Stetson University College of Law

Lifestyle Considerations	Studying for the Exam
Financial Considerations	Setting the Stage
Health Considerations	The Exam
Preventing Distractions / Planning Ahead

Nonacademic factors also can impact bar passage. The time when you are studying for the bar examination is not a time to make major life changes. It is, however, a time to plan carefully so that you will not be rushed or distracted during your final weeks and days of preparation. Below are some tips that might make your bar study time go more smoothly.

Lifestyle Considerations

Lifestyle changes can distract you and sap your energy and concentration. Try to avoid making major changes while preparing for the bar examination.

Try to avoid taking new medications if at all possible.
Try to get enough sleep and to eat right so that you do not become overly tired or ill.
If you typically exercise, keep doing so. If you do not and would like to start, go slowly.
If you smoke, now is probably not the time to quit. Mark your calendar for the day after the bar examination.
If you need new glasses or contact lenses, get them now, not close to the actual exam.
If you need dental work, get it done now, not close to the exam.

Make sure you can pay bar-related fees and living expenses.
Deal with employer issues.
Stock up on any regular medication so that you will not run out.
Make sure your family and friends understand the importance of the bar examination and the time constraints you will have during this time.
If you have children, arrange for child care and back-up child care.
Take care of miscellaneous business (car, teeth, etc.) early.

Keep a positive attitude.
Set aside blocks of concentrated time to study.
Replicate exam conditions when studying or taking practice exams.
Take advantage of opportunities to do practice exams.
Take advantage of BarBri's service that critiques sample essay answers (and similar services by other providers).
Pay attention to how food and drink affects your concentration (e.g., does caffeine help or hurt?)
Develop a study schedule and study strategy.
Know which topics are most likely to be tested.
Identify how you learn material (Do you need to make your own outlines?).
Engage in active learning (e.g., working questions, writing essays, etc.), not just passive learning (e.g., reading outlines).

Know where the exam will be given.
Know the time and location.
Know how to get there.
Know where to park.
Do a dry run under the same conditions. Try to visit the location.
If you are driving, consider caravanning in case something happens to one person's car.
Make sure you have your admission ticket.
If you are staying at a hotel, get the reservation early. Weigh the advantages of staying at home versus staying at a hotel.
Make sure you have ID and other items you are supposed to bring.

Know what to wear (probably best to dress in layers).
Buy lunch v. bring lunch v. eat lunch provided by Stetson.
Decide whether you will review or not review during lunch.
Decide how much you will interact with others.
Know what you can bring.
Bring any medicine you might need.
Know whether you can use your computer, and make sure your computer works and you have all equipment you need (such as power plugs and extension cords).

Stetson University College of Law
1401 61st Street South

Gulfport, Florida 33707-3299
727-562-7800
Tampa Law Center
1700 North Tampa Street