My preparation was less than ideal. I work full time and have a family. I worked the regular 50 hour work weeks while I studied for the bar. (Before anyone thinks I'm making excuses, I'm not).
I did not take any bar courses and I only studied for approximately 4 weeks. I did have previous bar takers notes, two PMBR MBE books, and two Adachi bar books (Barbreakers for essay prep and the surival it for reference). I highly recommend his survival series (look at link area to the right). I also downloaded all the essays and performance exams on the CAL bar website.
Because of my work schedule and family commitments, there was no set schedule. Sometimes, I did 100 MBE questions and sometimes, I didn't do any. If you can stick with 25-50 per day and really, I mean REALLY, understand the answers, whether you got it right or wrong, I think that is more ideal. Sometimes I would do 2 essays, and sometimes I would do none. It was totally crazy trying to juggle everything.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Random thoughts after two days of reflection
1. It's hard but doable.
2. I was not prepared as I should and it will probably reflect in Nov.
3. Do not listen to predictions.
4. Do not bring a digital watch or a cell phone into the exam center. Bring a non-digital watch for timing purposes.
5. Bring a lot of writing instruments, several pencils, pens, highlighters, etc.
6. Dress in layers so you are prepared for different temperature changes.
7. Bring a lunch and eat in the car.
8. Get to the center early in case there is traffic and do not leave for lunch, just in case there are car problems.
9. Have a backup number or taxi number just in case you have car problems.
10. Set several alarms for the morning and if you take a nap in the car for lunch, make sure you have several alarms like watch, phone, etc.
11. Sleep is more important than studying and getting less than ideal sleep.
I'll probably add to these as I have more time to reflect and I will definitely expand on several of these later on.
2. I was not prepared as I should and it will probably reflect in Nov.
3. Do not listen to predictions.
4. Do not bring a digital watch or a cell phone into the exam center. Bring a non-digital watch for timing purposes.
5. Bring a lot of writing instruments, several pencils, pens, highlighters, etc.
6. Dress in layers so you are prepared for different temperature changes.
7. Bring a lunch and eat in the car.
8. Get to the center early in case there is traffic and do not leave for lunch, just in case there are car problems.
9. Have a backup number or taxi number just in case you have car problems.
10. Set several alarms for the morning and if you take a nap in the car for lunch, make sure you have several alarms like watch, phone, etc.
11. Sleep is more important than studying and getting less than ideal sleep.
I'll probably add to these as I have more time to reflect and I will definitely expand on several of these later on.
The purpose of this blog
I'm going to use it as a diary of random notes, thoughts, and things I did right and wrong in prep for the July 2008 CA bar so I will be better prepared for Feb 2009. People that know me will know I am not one of those people that will say I didn't study and I think I got a "C", and then turn around and get an "A." My predictions are pretty accurate as to my self-assessments and I can honestly say I think I did about a 2 out of 10.
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