Are you supposed to study the day before the bar exam?

Asked by: Ms. Laisha Keeling  |  Last update: October 9, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (47 votes)

Studying the day before the exam tends to make students more panicked…which causes them to lose sleep and perform more poorly on the bar exam. Thus, trying to study the day before the exam can be more hurtful than it is helpful. Further, in general, you are not going to learn that much more the day before the bar exam.

Do you study the day before the bar exam?

Don't study. Your brain is like an over soaked sponge. You need to give it a break in order to allow for full absorption. When I said earlier that I usually tell my students that they should do ``absolutely nothing'' the day before the bar exam, not studying is what I am referring to.

Is it better to study the day before an exam?

Studying the day before an exam can be beneficial, but it's important to balance it with rest. Brief review sessions can help reinforce key concepts, refresh your memory, and boost confidence. However, it's equally essential to get adequate rest to ensure you're mentally alert and focused during the exam.

How many hours a day do you need to study for the bar?

In general, we recommend you treat studying for the bar exam as if it was a full-time job. So if you study 9-5, five days a week (assuming you are studying efficiently!), you should be on track to pass the bar exam! However, there are a few factors to take into account that may change this recommendation.

When should I start memorizing for the bar exam?

The two-week mark before the bar exam is usually a good indicator of when you should start emphasizing memorization. The problem is, memorization is actually one of the hardest parts of studying for the bar exam. Not because it's actually that difficult, but because memorizing is boring and tedious.

Should You Study the Day Before the Bar Exam?

42 related questions found

Is 2 months enough to study for the bar exam?

You should allow yourself 9 weeks of full-time studying (40-50 hours a week). If you are studying for the bar exam amidst other commitments, you will need to accommodate for less weekly hours by starting earlier (more like 15-20 weeks of studying).

Can you study for the bar in 4 weeks?

We recommend that students studying full-time begin 8-10 weeks (40-50 hours/week) before their exam. Those with extra responsibilities (e.g., job, children, etc.) should start studying as much as 4 months out (16-25 hours/week).

Can you study for the bar while working full-time?

It is completely possible to have a full-time job and study for the bar exam. But you have to know when to turn it off for the night. Studying for the bar exam is about being honest with yourself on what works for you and what doesn't, what areas you really know, and which ones you need to spend more time on.

Can I take the bar exam for fun?

Most states (not all) require you to have a J.D. to sit for the bar exam (or be sufficiently close in credits to having a J.D.). The exam is not free and no matter how brilliant you are, you're not going to pass without good preparation.

Is it better to study at night or day?

Benefits of Studying in the Night

Less distraction facilitates creativity and better concentration. Sleeping after a study session can also improve recall and consolidate information. Note: You should ensure that your child still gets about 8 to 9 hours of sleep despite studying at night.

What to do 30 minutes before an exam?

It's advisable to avoid cramming as it can lead to anxiety and fatigue. Instead, a quick and focused review of your study material can help refresh your memory. Additionally, simple relaxation techniques, like deep breathing exercises or visualizing success, can help in reducing stress.

Why is cramming the worst way to study?

Key Takeaways. Cramming may help in the short term but leads to dramatic forgetting rates and residual academic problems. Spaced-out learning, known as the spacing effect, improves long-term memory retention by studying material multiple times with breaks in between.

Does anyone ever feel ready for the bar exam?

Most students never feel ready for the bar exam.

It is a very difficult test. And it is extremely normal to want (or feel like you need) more time to study!

What should I wear on bar exam day?

Dress for comfort

You will be sitting for hours and hours. You don't want to spend those hours in pants that are too tight or a scratchy shirt. What you wear for the bar exam should be comfortable above all else. Make sure what you plan on wearing is comfortable for sitting for hours at a time.

What time should I wake up for bar exam?

Wake Up Early

Make sure to set your alarm nice and early to avoid a last-minute scramble. For example, if you're taking the California Bar Exam, you'll likely have a 9:00 a.m. start time. That means you should be waking up around 6:30 a.m. depending on how far you have to travel to the testing site.

How long should you study before taking the bar?

Plan on spending approximately 40 hours per week over 8-10 weeks studying for the bar exam. During the few weeks of bar prep, treat your studies like you would treat a new, important job.

Can you practice law if you pass the bar but didn t go to college?

Before you can practice law, you will need to choose a state that will allow you to take the bar exam without completing law school. Currently, Washington, Vermont, California and Virginia are the only four states that allow this process.

Can you work while being a full-time law student?

If you are working full-time while in law school, you are not alone! Many people work full time and attend law school in the evenings. Many law schools have programs specifically tailored to students who are working full time while in school. If you have to work full time, you should only attend school part-time.

When should I stop studying before bar exam?

The Day Before the Bar Exam

On the day before your exam, many students take the day off, which is perfectly fine! If you will be studying, our suggestion is to study for no more than 5 hours. During this time, we encourage you to complete very passive tasks.

How hard is the bar exam without going to law school?

The bar exam pass rate of an apprentice is about ⅓ of that of a student who attends an ABA approved law school, according to a study by Priceconomics. With a passing rate of approximately 27% for apprentices, it is clear there are topics that can be missed, that a traditional law school is sure to cover.

How long is too long to be at a bar?

It's actions such as these that start to appear like you've overstayed your welcome. In general, it's perfectly acceptable to sit around for a maximum of 30 minutes after you've finished your last drink or bites, but after that, it's time to mosey on. After all, others will be waiting for that prime table.

How many times can you fail the bar test?

Unlike some states that impose strict or discretionary limits on the number of attempts, California allows candidates to retake the bar exam as many times as necessary until they pass.

Should I start bar prep early?

BARBRI Early Start helps you build a solid foundation that will stay with you throughout the bar exam. Simply put, people who start early have a better chance of passing the bar.

How to pass the bar exam in 10 days?

10 Days Until the Bar Exam – What Should I Do?
  1. Stop making flashcards and stop writing your own outlines.
  2. Start (or keep) memorizing.
  3. Don't answer 100 MBE questions a day.
  4. Bullet point essays.
  5. Work on the MPT section!
  6. Boost your confidence!