Friday, November 2, 2012

You Asked For It, You Got It (Toyota!)

Alrighty now ...


There's, what, only a couple of weeks until the results are released?  My, how time flies when you're having fun! 

I've got mixed feelings about November 16th, 2012.  I know it's only a matter of time before I pass, and I feel like I've improved over the last year or so, but over the years I've learned to keep my emotions, and expectations, in check on the days the results are released. 

Believe it or not, there have been times when I actually expected to discover that I had passed.  Other times, I felt like the only way I would pass was if each of my papers were graded by an insane person. 

This time, I feel like my odds of passing are better than 50/50.  It's just a feeling though, because I've never been able to predict what kind of a score I would receive on each essay (or PT.)  I've written essays that I thought were masterpieces of legal analysis, only to find that they were ...   not masterpieces.  Other times, I only had 45 minutes to crank out what amounted to (in my mind) a checklist with a few pertinent details, and those essays received scores of 65 or 70. 

Frankly, at this time of the year, I feel much like I imagine Charlie Brown must feel after years of having Lucy pull the football away at the last minute.  

But, like Chuck, I have faith in human nature (mine, not the graders (are the graders human?)), and the value of persistence.  I'm like a Cubs fan, "I'll get it next year!", knowing that this year could be the "next year" that I hoped for last year.

Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed (and my rosary at hand) and I know that come November 16th my life will change (for better, or for ... not better.)

And now for some lighter reading.  I'm pasting below the text of an email I wrote last week in reply to someone who asked if I had an opinion on whether there was a difference between the essays we see in February versus July. 

Happy Reading, and best of luck to all in two weeks!

I've heard rumors about there being a difference between the types and difficulty levels of essays between February and July and I have mixed feelings about them.  I've been told (by people who should know) that there is no difference.  On the other hand, I've also been told (by someone who might be in a position to know) that the State Bar "massages" the essays to make sure the ones in July are more straightforward, if not easier, because the ABA schools don't want a lot of their students failing because they struggled with an oddball question.  And to make the ABA schools happy, or at least not to piss them off, the State Bar saves the "odd" essays for February.  The reasons I call these essay odd is because they cross-over issues in less common ways, or they test less common aspects of the particular subject (e.g., freedom of association/religion, executive powers, etc.) 

Based on my personal experience I've found that the issues tested in February and how they're presented do tend to be more convoluted, if you will, than the essays in July.  The July exams seem to be more straightforward, and I think the reason they do this is that they are looking for a higher quality of writing on the straight up issues.  For example, I've seen more single issue exams in July, such as criminal-law/homicide, contracts/formation, real-property/landlord-tenant, than I've seen on February exams.  Most of the February exams seem to be crossovers, and some tricky ones at that.  And if they test the more common issues in July, when the larger percentage of ABA students are taking it, the people who tend to graduate towards the top of their class have a better chance at writing a higher quality answer than those who graduate lower down, or than those who come from lower tier law schools. 


These theories tend to be borne out by the passing percentages on the exams.  The pass rate on the February exams are demonstrably lower than the pass rate for July.  Part of this can be attributed to the fact that most people taking it in February have already failed at least one exam, but I think it's also due to the "fact" (in my humble opinion) that the February exams are "odd".


The bottom line is that there is no hard evidence that there is any difference between the types and difficulties of the essays given in February and July, and the State Bar is certainly not going to confirm any of the rumors that they are.  I used to fret over this apparent injustice but I've had my chances to pass both exams and haven't passed either.  But then again, my scores on the February 2012 exam would have been passing scores had I gotten them on the July 2011 exam.  That fact alone augurs toward some sort of built in bias, if you will.  But, again, who am I to argue - I've failed the darn thing 11 times. 


I hope this answers your arguably unanswerable question.  I wouldn't get too bogged down in it though because this particular conspiracy theory has been going around for many years and no one has yet been able to prove or debunk it. 




40 comments:

Anonymous said...

Another great post by my most-furry bestie Poobah Cat! Well done PC. I anxiously await for your great capitalist adventure to begin. (FYI - BC passed on a February exam and found your comments interesting.)

Anonymous said...

No way this guy passes! Ever ...

That is what happens when you go to an internet law school.

The Grand Poobah said...

Anon 12:29: Au Contraire, mon frere.

Many of my classmates have passed the bar exam, and many of those on their first try. Of course, there are also many who haven't yet passed. And there are also many who passed on their fourth, fifth, or sixth try.

I dare say that a significant percentage of students, albeit a smaller percentage, from some of the more prestigious law schools have had the same experiences.

In my defense, there have been unexpected challenges from my personal life that have hampered my studying efforts, both in law school and during preparation for the bar exam. So if I may be so bold, I would advise you not to criticize me until, as the saying goes, you've walked a mile in my shoes.

But, hey, on the internet, anonymous free speech abounds, and there's no cost to hurling accusations and insults for which you will not be held accountable. So hurl away, you anonymous hurling hurlers. I only hope to be a fly on the wall when you encounter, and struggle through, challenges similar to those I've endured.

Trust me, that day will come. And as you're struggling through those inevitable challenges I hope you will think back to the accusations and insults you've hurled here (you anonymous hurling hurler you) and remember me in a more favorable light than you do now.

Cheers!

GP

Anonymous said...

Hello. I used to read your blog when I took CA in Feb 2009 and Jul 2009 - failed both times. I'm saddened to visit again and find that you're still on this darned CA treadmill! I gave up beating my head on CA. My scores were 1390~ and then a maddening 1426. I took a hiatus (had two kids) and then took the *NY* bar in Jul 2012 and PASSED first time! Just wanted to let you know that another state bar is an option too, and there are atty jobs out there that only require bar passage in any state. GL for Nov 19

Anonymous said...

Pubes - So you keep a blog about the multiple times you fail the bar (calling yourself as "accident on the freeway") but you get all offended when folks call out your ridiculous life decisions? When I decide to keep a blog about an obvious failure in my life you should feel free to "hurl" anonymous criticism.

Frankly, the best advice anybody could give you is to stop this charade and just quit wasting your time taking an exam that you will never pass.

Anonymous said...

10:08 - How dare you insult my #3 bestie Poobah Cat!! If you don't have anything nice to say, stay out of PC's blogosphere!! PC is highly successful and is running not one, but two, businesses. So sorrrry that Poobah Cat may be a little distracted when it comes to the bar.

I assure you anonymous hurler cat that Poobah Cat will pass this exam (and then great furry adventure will begin). Poobah Cat is very confident with the Tolerico method and if, for some strange reason, that doesn't work I am considering letting PC use the Big Cat Outlines in February.

-BC

Anonymous said...

Hey, GP, I found your blog this summer while I was studying for the NY bar and I sincerely hope you get good news next week. I cannot imagine going through what you've gone through re: the bar, but as someone who worked full-time through law school and then again full-time while studying for the bar, I know how maddening it can be. It's definitely something that requires a lot of time and concentration, and even a small hiccup in personal circumstances could push someone off a study schedule. I hope you ignore all the negativity here and instead focus on the positive -- until you hear otherwise, you still have a shot at passing, and it sounds like you have every reason to believe you'll get good news next week. I'll be sure to be back to see how you do.

Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

10:08 here. SHUT UP BIG CAT. You are as big if not a bigger idiot than GP. Who rests before the bar exam? You are a stupid "cat" and you are GP deserve each other. Have fun fighting capitalism you commie.

Anonymous said...

It's simple. Big Cat = Worst Thing on the Internet.

If GP (who now apparently is friends with BC) won't regulate here, I for one will quit reading this blog. It seems like this lazy jerk gets 9 lives with GP ... get rid of the cat GP, it stinks.

Anonymous said...

You're a better man than me. I've decided that if I fail, I'm only going to take it one more time. I can't keep going through this shit... I don't know how you keep on keepin' on

Anonymous said...

To the previous anonymous poster:

GP manages to keep going with a judicious mix of delusion and masochism, all finished with a sprinkle of determination

Anonymous said...

Do you plan on live blogging on Friday GP? I want to make sure I manage by blog reading time appropriately.

Karla said...

I can't believe all the mean comments on your blog. You are a really important man GP!!! They take the time to read your posts and then the time to write hateful comments. No wonder this world is the way it is! I have been a witness and I know that people who are negative and who write mean things are not happy. GP is better than you, anonymous person. He does not even wish you bad because he knows already that you are not happy. I know you are not happy, so there! I don't know you but I am dead serious you are miserable!!! I can tell easily! GP, you are a gentleman.
Karla
(I put my name, not afraid of you)

Anonymous said...

"So hurl away, you anonymous hurling hurlers" <- LOVE IT

I've come to "hurl" my support and wishes of good luck to you GP.

I've loved reading your blog over the past year+, and I hope you will parse it down for future bar takers to learn from for years to come. (I think this is the one GP!)

Go GP! GO!!!

Jesus said...

GP, best of luck this coming Friday. You've carried this burden long enough my son.

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Anonymous said...
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The Grand Poobah said...

Anon 5:46: Yes, it's become a treadmill paved with broken glass, and I am barefoot.

Anon 10:08: Blah to you, sir.

Anon 1:50: Thanks. I will pass this thing.

Anon 2:46: I have nothing to add.

Anon 8:51: It's not as bad as it used to be.

Anon 10:37: Neither do I. Best of luck to you.

Anon 7:48: Correct, you are. It's 5% delusion, 44% masochism, and 51% determination.

Anon 2:04: Yes, probably. As much as I've come to dread the days on which the results are released, the masochism part of the above comment kicks in and I find myself on the State Bar website, checking for my twice yearly fix.

Karla: Thanks! I needed that!

Anon 8:31: Thanks. I've considered it. We'll see.

Jesus: If you put in a good word for me with your Dad, I promise to be good when I get my license.

Anon 5:23: As I've said before, no one program is best for everyone.

Anon 1:02: I've heard bad things. Caveat Emptor.


Best of luck to everyone who is waiting for results Friday!

Anonymous said...

Brian:

Please update the blog one way or another tomorrow evening once results are obtained. I say this as a person who is genuinely interested in knowing whether you have passed or not as a matter of my interest in humanity.

Thanks!

Jesus said...

Poobah, from your lips to my ears...

Anonymous said...

PC - Here's a question for you. What do you do before and during looking at the results? Nice bath and a glass of red wine? Go to the gym and pump some iron? Comb your fur and pluch your whiskers (ha!)? I think you will pass my capitalist friends, and if not, the Big Cat Outlines may be waiting for you.

-BC

Jesus said...

BC, I've talked to Pete to make sure you are not on the guest list, if you know what I mean...

Anonymous said...

Great Socialist Overlord Poobah Cat (patent pending):

It is with furriest of hindquarters that I put paws to keyboard this glorious morning. A glint of the sun’s red beams warms my furry cheeks, reminding me (and all cats who strive for a world of freedom, equality, and where people are free to hug all cats – Strummin’ Cat!) that we stand witness to the dawn of our beloved revolution of furriness and argyle sweaters. And as in every dawn before this one, I am called upon to rise - rise, that I may see beyond the closing binders of my desk – rise, that I may re-fill my Chairman Meow mug (boom roasted!) – rise, that in the autumn of my days, I may be gifted with the grace of falling - falling in the furry arms of my socialist brethren who have seen that simply fixing the Class A Amount in the Certificate of Incorporation potentially shortchanges the investors on their preference in an instance in which there has been an accretion in value since the original investment.

And as I have been called upon by others to take up arms in the furriest of socialist revolutions, I call upon you, Great Socialist Overlord Poobah Cat (patent pending). Slay this California Bar Examination – cast off these shackles that would be imposed upon you by lesser minds of dogs with no heart, no soul, no kittiness. Take up the mantle of furriness so that we may stand side by side in this, our furry revolution. Put down your pencil, so that the future generations who stand on your shoulders may never have to first pick it up…

Yours in revolution,
Big Cat

P.S. – Please send a signed picture of you. Little Cat needs it for the lounge and won’t stop bugging me about it. He plans on putting it right next to his pictures of Papa Cat and Magnum P.I.

The Grand Poobah said...

Anon 7:16: Ohhh... the Humanity! (;-)>

Anon 8:34: In the past, before 6:00 I was usually working. After 6:00 I was usually gathering and ordering my study materials. This time, before 6:00 I'll be working. After 6:00, I hope to be researching how to get a permit for the bonfire I'm going to make with my study materials.

Jesus: Thanks!

BC: Now THAT was funny.

this blog would be better without big cat said...

BC - The bar exam is coming up. You better start resting you idiot.

Anonymous said...

Good luck tomorrow, GP. Your name will be on that screen tomorrow!

Biggius Kittius said...

Big Cat has no need for the respite offered by your materialistic society. He rejects your platinum cards, your first class lounges and your red carpets for the shiny baubles they are - ornaments designed to distract the unprepared mind so that it doesn't notice that all those closing agendas and funds flows are nothing more than the several bricks that make the wall and the several walls that form your prison - a prison which requires neither lock nor key because the prisoner seeks no escape. After all, he doesn't even know he's in prison.

No. Big Cat knows that this world, while temporarily entrusted to the likes of Big Doggies, offers more - more furriness, more scratchiness under our kitty bellies and more saucers of milk on toasty window sills filled with the afternoon rays of a sun that remembers a better world and will wait for its return. This, my friend, is the siren call of our revolution. Drown in its noise. Take your last breath in this world, but be not wary, for we shall rejoice of your rebirth in the next - in a world where we are socialist brothers in arms and in kittiness, with access to all the world's riches (including access to Little Cat's lounge during primo hours). Put down the compare-write, put down the pen...

Plus, this Cat passed on the first try back in Feb. But I do need to get hopping on CLE credit. I should really put that on my task list.

Anonymous said...

Nail it, Poobah! We are all pulling for you!

Anonymous said...

7:09 - I used to hate big cat too, but these recent posts are really good. Even GP seems to have come around to Big Cat. If Big Cat can keep up these quality posts, I will give Big Cat one more chance on this Blog.

Big Cat - Use this chance wisely. It is likely your last. Do you have your own blog? If so, can you link? If not, why do you post on GP's blog so much?

GP - Did you actually use the Big Cat outlines? If not, what triggered the change in your views towards Big Cat?

The Grand Poobah said...

No,I know nothing of BC. Not even its real world identity. For all I know about it, it could spend its days stamping out license plates in the basement of some prison, all the while thinking up clever things to post here.

Never seen a BC outline, never hope to need another outline.

As long as the posts don't resume spam-like proportions, I prefer not to moderate.

Satan said...

I would just like to present a counter-argument to my good friend Jesus. Respectfully, I don't think GP will pass this time. The odds are not in his favor and this is the second time going with the same method (Tolerico is my type of guy!). Additionally, his scores are coming in at consistently the same level. I'm just not seeing it.

On the other hand, if GP wants to make a deal for the February exam I am all ears.

Abraham Lincoln said...

Boom! Roasted!

Anonymous said...

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

GP - Tolerico, huh? Sick study method bro. Just kidding it's terrible. GOT HEEM

Anonymous said...

GP......

The last eleven hours of your life as a non-lawyer.....I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed, brother....

Anonymous said...

How many times have you taken the CA Bar Exam? Will you advertise this number once you pass on your law website?

Good Luck!

Jonathan L. Kramer, Esq. said...

Good luck tonight, my old friend. I'll pulling for you.

Jonathan

Anonymous said...

Good luck GP!

Anonymous said...

Jonathan L. Kramer = THE BIG PUMA!!

Fear the beard.

Anonymous said...
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