And it appears like my focus is producing results. The key word in the last sentence is "appears". Perhaps I should have said it "feels" as though my laser-like focus is producing results. Blah. Whatever.
Regardless, I've been able to spend more time studying/practicing/writing for this exam than I've ever been able to before. Which is a good thing. And like I said above, I feel like I'm making some progress. I've developed a better understanding of the MBEs (so I can maintain or improve my score there), and I think I'm improving my writing style. My approach to the essays is different, and for me anything different has got to be better (knocking on my wooden head!) I'm not yet where I need to be on the 28th, but I finally feel like I might be there when the proctor says "Go." How's that for irrational confidence? Hey, I'm nothing if not irrational!
I really, really, (really!), want this to be my last exam, and the effort I'm putting in to improve my work product is, I believe, starting to pay off. I've said that before, of course, but I'm confident I'll be better prepared for the exam this time than I've ever been before. Time will tell.
That's it. Just wanted to check in. Still alive, I am. I hope all of you who are in this boat with me are beginning to get in the groove.
Twenty five more days until the exam. Twenty eight more days until we can get back to our lives.
Hang in there.
15 comments:
I used to watch Rocky IV clips especially the training montage to get me pumped up for the exam. I'd imagine reaching the top of a cold mountain and yelling, "Draaaaaagoooooooo!" This post makes me believe you're headed there.
Interesting observation, Attorney Doe!
Jonathan
Good stuff Grand Poobah! I have to pick of my pace! It's almost here!
GP:
Please don't waste your time updating this blog and re-focus your studies on passing the bar exam... Seems like a waste of time to tell all how well the studying is going when that time could be devoted to studying....
Good Luck, my friend...
I, too, missed passing again. MBE 136 raw/150.9 scaled, #1: 60; #2: 50; #3: 60; #4: 65; #5: 55; #6: 50; PT #1: 60; PT #2: 55.
This was the first time I REALLY REALLY believed I gave the Bar minimum competency! This is driving me nuts! MBE average scaled scores for the last 5 bar exams is 148! I'm beginning to HATE California :(((
With those writing scores, you would have passed if you had scored 155 raw on the MBEs, which sounds like something you could accomplish.
With your raw MBE score of 136, you would have passed if you had averaged 60 on all of your writing.
Realistically, it sounds like you need to bring your writing scores up marginally and bring your raw MBE score up by 6 or 7 points.
In other words, we're in the same boat!
Note from GP:
Apologies in advance to whoever wrote the above comment (that I just deleted.)
I deleted it because it was a very detailed criticism of a commercial bar prep program. I have no problem with people offering their general opinions and criticisms of such programs, after all, we all know about the First Amendment, but the deleted comment made specific allegations that appeared to be defamatory in nature and while they may have been truthful (the commenter obviously believed in and felt strongly about what he/she wrote), I could not in good conscience, without knowing more, allow the comment to remain.
Further, it was made anonymously. If the commenter had identified him/her self then I might have been inclined to let the owner of the bar prep program offer a rebuttal, but this is not a proper forum for such arguments, especially since the commenter indicated that he has filed a civil suit to recover his/her damages.
Again, apologies to the commenter for deleting what was a comprehensive description of his/her experience but, as I said, this is not a proper forum for such complaints.
21 days! I'm freaking OUT! Is everyone doing practice essays? i haven't done ONE! (I just read the answers). There's not enough time.... how you guys take this exam over and over is beyond me. the stress is crazy!
All of you who have MBE scores above 130 should stop practicing them! Practice essays starting NOW! It's the writing that will save your life, trust me, coming from someone who never got above 105 on the practice MBEs but passed. There are so many more points to be had on the essays and PTs, and it's almost impossible to pass when you bomb the writing sections. Good luck GP and all who are re-taking it! You can DO this!
I'm in NYC now, and planning to take the CA bar in July, hence my freaking out 5 months away. There's one guy here who passed CA about 6 years ago--he vaguely recalls a "Big Cat" re outlines, etc. Not sure though.
The question should be easily answered - just Google them. If they exist, you'll find them. If not ...
This is the guy who wrote the anon at 3:38 p.m. comment: As a practicing lawyer who has been in GPs position and all of yours, that anyone is thinking out loud about other study aids within one month of the bar exam is evidence that one is apparently willing to drive oneself crazy wondering whether they have done enough to be prepared....and all at the behest of clear thought...
Obviosly stress is increasing - but I have taken two practice exams and I just can't get it!
I am a practicing lawyer who has passed two other bar exams. This is an insane waste of time and resources! Nothing on the bar exam has anything to do with what I do on a daily basis for my clients!
I fear that I may get fired if I dno't pass this time.
Sarah C is absolutely right. If you haven't spent enough time doing practice subject essays and performance test thus far, you need to do this now. Don't just outline and read the answers. Actually write out the questions under simulated test conditions and times. Brush up on your MBEs at the beginning and end of your day but Use the bulk of your day to practice your subject essays and performance tests.
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