On a Thursday in November, unsuccessful California bar exam candidates receive a letter from the Committee of Bar Examiners stating “…you were unsuccessful on the July 2023 California Bar Examination.” Let’s figure out what your score means. Your letter can help you figure out what to focus on going forward to properly allocate your time and resources in the areas where you need the most help. First, a refresher on bar scoring. You need to achieve a total scaled 1390 or better to pass the exam. The exam is broken into two parts for scoring purposes. The written portion of the exam (essays and ..read more

Hey there, future lawyers! If you’re gearing up to take the California Bar Exam, you probably know that the Essays portion can be a nerve-wracking experience. But fear not! I have some exciting news that will make your bar exam preparation a whole lot easier. Introducing The Best CA Bar Essays Book by me! Maureen MacManus, Esq + CEO of BarMD. This digital gem is designed to equip you with the skills and strategies needed to excel in the Essays section of the CA Bar Exam. Let’s dive in and discover why this book is your secret weapon to conquering the essays! Templates for Perfectly Structured ..read more

While it’s the most “lawyerly” part of the bar examination, drafting a winning performance test isn’t easy. After all, the examiners expect you to demonstrate several important skills, including time management, reading comprehension, and drafting legal analysis, in a measly ninety minutes. We previously posted some tips for perfecting your performance test approach in this blog post. Today, we’re sharing a few additional tips to add to your performance test toolbox. Sidebar: If you need help preparing for the MBE or mastering your essays, we can assist! Add in Analogical Reasoning The perfo ..read more

Although not all examinees give the performance test its due, the importance of this part of the bar examination can’t be overstated. Not only is it the most “lawyer-like” part of the exam, because it’s worth as much as two essay questions, but it can also be the difference between seeing your name on the pass list and repeating the exam. There’s no substitute for practice (while many bar companies only assign a few performance tests during the review period, we suggest you aim to write at least one a week-under timed conditions, of course). Keep the following tips in mind as you perfect your ..read more

In our last post, we shared that the mean score for the February 2022 administration of the MBE tied a record low. This corresponded to drops (sometimes quite significant) in passage rates in jurisdictions all over the country. What does this mean for examinees studying for July? Those hoping to see their names on the pass list in the fall will need to engage in dedicated and deliberate practice. There aren’t any shortcuts but read on for some counsel on how to bolster your score. Sidebar: For extra assistance, check out our Mastering the MBE workshop series. Understand the WHY Behind Your W ..read more

In our last post, we shared that the mean score for the February 2022 administration of the MBE tied a record low. This corresponded to drops (sometimes quite significant) in passage rates in jurisdictions all over the country. What does this mean for examinees studying for July? Those hoping to see their names on the pass list in the fall will need to engage in dedicated and deliberate practice. There aren’t any shortcuts but read on for some counsel on how to bolster your score. Sidebar: For extra assistance, check out our Mastering the MBE workshop series. Understand the WHY Behind Your W ..read more

Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, the MBE continues to be an obstacle for many bar takers. The mean score for the February 2022 administration was 132.6, down from a mean score of 134 last year, and tying the record low score from February 2020. We’ve previously shared some tips for tackling different MBE subjects (such as evidence, contracts, and civil procedure). Today, we wanted to share some additional general tips to help ensure you make the right call when it comes to choosing between A, B, C, and D on the big day. Sidebar: For more assistance, check out our Mastering the MB ..read more

We previously noted that California’s new lower cut score doesn’t necessarily mean you will make the cut with lower essay score. We also shared some general tips to help you write your way to passing. Read on for two additional tips to ensure you rock this portion of the exam! For additional assistance with your exams, consider our Master CA Bar Essay Course or EssayRx: Our CA Bar Essay and Performance Test Database. Pressed For Time? Focus on the Missing Element. If you’re faced with an essay that tests a multitude of elemental issues such as torts, crimes, or contract defenses (a prime exa ..read more

When the California Supreme Court permanently lowered the passing score from 1440 to 1390, there was some speculation that bar takers could achieve a passing score on the written section of the California Bar Examination by scoring 60s. The February 2022 administration put that speculation to rest. Applicants needed to average 62.781 across all written events to achieve the required scaled score to pass. Further, even hitting a 62.781 in July might not be enough to make the cut. We previously shared some tips for tackling each of the subjects that could appear on the essay portion of the Calif ..read more

Picture this—you had the rule for express conditions down cold on Monday, but when the rule pops up on a practice essay on Friday, you draw a complete blank. Meet your bar examination foe—the Forgetting Curve. First discovered by German psychologist Hermann Ebbinhaus in the late nineteenth century, the Forgetting Curve proves human memory “leaks” over time. After conducting a series of experiments, Ebbinghuas established that, by default, we forget approximately 75% of what we have learned after only six days. Given that the bar examination in every jurisdiction is “closed-book,” it’s pro ..read more