
Timing
If you struggled with timing when taking the bar exam, try taking your practice exams under real test conditions. Don't forget about asking for accommodations, too (side bar).
- ABA Basic Overview of Bar Exam StructureRead about the different timed areas of the bar exam. Links to all jurisdictions for specific information.
- Setting a TimerStep by step details for setting a timer or stopwatch on your computer.
Creating a Study Plan
Creating and sticking to a study plan can be key in passing the bar exam.
- ABA Study Schedule TipsIt is recommended to study between 400-600 hours for the bar exam. These tips will help you schedule that time.
Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash
Applying for Accommodations
Don't be afraid to ask for accommodations for the bar exam. Extra time, breaks, or typing modifications, can usually be requested by the test taker. Accommodations must be requested each time the exam is taken.
Student Wellness
Finding out that you were unsuccessful on the bar exam can be overwhelming and you may want to seek professional help to help you manage your thoughts, worries, hopes, or anxieties. Lewis and Clark and the Oregon Bar Association both have programs that you can use during these times.
