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The bar exam is just 10 short weeks away. If you’re signed up for the February exam, there is a good chance that you are already studying. However, since this study period lands over the holidays, there are some people who are waiting until January to start their studies.
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. That being said, if you are working full-time and haven’t started studying yet, it would probably behoove you to do so now. There are just at 10 weeks left until the bar exam. Chop-chop!
If the answer is no, then 6-8 weeks is probably ample time.
Do you have an extended vacation planned over the holidays or at any portion of January or February?
If the answer is yes, then you may want to start early 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 holiday is low, so 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.
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? This would include family obligations, work, or anything else that takes up your time.
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.
