Law Schools

The Bar Exam Pep Talk Every Student Needs To Read

If you aren’t going to study the day before the exam, what are you going to do? Read this.

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Instructing students to not study the day before the bar exam is a popular piece of advice (and one that I actually support). But, if you aren’t going to study the day before the exam, what are you going to do? Sit around pondering  your feelings? Freak out? Try to recite your entire Torts outline from memory? Meltdown?

Don’t. Read this instead.

Dear Bar Exam Candidate,

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the end of bar prep. That in and of itself is an accomplishment to be celebrated. Instead of just moving onto the next thing (the bar exam itself), take some time today to acknowledge and celebrate that hard work and long hours you put into studying.

If you’re feeling a little “off” today, that makes sense. You’ve been going a million miles an hour all day, every day for months, and now that has abruptly stopped. It is okay that you can’t shake the feeling that you are forgetting to do something, or worse, forgetting everything you’ve learned. It is normal for you to feel unsettled or antsy. Tomorrow is a big day for you, and the fact that you’re nervous just shows that you care.

But I want you to shut down the thoughts that say things like “I’m not ready,” “I didn’t study enough,” and “I can’t do this.” These aren’t the kind of thoughts or nerves that will help to move you forward. Rather they are the kind that breed self-doubt and anxiety, which hinder performance.

Replace those thoughts with words like “I am prepared,” “I am going to do the best I can,” or “I am ready to take on this challenge.” And not just because I’m telling you to, but because the evidence of how you studied tends to suggest that these statements are true.

You put in the work, you did the practice questions, you studied and memorized the law. Now it is time to go leave it all on the court (or desk).

Finally, you have to realize that your world won’t end if you fail the bar exam. There. I said your worst fear. Sometimes you spend so much time avoiding even thinking about that possibility that you drive yourself into a deeper state of anxiety than if you just acknowledged it.

Of course it isn’t the outcome that you hope for, but by reminding yourself that even if the worst does happen, you’ll still be okay gives you some power back. It reminds you that there is no outcome that could occur that would be unsurvivable. This places you in a position of control rather than fear.

A special note to re-takers

I am in constant amazement of your ability to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity. I have a few special reminders for you.

You’re strong. You went through “the worst” thing that could happen and lived to tell the tale. You didn’t quit. You could have. You could have said “this whole lawyer thing isn’t for me” and given up on taking the exam. But you dusted yourself off and showed up to fight another day.

You’re capable. You are smart enough to pass this exam. Everything you need to be successful is already inside of you.

You deserve to pass this exam. It is time to let go of any negative thoughts or feelings you have about yourself from previous exams. Let go of any of the should-haves, would-haves, or could-haves. There is nothing wrong with you and you deserve to pass this exam just as much as any first-time taker does.

No matter what happens over the next few days, be proud of yourself. You’ve already put in the time and effort. Remember, the bar exam is just one piece of the puzzle that is your life. It doesn’t define you, and it certainly isn’t the endgame. Show up, do your very best, and put it behind you. Good luck!

Love,

Kerriann

Kerriann Stout is a millennial law school professor and founder of Vinco (a bar exam coaching company) who is generationally trapped between her students and colleagues. Kerriann has helped hundreds of students survive law school and the bar exam with less stress and more confidence. She lives, works, and writes in the northeast. You can reach her by email at info@vincoprep.com.

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