Passive Learning = Anxiety

Joe passed the 2024 July California Bar Exam on his first attempt. I got on a call with him to talk about how he pulled it off.

Like most people, he started off with a big bar review course.

Then he saw that the thing that was supposed to hold his hand through the process was actually giving him anxiety.

I think it’s important to recognize the ups and downs that come with this process. So I made sure to ask about the emotions involved in studying for this exam.

Of course, as always, I’ll pull out practical bar prep advice based on his success story.

Here’s a breakdown of my 33-minute interview with Joe. We talk about how he passed the bar exam by tailoring his bar review course, shifting to active learning, and maximizing his understanding of key areas.

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I got a little sassy at a Redditor at 3:30 AM

It’s time for “good cop, bad cop.”

I try to be a balanced and insightful voice in bar prep. I try to be understanding of what you’re going through… Here’s warm milk and cookies…

But some of us are still spacing out like the SLOW ASS drivers I screech past in LA Koreatown.

It’s clear that good cop isn’t getting the job done. I fear I’m turning too vanilla like every other bar blog (though vanilla is a goated flavor).

And so today, I’m the bad cop.

Worse, I’m your surrogate Asian dad who will draw out 125% of what you thought was your max power.

Yes, I already get saucy sometimes, but people are crying out to be told the truth. Sometimes you need a cold fucking shower to slap some sense into those neurons and remind them that they are alive.

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Pitfalls of Passive Learning in Bar Prep: What Will You Wish You Had Been Learning Today?

If there’s one thing I’d like you to not compromise in preparing for the bar exam, it’s practice and feedback.

“Yeah I know, DAD. That’s so obvious. DUH!” You whip your hair smugly. “It’s simple. Tell me something new.”

Yes, smartass, it is â€śsimple.”

Yet why do some people end up cramming 2 weeks before the exam?

Is it because Barbri gave them lectures for 7 weeks (with a few exercise questions sprinkled in) to beat them into mind-numbing torpor… And then all of a sudden, it’s time to push them into the deep end of the pool?

“That’s all folks! Do some self-studying! PTs are easy! Good luck!!!!”

They did everything they were “supposed to.” What happened?

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Holiday Motivation for Bar Exam: 3 Ways to Keep Going During Bar Prep

What do you say when you’re not sure how to talk to a new person at a networking event (or holiday party)?

Here’s a simple script that worked well for me:

  1. Walk toward someone.
  2. Extend a hand.
  3. Say, “Hi, I don’t think we met. What’s your name?”

And then you’re off to the races.

If this seems too simple, that’s the point. It’s not the perfect tactical wordsmithing of your intro that makes or breaks you. It’s the fact that you acted first and short-circuited your approach anxiety.

The parallel here to bar prep (of course) is to not spend too much time thinking about which supplements to use, which tutor to use, which newsletters to follow…when the most important thing is to have a plan, start moving, and stay consistent (and of course follow my newsletter).

In other words, make things easy to do, and get started.

If you get stuck spinning your wheels “getting your ducks in a row” deciding on the perfect plan of action, you won’t get anywhere. A good enough plan > no plan.

In the end, whichever course or supplements you use, this is a self-study endeavor. You’re responsible for preparing yourself. Don’t forget that courses and supplements are simply there to support that.

“But it’s too cold outside, and it’s too warm inside, and this temperature delta and holiday spirit are making me too relaxed to do anything.”

I’m not letting you off the hook thinking “new year, new me!” and then NOT following through with your plans.

You don’t need a New Year resolution. Don’t let a date on a calendar dictate your actions.

(Also, it doesn’t work. How’s this year’s resolution going?)

Instead, keep the following 3 ideas in mind to light a fire under your ass and keep those buns toasty. Let’s get going.

"This is the best post I have seen this year"
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Passing the DC Bar Exam (UBE) in Under 100 Hours of Bar Prep

Aaisha passed the 2024 July DC Bar Exam with score of 280.

While working full time as a litigation associate.

After studying less than 100 hours.

(Finally, a UBE story. Pls send more…I’m tired of too many successful stories from California)

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