July 2023 Bar Exam: DID YOU KNOW?

Hello Prospective May 2023 Graduates,

Stetson is 100% committed to your success on the bar exam!

To assist you in gearing up for the July 2023 bar exam, Academic Success and Bar Preparation Services will send you routine “Did You Know” emails with critical reminders, tips, and strategies.  It is imperative that you review these emails carefully and respond accordingly.   Tips #5-#8 are below.

DID YOU KNOW…

1.  It is estimated that bar takers spend approximately 500 hours preparing for the bar exam.

a.       SAVE THE DATES:  The July 2023 bar exam is Tuesday, July 25, 2023 and Wednesday, July 26, 2023.  It is important to note, the Stetson College of Law commencement is Saturday, May 13, 2023, and the 10-week bar review study period begins Monday, May 15, 2023.

b.      TIP #5: Start early.  The bar study period is typically 10 calendar weeks, which means approximately 50 hours a week is spent on bar preparation study activities to accomplish the 500 hour goal.  These study activities are different from law school and require strategic planning and execution to ensure adequate coverage of the various subjects (your bar review course is designed to help you accomplish that goal.)   Bar study activities include, watching subject matter review lectures, completing and then reviewing practice questions (essays and multiple choice), reviewing specific areas in need of additional remediation after completing assessments, taking practice tests, etc.  While this appears to be a large number of hours, it is doable if you plan well and starting early is key.  If you are working during bar preparation, talk to your workplace in advance about arranging for time off or an alternative work schedule that will allow for time to study.  Some bar takers have taken one (or more) days off per week and devote that time to the bulk of their studies, or they study in the evening and on the weekend and request a large block of time off in the weeks right before the exam.    Even if you are not planning to work during the 10-week period, you should still start early if you can.  Bar takers have found starting early extremely beneficial and can help you to remain on track if something unexpected happens during the bar prep study period.  See tip#2 from last week about avoiding planning long trips before and during the bar prep study period.

c.       TIP #6: Develop your study plan now.  Print out a blank calendar. Work backwards from the date of your bar exam (July 25-26, 2023) to fill in how many hours per day and week you plan to study until you reach 500 hours. Be sure to take into account obligations that cannot be skipped.  This will give you YOUR start date. 50 hours a week is a lot. Again, you are encouraged to start even if you don’t have other obligations. Either way, make sure you have a plan in place well before graduation!  Have you looked at the ASBP Bar Prep Toolkit: When , Where, and Why?  If not, click HERE.

2.  Save now for bar related expenses $$$.  Taking the bar exam can be EXPENSIVE!

a.       TIP #7:  If you have not developed a budget for bar prep, do it now.  As family and friends start to ask you about desired graduation gifts, you may want to consider requesting they contribute to your bar study fund as one way to help defray costs.  Bar related expenses to consider include (but is not limited to):

  • The costs associated with submitting your bar application or conversion fee for your bar application.
  • The cost of a complete commercial bar review course.
  • The cost of living expenses during the bar prep study period (e.g., groceries, mortgage/rent, utilities, car payment, credit card/loan debt payments, childcare, health care related expenses, etc.)
  • Hotel costs for staying overnight in Tampa and lunch costs for both days of the exam.

3.  Academic Success and Bar Preparation Services is currently hosting individual bar conferences.

  1. SAVE THE DATES:  Graduation and the start of the bar review study period are quickly approaching, but you are not alone, we are here to help!
  2. TIP #8: You are strongly encouraged to schedule a bar preparation planning conference with Academic Success and Bar Preparation Services. Scheduling a conference is easy. STEP #1: Complete the BAR INFORMATION FORM and submit it upon completion. STEP #2: Check below for the first initial in your last name and click the correct link to schedule a conference. 
Last NameAppointment Link
A-LCLICK HERE FOR A-L
M-ZCLICK HERE FOR M-Z

Make note of the tips above and ACT NOW!

Stay tuned for more DID YOU KNOW emails!

#OneAndDone

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