I was defining hoping for a positive result for you because I have been following your blog consistently since I was first preparing to take the Baby Bar in June, 2008. Because of your determination and never give up attitude, I was able to regroup after not passing the July 2011 bar and for me, I received good news today. Believe me, the feeling of finally putting this exam behind you is something that cannot be accurately described, but I do think you will experience that feeling soon. I am sending good wishes to you that the next time will be the last time because your name will appear on the pass list.
My partner found out today she did not pass for the 3rd time. Clearly today you all just got your pass/fail info and not the numbers. I am interested to see if you all did better in your numbers and so I will say the same thing here. You are not defined by a test, law school gave you theory and we always have to work hard for what we want - who knew it would be this hard.
Wow, I am not done yet either. It is hard to comprehend that I will do it again. However, we can and will pass the test. I felt sure this was my time too. Well, time to have a beer and regroup.
Get a load of this one. The goofy bar is talking about adding another qualification to get your license--practical experience. They are going to want you to go work with a firm somewhere. Just another hassle when many are going solo. You pass the exam, and then you still can't practice. They have to stop.
I am ok with not passsing but the ego hurts. My life is upside down (divorce) and I am wondering if it would be better to take a break before sitting again? Any advice?
GP, believe me when I say I know your pain & frustration. I will be sitting for the Ohio bar for what feels like the millionth time in February. It's not easy to keep trying, but I do it, and you will too. If this is a character-building process, I've got character to spare:)Hang in there, if necessary, sit out the next one, and keep pushing.
I emphatihise with you. Been there, done it. Take a break. Sort out your personal problems first. Otherwise, I think you will not be able to focus fully.
Oh man, I really can't believe it! So sorry GP :( I really thought you had this thing done & dusted based on how great your preparation went with Jason. I was even feeling the butterflies waiting to see what result you posted. I'm really curious to see what differences there are in your scores this time (assuming you post them), as are a lot of other people I'm sure. Hope you get a lot of downtime this weekend to do whatever it is that you enjoy & take your mind off this crazy beast that is the bar exam. I'll eat some chocolate & ice cream in your honor.
I feel your pain GP, and I love your blog. I failed again for the 3rd time. It is hard to imagine studying for the exam yet again... We will prevail though.
I took the CA bar a couple of times, had to take a break for a year (I was out of money), went to a great tutor in July & was convinced that was "my time." It wasn't. I failed again, narrowly, but passed today. When you get the feelings of hope and confidence you described, it's for a reason. Jason has probably improved on your weak areas and I'm sure you'll be ready to finish this in July. One more time, GP. Keep the faith.
GP, that's a tough beat. Sorry about that. Quick question for you. In a previous posting (way way back in the day), you had noted that you were taking longer than 1 hr to practice writing essays. In other words, (not trying to be a jerk here), not really taking the exam under exam-like conditions. Did that change this time? Did your written prep simulate exam conditions (at least as it respects timing)?
I think those over at the Bar Exam are reading all your posts and know that you've been trying hard over the years and are intentionally failing you. Could be that they want students like you to pay up so they reap the rewards of $700 s pop ehrn each person fails and pays to retake it. Likely, that you have passed at least one of the exams but the bar is keeping you out for some reason or another. This happens more than you know. Get yourself a lawyer.
Hi GP, I have been taking this exam for the last 10 years!! My scores are not bad, I have been getting high scores in essays, around 120 in my MBEs and have never passed! I was thinking about hiring a lawyer and sue them, a friend of mine did but has not passed either and thinks that suing the bar was the reason. I have tried most the bar perp, barbri, bar pass, one to one with Lise Mendoian that cost about 10,000, bar tutorial, Cal Bar Paul Pfau, and many many more! None has helped so far. I am not a dumb person, I am a CEO of an international company and make about 240,000 a year. I study like hell, every time I do about 3000-4000 MBEs, and actually write out essays in exam conditions abut 100+ essays. I have been humiliated and discouraged and second guessed a million time, it actually doesn't work any more on me!! My wife has been on a verge of asking for a divorce despite the fact that we have a very abundant life style. I have not taken any vacations in many years! Always I send my family bc I am studying. I wrote all this to tell you guys out there that F... The bar and continue studying. Apparently this is what we do well!!! Please don't give up. I don't know if there is a light at the end of the tunnel or not, but I am planning to make one for me and rest of us. I tell you what though, once I pass all of us are going to work together in one law firm. All of you will have a job with me!
7:21, I was working a job at the same time I was working with my tutor - and if I had it to do over again, I would have requested 3 weeks off immediately prior to the exam (which I could have). This last time I took eight weeks off (using my tutor's materials) and sailed through. It's ridiculous, but giving myself the time to let it sink in was really the last piece of the puzzle.
I agree with 3:07 - I tried to study on my own using books and tapes, while working a travel-heavy full-time job, and the results were predictable. I won't attempt this exam again without 1) taking BarBri and 2) taking a lot more time off work beforehand. I've passed in another state so I know it's doable, but cobbling together my own course for this was a spectacular failure.
And sorry, GP. I was really hoping you had it this time. I'm skipping July but might try again next February. You might consider taking one go-round off for sanity's sake.
It's not just the substance, guys. I think there is a huge premium on writing specifically in the format they are looking for. As a simple example, if you look at every model Comm. Prop. answer, they all start with the same introductory paragraph. Almost every Evidence answer I reviewed had the "Logical Relevance/Legal Relevance" paradigm.
Above and beyond knowing the actual substance of the law, you really (I think) have to learn "to be a sheep" which is just shorthand for learning how to present the material in the way that the bar examiners are looking to see the material. From this perspective, you really have to practice writing as many essays (under test-like conditions) as you can. Write them out completely. Review the model answers. Figure out where and why your answer departs from the model.
People can bash Barbri all they want and talk about other methods, programs, tutors, etc., but the fundamental truth is that because so many people take Barbri, Barbri basically sets the curve. So while you can try to "go it on your own", its just sub-optimal and given that you should only want to take this once, you need to be going for optimal.
Sorry GP I'm right there with ya I failed again too for the lost count now umpteenth time. The two essays I thought I totally aced I bombed somehow and didn't do too badly on the others but only got one 70 the rest 60s and 55,65s horrible. I figure I will do July but don't really know why I failed?
To: Anonymous 12:02 PM: Keep them all at 65 and add in your 70 and you will be good to go. Next question. How did you do on the MBEs? Work on getting high 130s-104s raw. Then those PTs. Finish and make it look like those are complete--with a conclusion at the end. IF it looks like you did not finish - they hit you with a 55, in general. And bear in mind, those PTs are worth two essays and can kind of lessen the blow of one not so good essay. From what I read on the statistics of this exam, not really a bad pass rate for February which has been notoriously low and the scaling factor is usually harsh on the downward side.
Last observation: I noticed CA's MBE mean this year--140s. I did not catch if that was scaled or raw. That means candidates really have to crank it up on those MBEs.
GP, I am wondering if you are going to take with the same tutor again? The reason I am asking is bc I want to decide whether I should find a new tutor? As I said previously I have tried everything and everybody out there and quit frankly I never even raised a grade. Once I took this Christian bar prep program that he actually gathered us on Sundays and did a prayer and his reason was that Jesus has promised when there is two or more of you asking for me, I am in the midest of you!!! Well Jesus never answered our prayers of couple of hundred people!! My wife doesn't still know that I have not passed and if she does Hell is going break loose again! For that I really need Heaven's help! So, please tell me about your tutorial experience. Thank you for blog, I would have probably killed myself this weekend if it werent for you and all others!
Will be really interested in seeing your scores and whether or not you are scoring the same as you did in July 0f 2011 or whether there is an identifiable trend.
If you are trending upwards (hope hope), then maybe you just need to keep on doing whatever you were doing for the Feb 2012 exam and one more try will get you there. If there is no discernible trend, maybe you need to sit July 2012 out, get the exam out of your head, and head in to Feb 2013 with a bit more clarity, more energy, less sense of "this is my Xth try in a row..." Plus, you save some cash.
Just a thought. Will be interested if and when you post your scores.
This is just a thought. Is it possible these tutors start their programs too late? There is a lot to jam in the brain in a short period of time. Maybe if you get a tutor or change to a different one, consider taking a bar exam off. Learn the method, practice it, then gear up and study again, incorporating what you have learned from the new tutor. I had a real good tutor, but I found myself pressured to get the tutor assignments done and stressing out on meeting the tutor demands. I think it is hard to make a major change in your skill set in late May or June and then expect to be fully prepared and using this major change in the exam in July. Maybe get it down first then gear up for the next exam.
39 comments:
Dying to know if your writing scores jumped. Please blog!
We're both going to make it soon. Like you, I thought this was the time, but we get another shot at it...
I was defining hoping for a positive result for you because I have been following your blog consistently since I was first preparing to take the Baby Bar in June, 2008. Because of your determination and never give up attitude, I was able to regroup after not passing the July 2011 bar and for me, I received good news today. Believe me, the feeling of finally putting this exam behind you is something that cannot be accurately described, but I do think you will experience that feeling soon. I am sending good wishes to you that the next time will be the last time because your name will appear on the pass list.
I meant to type definitely.
My partner found out today she did not pass for the 3rd time. Clearly today you all just got your pass/fail info and not the numbers. I am interested to see if you all did better in your numbers and so I will say the same thing here. You are not defined by a test, law school gave you theory and we always have to work hard for what we want - who knew it would be this hard.
Wow, I am not done yet either. It is hard to comprehend that I will do it again. However, we can and will pass the test. I felt sure this was my time too. Well, time to have a beer and regroup.
Hang in there, GP. You'll get it next time.
I failed, too.
But, but...
Maybe the answers weren't printed out by the bar correctly, or there was a clerical error. Wait until the mail comes!
(then share with us your scores like you always do)
Thanks,
~The Big Squirrel~
Congrats 6:25! What was the difference?
Jason Tolerico of One- Timers.......Huh?
Beware .....
Oh man. I took the July 2007 exam with you ( passed) and I check in here once or twice a year. I was really hopeful for you. Augh!
Get a load of this one. The goofy bar is talking about adding another qualification to get your license--practical experience. They are going to want you to go work with a firm somewhere. Just another hassle when many are going solo. You pass the exam, and then you still can't practice. They have to stop.
GP-
i gotta do it again too, GP
hang in there...
I am ok with not passsing but the ego hurts. My life is upside down (divorce) and I am wondering if it would be better to take a break before sitting again? Any advice?
GP,
believe me when I say I know your pain & frustration. I will be sitting for the Ohio bar for what feels like the millionth time in February. It's not easy to keep trying, but I do it, and you will too. If this is a character-building process, I've got character to spare:)Hang in there, if necessary, sit out the next one, and keep pushing.
Hi pooh bear, sorry you didn't make it again but you will only fail if you stop trying :)
I haven't looked at your blog in months, on the bright side, you look quite dashing in your new picture. I admire your guts and courage!
To: Anon at 7.28 P.M.
I emphatihise with you. Been there, done it. Take a break. Sort out your personal problems first. Otherwise, I think you will not be able to focus fully.
Nooooooo!!!! Damn it, really hoping this was it. Fu&k!
Oh man, I really can't believe it! So sorry GP :( I really thought you had this thing done & dusted based on how great your preparation went with Jason. I was even feeling the butterflies waiting to see what result you posted. I'm really curious to see what differences there are in your scores this time (assuming you post them), as are a lot of other people I'm sure. Hope you get a lot of downtime this weekend to do whatever it is that you enjoy & take your mind off this crazy beast that is the bar exam. I'll eat some chocolate & ice cream in your honor.
I feel your pain GP, and I love your blog. I failed again for the 3rd time. It is hard to imagine studying for the exam yet again... We will prevail though.
I took the CA bar a couple of times, had to take a break for a year (I was out of money), went to a great tutor in July & was convinced that was "my time." It wasn't. I failed again, narrowly, but passed today. When you get the feelings of hope and confidence you described, it's for a reason. Jason has probably improved on your weak areas and I'm sure you'll be ready to finish this in July. One more time, GP. Keep the faith.
12:37, what did you do differently? Did you learn something new after failing with a tutor?
GP, that's a tough beat. Sorry about that. Quick question for you. In a previous posting (way way back in the day), you had noted that you were taking longer than 1 hr to practice writing essays. In other words, (not trying to be a jerk here), not really taking the exam under exam-like conditions. Did that change this time? Did your written prep simulate exam conditions (at least as it respects timing)?
I think those over at the Bar Exam are reading all your posts and know that you've been trying hard over the years and are intentionally failing you. Could be that they want students like you to pay up so they reap the rewards of $700 s pop ehrn each person fails and pays to retake it. Likely, that you have passed at least one of the exams but the bar is keeping you out for some reason or another. This happens more than you know. Get yourself a lawyer.
LMAO @ 10:10 AM
Hi GP, I have been taking this exam for the last 10 years!! My scores are not bad, I have been getting high scores in essays, around 120 in my MBEs and have never passed! I was thinking about hiring a lawyer and sue them, a friend of mine did but has not passed either and thinks that suing the bar was the reason. I have tried most the bar perp, barbri, bar pass, one to one with Lise Mendoian that cost about 10,000, bar tutorial, Cal Bar Paul Pfau, and many many more! None has helped so far. I am not a dumb person, I am a CEO of an international company and make about 240,000 a year. I study like hell, every time I do about 3000-4000 MBEs, and actually write out essays in exam conditions abut 100+ essays. I have been humiliated and discouraged and second guessed a million time, it actually doesn't work any more on me!! My wife has been on a verge of asking for a divorce despite the fact that we have a very abundant life style. I have not taken any vacations in many years! Always I send my family bc I am studying. I wrote all this to tell you guys out there that F... The bar and continue studying. Apparently this is what we do well!!! Please don't give up. I don't know if there is a light at the end of the tunnel or not, but I am planning to make one for me and rest of us. I tell you what though, once I pass all of us are going to work together in one law firm. All of you will have a job with me!
11:19 must be the same as 10:10. Will you give me a job? I passed the bar first try and will give you lessons for free =D
7:21, I was working a job at the same time I was working with my tutor - and if I had it to do over again, I would have requested 3 weeks off immediately prior to the exam (which I could have). This last time I took eight weeks off (using my tutor's materials) and sailed through. It's ridiculous, but giving myself the time to let it sink in was really the last piece of the puzzle.
I agree with 3:07 - I tried to study on my own using books and tapes, while working a travel-heavy full-time job, and the results were predictable. I won't attempt this exam again without 1) taking BarBri and 2) taking a lot more time off work beforehand. I've passed in another state so I know it's doable, but cobbling together my own course for this was a spectacular failure.
And sorry, GP. I was really hoping you had it this time. I'm skipping July but might try again next February. You might consider taking one go-round off for sanity's sake.
It's not just the substance, guys. I think there is a huge premium on writing specifically in the format they are looking for. As a simple example, if you look at every model Comm. Prop. answer, they all start with the same introductory paragraph. Almost every Evidence answer I reviewed had the "Logical Relevance/Legal Relevance" paradigm.
Above and beyond knowing the actual substance of the law, you really (I think) have to learn "to be a sheep" which is just shorthand for learning how to present the material in the way that the bar examiners are looking to see the material. From this perspective, you really have to practice writing as many essays (under test-like conditions) as you can. Write them out completely. Review the model answers. Figure out where and why your answer departs from the model.
People can bash Barbri all they want and talk about other methods, programs, tutors, etc., but the fundamental truth is that because so many people take Barbri, Barbri basically sets the curve. So while you can try to "go it on your own", its just sub-optimal and given that you should only want to take this once, you need to be going for optimal.
I will always hold on to a good thought for you. Hang in there.
Sorry GP I'm right there with ya I failed again too for the lost count now umpteenth time. The two essays I thought I totally aced I bombed somehow and didn't do too badly on the others but only got one 70 the rest 60s and 55,65s horrible. I figure I will do July but don't really know why I failed?
To: Anonymous 12:02 PM: Keep them all at 65 and add in your 70 and you will be good to go. Next question. How did you do on the MBEs? Work on getting high 130s-104s raw. Then those PTs. Finish and make it look like those are complete--with a conclusion at the end. IF it looks like you did not finish - they hit you with a 55, in general. And bear in mind, those PTs are worth two essays and can kind of lessen the blow of one not so good essay.
From what I read on the statistics of this exam, not really a bad pass rate for February which has been notoriously low and the scaling factor is usually harsh on the downward side.
Last observation: I noticed CA's MBE mean this year--140s. I did not catch if that was scaled or raw. That means candidates really have to crank it up on those MBEs.
GP, I am wondering if you are going to take with the same tutor again? The reason I am asking is bc I want to decide whether I should find a new tutor? As I said previously I have tried everything and everybody out there and quit frankly I never even raised a grade. Once I took this Christian bar prep program that he actually gathered us on Sundays and did a prayer and his reason was that Jesus has promised when there is two or more of you asking for me, I am in the midest of you!!! Well Jesus never answered our prayers of couple of hundred people!! My wife doesn't still know that I have not passed and if she does Hell is going break loose again! For that I really need Heaven's help!
So, please tell me about your tutorial experience. Thank you for blog, I would have probably killed myself this weekend if it werent for you and all others!
Will be really interested in seeing your scores and whether or not you are scoring the same as you did in July 0f 2011 or whether there is an identifiable trend.
If you are trending upwards (hope hope), then maybe you just need to keep on doing whatever you were doing for the Feb 2012 exam and one more try will get you there. If there is no discernible trend, maybe you need to sit July 2012 out, get the exam out of your head, and head in to Feb 2013 with a bit more clarity, more energy, less sense of "this is my Xth try in a row..." Plus, you save some cash.
Just a thought. Will be interested if and when you post your scores.
This is just a thought. Is it possible these tutors start their programs too late? There is a lot to jam in the brain in a short period of time. Maybe if you get a tutor or change to a different one, consider taking a bar exam off. Learn the method, practice it, then gear up and study again, incorporating what you have learned from the new tutor. I had a real good tutor, but I found myself pressured to get the tutor assignments done and stressing out on meeting the tutor demands. I think it is hard to make a major change in your skill set in late May or June and then expect to be fully prepared and using this major change in the exam in July. Maybe get it down first then gear up for the next exam.
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