Bar Graders, Revisited

Thank you for your comments. Since there are some interested in whatever input I may have to offer, I will continue posting tips as they creep their way into my consciousness.

Another question about Bar Graders was how thorough is the feedback, and do they hold you accountable for not doing essays?

First, the feedback is EXCELLENT. It is specific and precise. My friend asked me the same question, and followed up with "what if I don't understand their comment?" It never happened to me. They (the graders) know that the BarBri type of feedback ("no!" or "ok") is the exact opposite of helpful. They are very specific. And they are very detailed as they evaluate each issue separately.

Since they offer a free seminar (check their website) for debriefing the most recent test, I highly recommend you go. If you go, they may give you a discount on your purchase. And it's good to see how their program works. They also offer you a free essay review (one) if you sign up. Try one. You can see what the feedback is like for free. Certainly no harm.

They also offer phone tutoring, but I think it's a bit pricey. I never tried it, so I can't tell you the value of it, but I couldn't afford it even if I wanted it. I did, however, go to their essay seminar, which I HIGHLY recommend.

Second question: how much do they keep you accountable for doing essays? Answer: they don't. I hope this doesn't sound too harsh, so I apologize if it does. You're studying for the BAR exam. It's not something you can "wing" and hope to skate by. Unless you pay someone to hold you accountable, no one will. If you are the kind of person who needs that kind of attention, I recommend finding a personal tutor. If you can't afford that, I recommend having a good friend hold you accountable.

My friend C (male), the second time I took it, offered to take me to dinner for every simulated MBE that I passed. (I don't remember what score I had to get, but I think it was something like 135.) My other friend C (female) and I talked almost every day. Since she and I were studying at the same time (although for different states), we would tell each other our status, ask each other questions, and she asked how many essays I had done that week. I needed that kind of support. I need reinforcement and encouragement. It also helped this last time that I was working part time and studying the rest of the time in my office. My assistant would ask me what subjects I was working on, remind me that my half day of work was over and that I needed to study, etc.

So I guess I was lucky all the way around. I was lucky to have such amazing friends to support and encourage me. I was lucky to have the option of working part time, studying in my office, and have an assistant who would keep me on task. Mostly I was damn lucky to have had the essay subjects on the bar, since most of what I do at the office is real property, contracts, and remedies. I killed those essays. Hence, I was lucky.

I believe that Bar Graders is absolutely worth it, and the earlier you start the better. I wish someone had told me during the summer after my first year of law school that I should start studying for the bar. I wish someone would have been honest and upfront with me about what the bar exam is like. While it is possible to pass from only studying for the 2 months after graduation, why kill yourself that whole time? Why not have a MBE course over the summer? Or just work with a good MBE book?

You need some sort of substantive course at some point, for which I recommend Bar Passers. For those who believe BarBri is the only way to go, go ahead. It wasn't for me. And if you're a BarBri snob, relax. Bar Passers is owned by West, as is BarBri. Hence, the material is extremely similar but packaged and taught differently. I think it was far more effective. Oh yeah, and it's less expensive.

Next? Bar Graders for essays. See above and prior posts.

Lastly? John Holtz. I firmly believe (though have no way of knowing for certain) that I passed both of these PT's as a direct result of his teachings. And, he's worth the money, especially if you can get the group discount by getting some friends together. Also, I think he has a "don't pass, don't pay" policy, though I can't recall since it didn't apply to me because it is only for first time takers. But you can't hold me to it.

Mostly, I think you need to indulge your inner sense of intellectual superiority. My male friend C's mantra was "it's an insult to my intellect!" I was more of a song person. "I'm going home, gonna load my shotgun, wait by the door and light a cigarette. He wants a fight, well now he's got one, and he ain't seen me crazy yet. Slapped my face and shook me like a rag doll, don't that sound like a real man? I'm gonna show him what little girls are made of: gun powder and lead." The bar has a special way of knocking you down and making you feel inferior. You need to find a way to beat it. Mantras, shotgun songs, whatever works. The trick is finding what works. Easier said than done.

Gotta run. I have to get ready for my swearing-in ceremony this morning! Yeah!