How does one eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
Graduating students have already put in years of studying and sacrifice to accomplish what many people only dream of: earning their Juris Doctor. That achievement is no small feat, and it proves they have the skills, perseverance, and intellect to take on the next challenge of this July’s bar exam.
Kaplan Exam Prep recommends that anyone taking the July bar exam should start studying May 12th. Even if students haven’t started studying yet, it’s not too late. Also, at CUNY Law, students don’t have to face this challenge alone. Through CUNY Law’s bar exam support services, students have free access to Kaplan bar prep, one-on-one mentorship, study planning, and wellness support.
June is a critical month for students to sharpen their focus, lean into their law school community, and prioritize bar preparation. To help students maximize every moment, Sandra Irby, Executive Director of Bar Preparation and Licensing Programs at CUNY Law, is sharing her top five tips for staying on track. Her guidance to students is all about how to take on this “elephant” one manageable bite at a time.
Sandra Irby’s Tips for Studying for the Bar Exam
1: Keep a schedule and stick to it
Study every day with modest breaks to consume the material habitually.
2: Practice, practice, practice
While studying, commit to practicing each component of the bar exam.
3: Sleep, sleep, sleep
A decent self-care routine includes exercise and 6-8 hours of sleep.
4: Complete 90% of your bar review course
Do what the experts say.
5: Stay hydrated, keep snacks, and wear your comfy clothes
It’s a sitting marathon – buckle up and enjoy the ride.
“Franklin D. Roosevelt said, ‘We have nothing to fear but fear itself.’ I believe, if you focus on what you can control (your studying, sleep and self-care habits), and focus on why you are becoming a lawyer (your passion), you will be a powerful, self-motivated candidate successfully sitting for your bar exam. This is your time to shine.”
– Sandra Irby, Executive Director, Bar Preparation and Licensing Programs
Don’t forget to mark your calendars with these key dates and events for bar preparation:
- 5/23 – 7/27: Bar Study Rooms, All day – 4/211 (w/ refreshments) & 4/217 (quiet room)
- 6/23: Kaplan Midterm, 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM – with lunch, 3/301
- 7/9: MBE Mock Test Day (using PMBR), 9:15-5:00 – with lunch, Community Room, 3/301
- 7/10: Bar Game Night, 4:00-6:00 PM – food and drinks, 3/302
- 7/15 & 7/16: Bar Bourse Final with Lunch, 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM – 1/202