I coulda been sworn in today, but since I SUCK, I wasn't.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

I must be dumber than a box of rocks.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

1. What's this all about then, eh?

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

2. Stupid Texas bar exam is killing me.

All my PA friends have passed and been sworn in now - putting a lot of pressure on myself to get over this seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

3. How often is it offered? Is it multiple choice, essay, oral, or combo?

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

5. It's offered every February and July

I've already failed the thing twice. Texas only gives you five tries, so I have three more chances to get it right. It's a three-day exam. First day is 40 short answer questions (to be done in 90 minutes) and a 90-minute written performance test. Second day is 200 beastly multiple choice questions. Third day is 12, count 'em, 12 essays on Texas subjects (none of which is particularly close to my heart except Family Law and maybe Wills). I wish it were oral; I think I could BS my way through.

I'm feeling very down on myself right now, but am determined to pass this monstrosity and finally try to find a job in which I can help the "mythical little guy."

How are you and Mrs. MM doing?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

9. She's doing well, DPTBK. We just had a litter of puppies and we're

down to our last two.

Which section of the test has been your downfall? Do you know? Do they tell you where you missed questions? Even if they don't, can you "tell" where you came up short? Do you have any problems with time pressure? Do you have problems with specialized type of questions, like "type K" questions:

a. if 1 and 3 are correct
b. if 2 is correct
c. if 2 and 4 are correct
d. if 1,2,3 and 4 are correct (etc etc)

I ask because I've always been a monster at any kind of standardized test, and I've spent a lifetime taking them. As medicine is not law, I probably couldn't help you with the essay stuff, but as far as other test taking strategies I might be able to. Time strategy and type "K" question strategy I can definitely help with.

Are you using the best possible study materials or courses?

I find the best preparation for any standardized test is to take a lot of tests like it, under as close to the conditions as possible. So, for instance, if there are any prep or "gouge" courses that utilize actual bar exam questions "harvested" by recent test takers, that is the best possible prep (and especially since you might see some of the actual questions on the exam).

Medical specialty board exams have spawned a whole mini industry of prep courses and books, some good, some not so much... but I couldn't tell you which ones were good for law.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

10. I wish they gave us more information.

In Texas they do tell you how many of the MC you got right on each section, but for the essays you only get your score for the combined (e.g., 37/50).

The two prep courses I've taken are, I believe, the two most popular, and they supposedly suffice for most students. I do admit that I probably goofed off a little too much the first two times. The first time I took it (last July) I had just moved to Texas from Pennsylvania and was busy getting settled in. I didn't have that excuse in February, however.

I used to be such a good test taker in college; I could finish a history exam in 15 minutes and get a 98 on it. Those days are gone forever. I've been feeling as calm as possible during the exam; last time I even listened to a test-taking anxiety hypnosis CD, which seemed to help me remain calm. The problem with the MC are that usually all 4 choices are excellent; you can get it down to 2, but then you have a 50-50 shot at getting the correct answer. You really have to know the law COLD, and I admit that I didn't spend enough time getting that down before. I'm trying to change that now. As for the essays, we have 30 minutes on each essay, and each question usually has 3-4 subparts, so it's really grueling.

Mr. DTBK took 6 tries to pass his psychiatry oral boards, so he does know how I feel. However, not being board certified has no impact on his job; in my case, I can't practice law until I pass the bar exam. It's exceedingly frustrating.

[slide to the left]

19. Texas tests are awful

The TExES was so hard for education. You will be fine. Get a private tutor.

[Floogeldy]

4. Sweetheart

Don't give up. U R gonna be okay. :)

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

6. Thanks.

My husband said if I can't make it in five tries we'd move to another state. Of course, there's a school of thought that says if I can't pass it in five tries my next step should be to don a McDonalds uniform and inquire as to your desire for fries.

[Floogeldy]

13. I trust you.

These are your words:

"I do admit that I probably goofed off a little too much the first two times."

"You really have to know the law COLD, and I admit that I didn't spend enough time getting that down before. I'm trying to change that now."

You know what to do. And you will.

[tigereye]

16. some of my friends had similar experiences with

the psychologist licensing exam - one person somehow thought she had to write the answers down instead of using the multiple choice form - ! They were nice and let her re-take it, which was cool.


I suppose it depends on the state. I know many of us spent months walking around with study cards and talking to ourselves before the exam. I suspect the Bar is an even bigger hurdle. Good luck and think positive!

[Gormy Cuss]

20. Your hubby is a sweetheart.

That's a great offer.

[Dangerously Amused]

7. Which bar study course are you using?

Believe me, it makes a difference.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

8. Well, I did BARBRI the first time and MicroMash the second.

With MicroMash I only improved my score by 28 points after doing approximately 8,832,890 multiple choice questions. In retrospect, I think I spent so much time working on MBE questions that I had only a couple of weeks to work on the essay subjects. Now I'm focusing on one thing at a time and allowing myself plenty of time to thoroughly immerse myself in each subject, in addition to working MBE questions from my BARBRI books and PMBR books (although I didn't attend a PMBR course, I do have the books and CDs).

[TheProphetess]

11. You don't suck b/c you're working on a tough challenge

I am trying to finish my Ph.D. after many, many years and I was feeling that way too after not finishing in a "timely manner" like my friends did.

Keep in mind that at least you're trying. Keep trying - don't give up! You'll get over this mountain, but remember that it is a mountain and not an easy stroll along a smooth path.

You can do it! :yourock:

[EstimatedProphet]

12. One thing to consider

What you are doing is a monumental task. It will, by its nature, be difficult. So, when you get done, and you will get done, remember that it was a monumental task and that's why it took so long - not because you suck.

When I finished my doctorate, for literally years afterwards (I've had my Ph.D. for 8 years), I felt so badly about the experience that subconsciously I had convinced myself that I had failed. It was only after talking to a friend of mine about how difficult it was and how miserable I felt, that I was able to understand exactly what I had done. I did not fail; in fact I succeeded despite all the problems I faced while trying. So, suddenly, I understood that all of the problems I believed had made me less worthy, actually made me more worthy.

Good luck to you - you'll do it!

[tigereye]

14. that's how my sister felt

she's still ABD. I think she felt that she had been sent through the ringer. I kept trying to tell her that everyone I know seems to feel like that, but it didn't help.

[EstimatedProphet]

17. Half the doctoral students in the world are ABD

She'll get it-she just needs to keep plugging.

[tigereye]

21. ya know that's funny

she was just here telling me she was thinking about finishing.... (cue spooky music)


hope you folks have a nice summer! If you are in Pittsburgh sometime, pm me and maybe we could have a drink or something!

[progmom]

15. you are not dumb

Not at all.

And you can do it.

Don't let this make you doubt yourself.

:hug:

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

18. Thanks, progmom

I appreciate your kind words. :pals:

[LynneSin]

22. Look at this picture & you will no longer feel dumber than a box of rocks

[huskerlaw]

23. DTBK,

The bar exams SUCKS. Sucks. If I read your posts correctly, you went to law school in PA, but are taking the TX bar? Which means that you're taking an exam on TX law, which you didn't learn in law school.

Don't blame yourself or think you're stupid, for pete's sake. You're trying to teach yourself information that most of the people taking the TX bar were taught over a 3-year span.

Heck, I applaud you for keeping at it. After I took the bar, I not-so-jokingly said that if I didn't pass it, I'd slit my wrists. I can't imagine the dedication it takes to continue to study and put your heart into it. In fact, since CA doesn't do reciprocity, techinically I should be thinking about taking the CA bar. I'd rather stab myself in the eye. So, really, bless you for keeping with it.

Keep your chin up, it sounds like you're doing everything right. I know exactly what you mean about being able to get the MC down to 2 choices. My study group joked about taking a quarter into the exam and just flipping it.