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The bar exam is a little over three months away. If you are signed up for the July exam, you’re probably wondering when you should start studying.
So how do you determine when you should start studying? The short answer is that there is no predetermined amount of time. As each student is a unique individual, so is the length of study time. Most students can benefit from 6-8 weeks of full-time study for the exam. This is good news for you because we are quickly approaching that time frame.
So how do you know if you should study longer than that generally prescribed period? You should consider these things.
Are you working during this time?
If the answer is yes, then you should probably start sooner. You will get burned out and extremely exhausted if you try to work full-time and study full-time concurrently. It is more doable if you are only working part-time. Students who work full-time can benefit from an extended study schedule. Full-time workers can benefit from our AmeriBar study calendars that exceed the typical 60-day calendar. The exam is still far enough away for you determine when you want to begin. If your target is studying 8-12 weeks, then you still have time before you should begin.
If the answer is no, then 6-8 weeks is probably ample time.
Do you have an extended summer vacation planned?
If the answer is yes, then you may want to start earlier than 6-8 weeks out so that you don’t have to spend a significant amount of time studying over your holiday. Plus, the likelihood of you committing a great amount of time to studying on your vacation is low. If you don’t account for this in your study schedule, you’re probably putting yourself at a disadvantage. Again, building this time off into one of our AmeriBar sample study schedules will vastly improve your chances of staying on schedule and passing the bar exam.
If the answer is no, then 6-8 weeks is probably ample time.
Did you just graduate?
If the answer is no, then you may want to study earlier.
If the answer is yes but you’re working full-time, see the first question in this list.
If the answer is yes and you can study full-time, then you probably don’t need to spend more than 8 weeks studying. Of course, if you had any issues in law school or you feel that you need to study longer, then do so. If you haven’t already chosen your bar course provider, try out our AmeriBar no obligation free trial. We think you will enjoy our program.
Do you have significant obligations outside of studying?
If the answer is yes, then you may want to study earlier.
If the answer is no, then 6-8 weeks is probably ample time.
How comfortable are you with your knowledge of the law?
If you are very comfortable with the law, then 6-8 weeks is plenty of time for you to study.
If you struggle with one or more areas of the law, then you may want to start studying earlier. You may also consider tutoring in addition to increasing your study time. If you’re interested in AmeriBar tutoring, be sure to let us know.
Again, you know your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone else. You should start studying when you feel comfortable, but keep in mind that we do not recommend studying any fewer than six weeks for the bar exam. If you have any questions for us, feel free to give us a call at 800-529-2651.