National Jurist - February 2008 - (Page 31) HELP! Tips Ursula Take a bar prep course BY URSULA FURI-PERRY, ESQ. Take a bar prep course. This was something I didn’t do, for lack of time—and while self-studying worked for me and I passed the bar as a first-time taker, I definitely don’t advocate going alone. A bar prep course will give you the structure, overview, and subject matter knowledge you need to pass. You’ll also get plenty of writing tips and pointers about analyzing multiple choice questions. If you can’t take a prep course, at least get access to great materials. Bar prep is NOT the time to rely solely on your law school outlines, no matter how great they may be! Many of the books, videos and CD’s used in commercial bar courses can be purchased without taking a course, and there are several companies that let you sign up for online practice questions for a fraction of the cost of taking a prep course. In fact, you may even find low-cost or free alternatives: I saved loads of money by taking bar prep books and CD’s out of my local trial court’s law library for free. Go to the most trusted source for prep materials: The Bar Examiners. The National Board of Bar Examiners sells previously released MBE questions, has an online practice exam, and a free exam outline. State bar examiners also post past essay exam questions and sometimes model answers. Come up with a system to keep yourself motivated and on track. Whether it’s rewarding yourself for every week that you meet your study goals or logging the number of questions you’ve done, make sure your motivation stays as high as possible throughout exam preparation. I kept from on track by “billing” my bar prep time to myself: As if I were billing clients, I wrote down the number of hours I’d spent studying each day and the subjects or tasks I’d covered. Seeing the enormous amount of time I was putting into exam preparation made me all the more motivated to keep going and pass the first time. Set realistic goals. With two kids, being pregnant, running my writing business, working on my first book and teaching multiple college courses, I knew I wouldn’t be able to do the recommended eight weeks of full-time bar study. So, I started studying early — three and a half months before the exam. The first thing I did was “map out” my study course: For fifteen weeks, I decided what subjects I would study, how many multiple choice questions I would do, which essays I would outline, and what materials I would use. More importantly, I followed my “maps” and kept to my original plans more or less the entire time I studied. Use your time wisely. I only had help with child care for six days during the months I’d spent on bar preparation, and I used them to focus on multiple choice questions and take simulated full-length exams—I knew those were my weaknesses and that my time was best spent focusing on them. Keep yourself healthy. This is not the time to neglect mind, body and spirit—eat healthy, exercise, and get as much sleep as possible. On the days of the exam, I made sure I had a healthy breakfast and walked two miles during lunch to clear my mind; I am convinced that helped me pass! Indian Law Summer Program May 27 to August 4, 2008 Lewis & Clark Law School Portland, Oregon We offer the only summer program dedicated to training lawyers to navigate the complex legal issues facing Native Americans. Our program incorporates classroom-based learning with opportunities for the development of practical skills and exposure to Native American culture. Taught by renowned Indian law scholars from around the country, the program consists of two five-week sessions offering Federal Indian Law, Contemporary Issues in Indian Law, Themes in Sovereignty, and the Clinical Internship Seminar. We also offer two-week intensive courses in Indian Gaming, American Indians and International Law, Economic Development in Indian Country, and Cultural Resources Protection. Please contact us at 503-768-6740 or indianlw@lclark.edu for more information. Scholarships are available. law.lclark.edu/dept/indianlw February 2008 THE NATIONAL JURIST 31 http://www.mybarprep.com http://law.lclark.edu/dept/indianlw
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