Predictions for the Bar Exam (What to Focus On for Efficient Study)

No wonder this person posted anonymously because I see at least 3 things I could critique in this comment:

"The worst part about studying ... is that we cannot even properly use predictions."

Before every exam, a handful of people come out of the woodwork and shamelessly ask about which subjects will appear on the upcoming bar exam.

“Does anyone know the essay predictions?”
“What do you think will be tested?”
“I don’t think ____ will appear on the exam.”
“Anyone think ____ will be tested?”
“I know we’re not supposed to listen to predictions, but…”
“What are ____’s predictions?”
“Here are my MEE predictions!”

Whose speculations are you going to listen to?

If you’re like many bar takers, or if you’re a repeater, you say: “Haha of course I’m not going to rely on the predictions. I shall adequately study all the subjects. You should too!”

And then you panic and look at the predictions anyway.

Did you want me to tell you, “Aww poor baby, don’t worry. It’s normal and happens to the best of us 🥺”?

You SHOULD worry if you’re secretly tempted to rely on predictions… because this kind of thinking is entirely predictable and avoidable. Sweating about predictions is NOT a good place to be and requires intervention.

Also, remember when subjects actually leaked for the California exam in 2019 and people got mad over it? Do you want to know the subjects ahead of time or not? Make up your minds!

Maybe you’re too young to remember ancient history. I’ve been dealing with you people for too long.

Here’s why you should look toward essay/MEE predictions for entertainment value and morbid curiosity only:

(and 3 things you can focus on instead to take control over your studies)

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Marilynn Winged Bar Prep and Failed. Then She Passed the Bar Exam Doing This

Marilynn passed the February 2025 California Bar Exam on her second attempt. A classic repeater situation.

Right now, you have a massive advantage:

If you’re a repeater, you are starting from experience, not from scratch.

If you’re a first timer, you have a crystal ball into your future. It’s up to you to decide how much of these visions you’ll adopt or let pass as a dream.

If you aren’t confident academically, the good news is your law school grades are meaningless. It took one cycle of mistakes for Marilynn and me to realize that law school and bar prep are separate skills.

💬 “I was feeling so much disappointment, despair, and guilt for not passing the first time, especially as someone who also finished at around a 2.8 GPA in law school.”

Here’s where you’ll once again learn about the pitfalls of first timers you can avoid today.

Continue reading “Marilynn Winged Bar Prep and Failed. Then She Passed the Bar Exam Doing This”

From Zero Motivation to Passing the California Bar Exam (Those Who Wander ARE Lost)

Max didn’t do well in law school.

💬 “I graduated in 2020 near the bottom of my class. I rarely applied myself in law school, and when I did I still didn’t do that well. I don’t think I ever got an A on a midterm or a final, and l was even able to get test accommodations halfway through law school (more time on tests). I didn’t take the bar when I graduated because I was uninterested and didn’t I wouldn’t be able to pass.
💬 “I made some questionable choices during law school that I would be happy to tell you about during my success story interview one day (hopefully lol).”

He had ZERO motivation to take the bar exam. Who else relates??

💬 “In 2020 I technically took the October bar, but I did 0 studying, I had 0 interest. I took the Tennessee UBE because I was trying to find an easier path and they had a high pass rate. However, writing like 1-2 pages per essay with bullet points and then just clicking random on half the multiple choice because I just gave up on it. So I don’t really count that experience as an ‘attempt.’
💬 “Then I signed up for July 2022 Bar CA bar but, once again I didn’t study, and I withdrew a month or two before the exam.

Then Max passed the February 2025 CA Bar Exam on his first try in years (without score adjustments or remedies).

💬 “THANK YOU. I can’t believe I passed. It just seemed like the perfect storm this year I am so grateful to you and your magic sheets!

> casually drops by after years of stagnation
> snipes a pass
> refuses to elaborate

I will elaborate.

Continue reading “From Zero Motivation to Passing the California Bar Exam (Those Who Wander ARE Lost)”

How Amy Stayed Calm and Patient Through Bar Prep to Pass the Bar Exam

Amy passed the February 2024 California Bar Exam on her first try.

Yep, she passed last year and is back for more punishment.

💬 “I was a July 2024 CA bar taker and passed thanks to your lifesaving magicsheets and approsheets. I am now relocating to DC and have to take the July 2025 bar in DC.”

This is a good chance to peer into the mind of a high performer:

1) Amy graciously sent a detailed retrospective when I asked her for a recap of her study process, even though a year had passed. Those who are confident about doing it, share how to do it. I assume she’ll use a similar approach for the UBE.

2) The mind is half the battle in bar prep. Amy’s story teaches lessons on knowing when to correct course and staying calm and patient through bar prep.

This one’s for you if you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and on the verge of a spicy crashout.

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From “Studying” 15+ Hours a Day (and Feeling Behind) to Actually Learning

Justine passed the February 2025 California Bar Exam on her first try.

💬 “I’m happy to share that I’ve passed the February bar – on my first try as well!”

She was initially putting in 15+ hours a day with her bar review course!

But I’m about to show you why “working hard” doesn’t always mean you’re going to learn or retain any information.

Continue reading “From “Studying” 15+ Hours a Day (and Feeling Behind) to Actually Learning”