Thursday, April 14, 2011

Alive, I am.

Apologies for the disappearing act. One of the biggest challenges for me during my quest to pass the bar exam is having to switch between studying for the exam and trying to make a living. For better or for worse, I need to have a main long-term goal to focus my attention, and I'm trying to lessen the disruption caused by my current bi-polar (bar-exam/earn-a-living) situation.

Regarding the February exam, the answers I wrote this time were shorter than the ones I've written on bar exams in the past. I believe this was because my preparations consisted more of memorization of the rules rather than the writing of practice essays. As a result, I feel like I saw the fact patterns more as a sequence of issues to be discussed than as a narrative of events to be explained. I don't know if that will result in a better score, but I needed to change the way I presented my answer and that's what I settled on.

Regarding my lack of posts since the February exam, I can't point to one single thing as the reason for it - I just think I've beat the whole subject to death and, as I've written here before, I don't want to keep repeating myself. The time and effort I spend thinking up new and/or interesting content is time I can't spend on my day job. And considering that I'll probably have to start preparing for the July 2011 exam soon (based on past performance, recent style change notwithstanding) I need to make money quickly to so I won't be as stressed out when/if I have to start studying again.

So, that's my story and it's sticking to me! I'll try to post again before results are released.

I just checked the State Bar website and found that the questions for the February 2011 exam have been released.

12 comments:

probatur denuo said...

I also feel as though I'm repeating myself on my blog lately. Repeating myself and repeating the same mistakes. Changing up your approach is a good move. Hopefully it will pay off with a better score.

I'm also making some changes in my approach, and taking advantage of my lack of employment to accomplish it. Just hope that the risk pays off. I'm ready to be done with this test.

We can do it GP!

Anonymous said...

I am in your same boat GP. Been working and taking the bar for the last two years. Hopefully we did something better to get good news on May 13. Good luck to all.

Anonymous said...

ANy comments on the PT's and the essays: i saw the model answers on one-timers website and I screwed up call 2 on the 3rd question. I discussed equitable servitude instead of easement appurtenant.

Anonymous said...

Love you Brian. I wish I could fumble around with words better than I am going to - but here goes: I want to say you what a great inspiration you are to bar takers of any order (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd ....) as well as to anyone else who checks into your blog. You are extremely funny in your wry way and every blog of your has made me smile as well as inspired and informed me about aspects of taking and study for the CA bar. Today I am smiling at your "bipolarity...." which unfortunately is the kind that consuming lithium will not help ;-)

Pam said...

Congratulations Brian - this is the approach I think is correct - I don't even think they want complete sentences:) I've got my fingers crossed for you!!! And my toes!

Anonymous said...

complete sentence, what is it I, and

Anonymous said...

We was right about 3 of the exams this time- that's half the essays,
we just want the Precious (Bar Card)- it is ourss.

Anonymous said...

Ah yes, that pesky thing called the day job. Well, I just hope you need your day job to pay your annual bar fee next month.

legis said...

Crossing my fingers for you and wishing you all the best. Believe in ya either way GP!

Unknown said...

GP I am with you either way but of course wish you the best! If you pass, I absolutely will feel all the joy as I pass myself ;) Shannon

Anonymous said...

good luck, GP! been following you since '07. I passed in '08, but have been following you since.

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