You got the news that no bar exam taker ever wants to read. Your bar results letter read “we regret to inform you that you have failed bar exam.” First, let me say that I’m sorry, that sucks, and I wish you didn’t have to go through this. You’re probably somewhere in the range of emotions between disappointed and devastated. And, although it might not seem like it today, everything is going to be okay. You’re going to study again and pass this test next time. Here are some action steps you can take right now to put yourself on the path to success.
1. Process your feelings
You have just been hit with a major life change and you have to allow yourself some time and space to process your feelings. Before you write me off for starting with such a “woo-woo” touchy-feely bit of advice, hear me out. This weekend, I interviewed 25 people who successfully passed the bar exam, many of whom passed on a 2+ try, and almost all of them said in one way or another that getting their mindset right was a huge factor in their bar prep success.
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I promise that if you don’t take the time early on to sit with and deal with your emotions about failing the bar exam, you are going to carry them with you through retaking the test and they will resurface and distract you frequently. So, do whatever it is that you need to over the next few days to come to terms with your situation and get your mindset in a good place to begin studying again.
2. Reach out to your law school
Remember that place you spent hundreds of thousands of dollars getting your law degree? You should call them ASAP and see what services and support they can offer you. If you already know someone in your academic success department, I would suggest starting there, as these are generally the people tasked with helping students pass the bar exam. When you reach out, be prepared to talk to them about how you studied, what your scores were, and how you can improve. While you are at it, ask them if they know of any discounts or deals on supplemental bar prep materials like extra practice questions, outlines, or flashcards that you may be interested in using this time around.
3. Order your essays
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In many jurisdictions, you have the option to purchase the essays that you wrote on test day along with the sample answers. If this is available in your jurisdiction, I highly recommend that you take advantage of it. Being able to review how you performed on test day can provide you valuable information about what changes you need to make in order to be successful.
4. Re-evaluate your study plan
Now that you have a clear head and some feedback on how you did, it is time to take a long, hard look at how you prepared the first time. This is the only way to determine where things went wrong and how to fix them. Write down your prior study plan in as much detail as possible. Consider including the following information:
- What specific methods did you use to break down and memorize the law?
- How many practice questions did you do for each portion of the bar exam?
- How many writing assignments did you receive feedback on?
- How did you review practice questions and implement feedback?
- What were your scores on your practice questions?
- What impact did stress/anxiety have on your ability to focus?
5. Consider getting extra help
Once you’ve gone through the first four steps, if you are still feeling confused, overwhelmed, or not sure where to start, it might be time to consult with a bar exam coach or tutor. This is a person who can help you make sense of your results, formulate a plan for success, and help you stick to your plan in order to achieve your goals. This level of support does require an investment, so I highly recommend that you speak with multiple services and compare their offerings, methods, and strategies before making a decision.
I know this entire process can seem completely overwhelming, and even impossible. But, with the right plan in place, you can and will pass the bar exam!
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 [email protected].