The February 2026 bar exam is just three months away. February typically has many retakers and attorney applicants, and sometimes it’s difficult to motivate oneself and get back to studying. The holiday season is coming up and distractions are everywhere. Remember that the best approach to studying is the one that works for you. However, below are general strategies that have helped many people pass the bar exam on their first attempt.
- Plan for uninterrupted study blocks: Your schedule won’t clear itself. You need to own your time and actively protect your study blocks.
Tip: If distractions are a challenge, physically isolate yourself.
– Consider using quiet areas in a library where phones must be silenced. Don’t connect to the internet there.
– Go to a cafe without Wi-Fi. Download your notes or write timed essays that don’t require connectivity. - Focus and re-focus: Distraction is normal. The important thing is to bring your attention back to your studies. Don’t give up. Each time you refocus, you’re training your brain to focus for extended periods of time.
Tip: Focus comes easier when you stick to one topic and go deep. For example, if you’re studying Civil Procedure, dedicate one session to jurisdiction (personal jurisdiction, subject matter jurisdiction, supplemental jurisdiction, removal and remand).
Then immediately:
– Take a timed essay on Civil Procedure jurisdiction.
– Issue-spot two essays on the same topic.
– Complete 20-25 MBE questions on jurisdiction. - Prioritize solo studying: The bar exam is a solo endeavor.
Your individual study time helps you:
– Plan your schedule
– Identify what you need to learn
– Focus on your weak areas - Commitment: Study at least five days a week, ideally six. The bar exam is broad and deep. It covers extensive material across many subjects and depth within each topic. To memorize, retain, and recall all the rules and definitions for two days, despite the anxiety of the exam, you have to put in significant time investment. This level of time commitment impacts your lifestyle and relationships. Some of you might be working while studying. Talk to your loved ones about your needs and be willing to postpone some pleasures temporarily.
Remember: passing on your first attempt means more time with family later, since you won’t need to retake the exam. - Test your knowledge regularly: Test your ability to apply the law.
- Essays: Practice issue spotting and write full essays
- MBE: Complete 25-50 questions regularly
Tip: Try interactive quizzes on black letter law at BarTaker.com to test your knowledge. We offer Civil Procedure for free.
A Final Thought: Make it enjoyable
If you enjoy the content, it is easier to learn and retain. When you work through essays or MBE questions, imagine yourself as the attorney, the judge, or even the client in the case. Step into the world of each question. This kind of engagement can make studying more interesting and effective.