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."

You know what, it’s my fault for reading social media.

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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MBE Tips and Best Supplements to Get

Ah yes, the MBE, everyone’s favorite multiple-guess section…

  • 1.8 minutes per question for 6 hours
  • Paranoia from seeing seven C’s in a row on your answer sheet
  • 50/50 choices that make you go, “Damn, what’s with this ultimate decision?”

Up to 50% of your bar exam score hangs on a series of letters. I don’t mean essays, which are also a series of letters.

Wow! Sounds important.

For some people, the MBE comes easily while the essays don’t. For some other people, the essays come very easily while the MBE seems impossible.

If neither is your strong suit (like it was for me)…then you’re out of luck.

Just kidding. It’s never over. If you lack the talent of high scores, develop the talent of grit instead.

While the MBE is a formidable portion of the bar, improving on it is figure-out-able.

So how do you improve your MBE score? Here are:

  • 3 quick tactics you can try RIGHT NOW
  • 3 study strategies for success on the MBE
  • How to implement these tactics and strategies
Continue reading “MBE Tips and Best Supplements to Get”

Bar Prep Wisdom from Succulents

I went to a succulents gardening workshop the other day 🌱

I figured succulents wouldn’t wither under my care like the flowers I tried arranging before. There’s a limit to how much talent one person can have, I guess.

But there’s no limit to how much I think about bar prep because that’s what I started thinking about when I was listening to the instructor 🤦🏻‍♂️

4 relevant lessons and also photos of my bald-looking succulent bowl:

(First lesson: “You have to kill a lot of plants to be an expert.” 🤯)

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Lessons from Passing the UBE (Utah Bar Exam) with a 314

“N” passed the February 2025 Utah Bar Exam (UBE), scoring a whopping 314 on her first attempt.

💬 “Just got my results yesterday! I passed the UBE with a score of 314!!!”

Epic!

For context, most UBE jurisdictions require a score 266 or 270 to pass, and scores over 300 are rare. So N really outdid herself.

Of course, I had to ask how she pulled it off so I can share it with you.

Continue reading “Lessons from Passing the UBE (Utah Bar Exam) with a 314”

Pass the Bar by Being Aware of Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Tristan passed the 2024 July California Bar Exam on his first attempt.

He credits his success to self-awareness of his strengths, weaknesses, and what would work for him.

He was a glass cannon (super good at the MBE) and not confident about passing, but he was composed and calculated about the whole process.

Let’s see what Tristan went through in his first and only successful attempt.

Continue reading “Pass the Bar by Being Aware of Your Strengths and Weaknesses”