Is 12 weeks enough to study for the bar?

Asked by: Marcellus Wuckert  |  Last update: April 30, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (26 votes)

The time you invest in bar exam studies is precious. There is a lot to learn in a short period — experts recommend between 350 and 400 hours of studying, and most students spend 8 to 10 weeks studying for the bar exam. You must be sure you are using that study time as efficiently as possible.

How many weeks should you study for bar?

While your study time, days and location are extremely flexible, passing the bar exam requires time and commitment. 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 study for the bar in 2 months?

Although the majority of bar takers recently graduated from law school, and many can study full-time over the course of two months, not everyone has that luxury. If you are an “unconventional bar student,” don't fret. You can still pass the bar! Because of the nature of your schedule, there is no “typical” study plan.

How early is too early to study for the bar?

It's Never Too Early to Think About Bar Prep It doesn't matter whether you are a 1L, or in your final year of law school. Thinking about the bar exam should start as soon as possible so that a good foundation can be laid before actual bar prep begins.

How long does it take to study for baby bar?

The California Committee of Bar Examiners (CBE) will verify that you have, or will have, completed 1 year of law study prior to admission to sit for the baby bar.

How to Do More in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months

38 related questions found

Is baby bar harder than bar?

The baby bar has a much lower pass rate than most other bar exams. Around 27% of first-time test takers passed in 2020. But this doesn't mean the exam is harder than the actual bar exam in California or any other state.

How many times did Kim take the baby bar?

The baby bar test is a shorter and less difficult version of the California bar exam. Passing the baby bar allows law students to continue their legal education and apprenticeship and to take the state bar exam again. Kim failed the bar test three times before passing on her fourth attempt.

Do most people fail the bar exam the first time?

Notably, the most substantial disparity occurred in July 2022, with 36 percent of CALS graduates successfully passing the bar exam as first-time applicants, while only 13 percent of graduates from unaccredited schools achieved the same outcome.

Is barbri early start worth it?

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.

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.

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 many times fail bar exam?

You're in luck! There is no limit to the number of times you can take the bar exam in the state of California.

What is the last week of bar prep?

The last week of bar prep is the time to focus on what information has the greatest chance of being on the exam. Don't spend that time working out the nuances of minor or obscure rules that aren't likely to be tested. Go subject by subject and review those highly tested topics so that you are prepared for them!

What is the pass rate for BARBRI?

Notably, BARBRI candidates who completed more than 90% of their Personal Study Plan (PSP) performed particularly well, with a 67% pass rate.

How hard is it to study for the bar?

Studying for the bar is like drinking out of a fire hydrant. It feels never-ending. There's always more to know and it comes at you too quickly. The challenge is synthesizing the law into a coherent body so that you can apply the content you've learned to intelligently answer whatever question the exam throws at you.

How long are most bar prep courses?

Most bar prep courses are around two months long, but you may want to spend more or less time studying depending on personal considerations.

Is BARBRI free if you fail?

The BARBRI Guarantee allows bar exam takers who do not pass the bar exam a free repeat of the same BARBRI Bar Review course prior to sitting the next exam cycle.

Is early head start worth it?

By preventing children from scoring in the lowest-functioning group, Early Head Start may be reducing their risk of poor cognitive, language, and school outcomes later on.

Is Kaplan or BARBRI better for bar prep?

Honestly, after using and reviewing both of these bar review packages, we give Kaplan the higher overall grade. That might surprise some people, as Barbri is the giant in the space (with close to 60% market share), but their course is dated and overkill.

How many times did JFK Jr. take the bar exam?

Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the New York University School of Law in 1989. He then failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third try in July 1990. After failing the exam for a second time Kennedy vowed that he would continue to take it until he was ninety-five years old or passed.

What is the hardest state to pass the bar exam in?

California is widely considered to have the hardest bar exam, due to its low pass rate and the difficulty of the content and constraints of the exam.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the LSAT?

She failed it 3 times before finally passing in 2021 (which apparently is pretty common for people who take this path). A few years later, I have not heard anything about her attempting the real bar exam.

Does the baby bar make you a lawyer?

1. Does Passing the Baby Bar Make You a Lawyer? No, it doesn't. Passing the baby bar allows first-year law students to receive credit for the education they have completed and allows them to continue completing their JD.

Did Kim Kardashian have a BBL?

Kim Kardashian, perhaps the most dominant Kardashian figure of all, has openly admitted that her BBL was painful and not worth it. Thus, she then got a BBL reduction. Renowned for the stunning curves she takes pride in, Kim may have as well put an end to the BBL trend just by getting hers removed.