Crushendo Bar Exam Prep Course Review

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The bar exam is an important milestone for any lawyer’s professional career. Passing it legally admits you to the bar of your jurisdiction and recognizes you as a practicing professional. 

Because of that, it’s a good idea to prepare for your exam date ahead of time. Even if you’re fresh out of law school, a quick refresher with an online bar review course can keep you from having to retake the exam later.

That’s what Crushendo offers: bar prep courses and other study resources to help you pass on your first try. 
Keep reading our full review to find out whether they can help you CRUSH the bar exam!

Overview of Crushendo

Crushendo Prep Course

Crushendo was founded in 2017 and is focused on preparing students for the bar exam and other important legal milestones. 

Ultimately, they believe that studying needs to be enjoyable and healthy— not just informative. That’s why their main set of study materials are designed to be used while exercising or moving throughout the house. 

But how well does this study method work? I’ve taken a look at Crushendo’s bar exam prep to find out; you can see what I think below!

Features you can expect from Crushendo:

  • 2000+ Practice Questions
  • Flashcards
  • Audio Lectures
  • Video Lectures
  • 250+ Mnemonics
  • Practice Exams

What’s Included With Crushendo?

Crushendo Law Prep Courses

Audio Outlines

One of Crushendo’s distinguishing features is audio content. You’ll get a set of audio outlines with each course; these are kind of like mini-lectures covering different aspects of the bar exam. Listening to these while exercising or driving is a great way to increase study time without disrupting your daily schedule. Plus, they tend to keep information fresh in your brain long enough for you to naturally memorize it.

While this may not sound revolutionary, Crushendo’s audio lectures are different from others in one key way. Each one has been designed to be concise and to the point— you aren’t wasting your time being overloaded with dense information. And once you reinforce each lesson with the included mnemonics, you’ll be in a great position on exam day.

Self-Study Resources

You also get some additional self-study resources alongside Crushendo’s audio content. These include flashcards, mnemonic devices, practice problems, and study outlines. If you add these to your study routine, you can reinforce everything taught through the audio and video lectures.

Here’s how:

Mnemonic devices are the most useful feature included for this purpose. These help you memorize the nuances of each individual rule; they also work well alongside the included practice problems. Each problem has been pulled from Multistate Bar Exams over the last few years, which ensures that the information is fresh and accurate. And when you add the flashcards for extra help, you’ll be extremely familiar with the format and time limit of the real exam.

Video Content

On top of everything else they offer, Crushendo also includes a series of YouTube video lectures. These vary in length from 6 to 30 minutes, but each of them has valuable information for the exam. 

Essentially, the video lectures are a more expansive version of the audio lectures. They’re also slightly longer due to the assumption that you’ll have the time to sit down for a video lesson. Just like the audio lectures, these break down complicated legal concepts into more manageable terms.

Despite being on YouTube, these lectures aren’t designed as disposable content. In fact, there’s a specific reason you shouldn’t watch them once and then move on:

Each lecture has been designed for you to watch it multiple times while still remaining engaged in the subject matter. That way you can revisit key areas as many times as you want, refreshing your memory of each concept while also practicing mnemonic devices.

Crushendo Pricing

You can buy a complete course with Crushendo for just under $800, but some materials can be purchased separately if you want to save some money.

Here are the current prices for Crushendo’s bar exam prep materials:

As you can see, you have a great deal of customization when it comes to choosing your price and materials.

Pros & Cons of Crushendo’s Bar Review Course

It’s important to know what else is out there to help you prepare for the bar exam. To see how Crushendo compares to the competition, here are some specific benefits and drawbacks:

  • Pro – Lifetime Access: There’s no time limit for using Crushendo’s study materials; set your own schedule without any stress. And if you ever need to review certain topics in the future, they’ll always be available to you.
  • Pro – Financing Options: You can choose to pay for Crushendo in installments through a financing plan with Affirm. This takes a lot of financial pressure off of your purchase and lets you focus on studying for the upcoming exam.
  • Pro – Engaging Content: Crushendo strives to make their materials as fun as they are informative. Because of that, their lectures have great energy and a sense of humor. You’ll be engaged with the material and willing to review it later if necessary.
  • Con – No Pass Guarantee: Unfortunately, Crushendo’s study course doesn’t come with a pass guarantee. This is something that many other bar prep courses offer— but there are several user reviews of people who did pass after using this course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still unsure if you should sign up for Crushendo? Here are some of the most common questions asked about this bar prep course:

Q: Can I share Crushendo study materials with other people?

A: Unfortunately, no; the lectures, flashcards, and other materials you purchase through Crushendo are only licensed for personal use.

Q: Does Crushendo offer any free content?

A: If you’re interested in free content, Crushendo uploads lectures to their YouTube channel and manages a blog page. This is a great way to see their materials firsthand before making a purchase.

Q: How are memory devices used in Crushendo?

A: Currently, Crushendo uses two key memory techniques in their lectures and flashcards: mnemonics and memory palaces. Both of these techniques help you remember important concepts in nonstandard ways and have scientifically-proven results.

Who Is Crushendo’s Ideal Customer?

Even with all the information I’ve given you, it can be tough to decide on a course. That’s why you should consider signing up if any of the following applies to you.

  • If you like to multitask while studying, this is the course for you.
  • If you enjoy humor while learning, this is the course for you.
  • If you prefer to study on the go, this is the course for you.
  • If you learn best in a classroom setting, this isn’t the course for you.

Final Recommendation

Crushendo’s bar exam course is a great way to brush up on legal knowledge before the bar exam. Their audio lectures are a great hands free study tool, and their practice questions will allow you to familiarize yourself with the test itself. Plus, they include several effective memory devices in each of their lessons.

Go for it!

TAKE ME TO CRUSHENDO BAR REVIEW

Barbri Bar Review

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BarBri Bar Review
BarBri Bar Review

RATING: ★★★★★ The Barbri Bar Review course has long been popular with students and law firms. Available in all 50 states, Barbri has been preparing students for the bar exam for close to 50 years. This comprehensive but pricey option provides a wide array of tools and study materials to help students learn what they need to know for the exam. Those who sign up are likely to have a thorough understanding of the law for both the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) and the state-specific portion of the test. The question is whether this in-depth knowledge is worth the price if you are just trying to pass the exam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlOIdRTljnY

PROS

1. Comprehensive Preparation

Barbri offers a thorough review, including in-class video lectures (these can also be watched at home or elsewhere on a portable device), two different kinds of outlines, online study tools and trackers, a mobile app, feedback on essays, simulated exams, and several kinds of practice workbooks. The clear structure paces students through a detailed course of study.

2. Customized Online Learning Features

Many interactive options make it possible to customize each student’s learning experience. The Personal Study Plan, Barbri AMP technology, the Pass Predictor, and the Essay Architect (all discussed in detail below) are a few of the adaptive tools that assess progress and provide student-specific recommendations for study. A mobile app is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android devices.

3. Available in All States

From California to New York, Barbri is the only program that prepares students in all states for both the MBE and the state section of the exam. Many students appreciate not having to generate their own state outlines. The course emphasizes state material that may not have been covered in law school classes. Most law students have not taken every subject that is tested on the bar exam in school, so Barbri familiarizes students with the local law that is tested in their state.

CONS

1. Price

Students who choose Barbri should expect to pay up to $3,895 for the course, depending on the state. This makes Barbri one of the most expensive available options.

2. Excessive Number of Materials

Although there are advantages to a course that covers every conceivable angle and detail of the law that may appear on the exam, it can also be daunting. The variety of different study aids, exam books with practice questions, online tools, trackers, outlines, etc. may leave students frustrated, confused, and overwhelmed. Seeing how you stack up against your peers can be an eye-opener and may motivate you to study harder – or it can be demoralizing. Some students may begin to panic (or at least doubt themselves) if they can’t keep up with the copious assignments, tasks, and tests.

Online Features

Barbri keeps pace with the competition through its customized online features. The Personal Study Plan is an interactive and adaptive tool that continually analyzes your progress and performance and customizes your daily tasks. Assignments are based on what you need to know to pass your state’s bar exam. Barbri’s AMP technology helps students master MBE concepts by tailoring its questions to individual students in real time. You can work through questions you already know quickly, but the software makes you spend more time on areas that require further study. The Pass Predictor compares your scores against those of bar exam takers nationally on a simulated MBE test to predict your performance on the bar exam so you can adjust your study approach if necessary. Finally, the Essay Architect is a feature that helps students craft strong essays. Immediate on-screen feedback indicates if you are on the right track while you are writing a practice essay. Students can then submit essays for grading by an essay-writing expert for personalized feedback on style and content. A Private Tutoring Program is available at an additional price for those who need more help and individual coaching. All tutors have taken and passed the bar exam. Like many of its competitors, Barbri offers a free MPRE course on their website.

Ideal User

If you are the kind of student who likes to cover a large amount of material, this course is a good option. Traditional learners who want guidance and the deep knowledge that comes from detailed lectures, homework, and a lot of practice will find this course meets that requirement. Those who want to attend in-class video lectures with their friends or to hold themselves accountable will also benefit. This program is very time consuming, so it is probably not a great option for those who are already working or have other commitments.

Conclusion

Barbri Bar Review has a solid reputation and the company is staying current with its customized online tools. The main drawbacks include price, a large time commitment, and the potential for overwhelm. Many of Barbri’s competitors advertise similar results for less money and less time. If you have other commitments to juggle and are looking for a flexible review course that will teach you only what you need to know in a relatively short amount of time, this is probably not the best choice. If your aim is a thorough review of topics, and you don’t mind paying the price, Barbri is a good option. COMPARE THE BEST BAR EXAM REVIEW COURSES!

Summary of Course Features

  • Video lectures in class or online by top law school professors
  • Barbri mobile app (available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices)
  • Personal Study Plan that keeps track of performance and adjusts your daily assignments
  • Detailed course outlines, lecture outlines and study materials, including thousands of MBE multiple choice problems with detailed answers and analysis
  • Conviser Mini Review (condensed outlines for quick review)
  • Barbri AMP technology to customize MBE study
  • Barbri Essay Architect to improve essay-writing skills
  • Lectures dedicated to essay writing
  • Personal feedback on submitted essays
  • Barbri Pass Predictor to compare your performance with that of your peers nationwide
  • Books of past essay questions from actual bar exams with model answers for the multistate and state portions of the exam
  • Individually assigned Barbri Director of Legal Education (DLE) for assistance, study strategies and moral support. All DLEs have taken the Barbri course themselves
  • Free retake if you fail. Those who do not pass can take the course again at no additional cost

Pricing

State Course: $1,400-$3,895 MPRE Review Course: free Compare BarBri to other Bar Review Courses by clicking the button below: COMPARE THE BEST BAR EXAM REVIEW COURSES!

BarBri Bar Review Course Information

FEATURESProsCons
Available in all 50 statesComprehensive PreparationOne Of The Most Expensive Options
Comprehensive Option With a Wide Array of Tools and Study MaterialsCustomized Online Learning FeaturesExcessive Number Of Materials
Popular with Students and Law FirmsAvailable In Every StateSeeing How You Stack Up To Other Students

Bar Exam Prep Review: Quimbee

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For lawyers, the bar exam is a rite of passage. As if the whole process of becoming a lawyer wasn’t already difficult enough, it’s common knowledge that the bar exam is hardly a walk in the park either. 

So how can you make sure you’re prepared to the fullest for your exams? By enrolling in a well-made bar prep course, such as this one:

Quimbee Bar Review is an exam prep course that uses an efficient design and clear messaging to provide you with unparalleled study materials. Let’s jump into the specifics of their offerings— including a look at the typical student’s experience using their service. 

Keep reading to see if it’s a good fit for you!

Overview of Quimbee Bar Review

With roots dating back to 2007, Quimbee has grown over the past 13 years. Instead of simply offering a standard bar review course, this company claims to be “the study aid for law students.”

It’s a bold statement, but does it actually hold up?

When browsing their website, you’ll begin to see many of the appealing features that it offers. Their track record for success is immediately apparent when viewing students’ testimonials; they’ve helped over 370,000 law school students and graduates, including those from Texas A&M University, American University, University of Illinois, and Florida State University.

Essentially, Quimbee stands out due to their focus on the ideal student experience. What do we mean by that?

On the surface, their goal is to design content that helps you study and saves you time. However, they’ve also stated customer service is a high priority for them— so you can always expect quality content and resources.

Quimbee bar exam prep offers these features:

  • Planned Tasks and Study Calendar
  • Diagnostic Exams & Rankings
  • Graded Essays
  • Performance Stats
  • Course Materials

What’s Included With Quimbee Bar Prep

Check out our in-depth analysis of Quimbee’s most appealing study features below:

Planned Tasks and Study Calendar

Quimbee Bar Prep Course - Study Calendar

From the get go, they aim to keep you on track with daily scheduled tasks and a monthly calendar to help you keep an eye on the course ahead. There are also reminders for exam submissions, so you can stay on top of submission deadlines and never miss a beat. 

Here’s some clarification about the scheduled tasks I mentioned earlier:

Quimbee Bar Prep Course - Study Calendar

Quimbee assigns you tasks like viewing instructional videos. These tasks might also take the form of quick lessons that you are able to read through as well. The course subjects are broken into chunks which can be completed as these regular tasks. Consequently, the material that you work on is typically within the same vein or overall subject matter. This method is great for breaking down complicated topics in a way that doesn’t stress you out.

Diagnostic Exams & Rankings

Diagnostic exams are a key tool in identifying your strengths and weaknesses when heading into the bar exam. Naturally, Quimbee Quimbee Bar Review - Diagnosticsdelivers on this feature in spades. WIthin your account you’ll have a Diagnostics section that allows you to take a number of practice exams. From there, you’ll receive your exam score as well as your overall ranking against the total number of other Quimbee students who answered the same practice questions.

The best part about this is that there is no strict schedule. You have the option to begin taking these exams at any time— you can take a different exam at different points along the way and more actively track your progress. This is ultimately helpful when analyzing areas of improvement leading up to the exam day.

Graded Essays

Quimbee Bar Review - Graded Essays

Although practice exams are helpful for preparing to answer bar exam questions, you might be wondering “How do I prepare for the written portions of the exam?” 

Quimbee’s answer to this question takes the form of graded essays. Much like their other practice materials, these are designed to replicate the bar exam as accurately as possible. You’re presented with 3 separate submission windows, and you’ll need to submit your essay in the proper format— just like the actual bar exam essay portion.

Aside from simply allowing you to practice your writing skills, they provide you with another fantastic educational opportunity with this section. An accomplished attorney writing grader will look over your submission and provide detailed feedback. 

Essentially, you can use this aspect of the course to hone your response skills in a low-pressure scenario that yields insightful and professional feedback.

Performance Stats

Quimbee Bar Review - Performance Stats

For the most part, you can expect any decent exam prep course to provide you with thousands of practice questions to work through. Quimbee is no different; over 1,500 questions are included in their course. However, the presentation of these questions — as well as the ability to track your progress — is refreshingly clear in a way that you don’t see in too many other prep courses.

The performance tracking features provided by Quimbee are far more granular than other providers since they break up each subject into specific topics. Because of this, you’re able to see intricate details regarding your competence in specific knowledge areas. 

This ultimately provides you with a clear picture of your progress in the course. You’ll know exactly how well you’re performing in your legal education and how much of each topic you still need to study.

Course Materials

According to Quimbee, you’re not supposed to jump into this section until you’ve had a chance to complete your Diagnostic Exams. But once you’ve completed those and you’re ready to advance, here’s what this bar prep course has to offer:

You’ll find a ton of downloadable PDF content, including 3 Quimbee Bar Review Outlines, NCBE Licensed Multiple Choice Questions, Licensed Essays, and Multistate Performance Tests. That’s roughly 70 downloads that are all relevant to your studies or even actual exam content in some cases. This section alone is worth the price of entry, but Quimbee treats it more like a victory lap almost after you’ve already completed their other materials.

Quimbee Pricing

Everything that we have mentioned up to this point is included in Quimbee’s Bar Exam Review for under $1000. If that’s out of your price range, they also offer Affirm financing that allows you to pay in smaller installments. For the amount of on demand video lessons and print content — as well as grading from actual legal professionals — this is an excellent deal.

Quimbee Pricing

Pros & Cons of Quimbee 

For a more holistic look at Quimbee’s product, here’s a brief list of the highs and lows:

  • Pro – Simplicity: Using Quimbee is a breeze. All of their sections are clearly marked and you know exactly what you’re looking at at all times. Simply log in each day, check your study calendar and list of tasks, and you’ll keep up with your lesson plan no sweat.
  • Pro – On-Demand Video Content: Quimbee incorporates videos into your lesson plan, but you also have all of this content available to you on an On-Demand basis. Take control of your schedule and access videos at any time; this is perfect if you’ve got strict time constraints.
  • Pro – Real Time Statistics: You’ll never wonder or stress about your progress thanks to Quimbee’s real-time stats. As you progress through different tests, case studies, and multiple choice questions, you’ll be able to immediately check on your results and see how you are proceeding from a total overview perspective.
  • Con – A Whole Lot of Reading: Make no mistake; you’re going to be doing a lot of reading when preparing for the Bar. However, Quimbee really piles it on with a lot of downloadable lessons and PDFs. This makes up the majority of their content— so if you don’t love reading, you might want to find a different course.

Quimbee Bar Review – Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any unanswered questions about Quimbee? We’ve got the answers below:

❓Q: Can Quimbee prepare me for the Universal Bar Exam?

A: Yes! Quimbee Bar Review is designed to help you pass the UBE, which has been adopted by more than half of the legal jurisdictions in the United States.

❓Q: Does Quimbee Bar Review provide students with input from legal professionals?

A: Yes! With Quimbee you will receive personalized feedback from professional attorney graders on all written submissions.

❓Q: Does Quimbee provide any physical bar exam study materials?

A: Quimbee is a mostly digital course, but you can add a print option at checkout which includes Quimbee’s bar review outlines and an MPT workbook.

Ideal Student

Still trying to decide if you want to use Quimbee Bar Exam Review? Consider the following points:

  • If you want a large library of review materials, Quimbee is right for you.
  • If you want a study calendar with guided daily study tasks, Quimbee is right for you.
  • If you want access to PDF downloads and OnDemand Video content in an online platform, Quimbee is right for you.
  • If you do not enjoy reading, Quimbee may not be the best fit for you.

Final Recommendation

Quimbee makes the Bar Review process so simple and easy to follow that it earns an enthusiastic recommendation from us. 

For the price of enrollment, you receive an immense value with an even greater amount of content. The study calendar helps you to stay focused and keep you on track, while their diagnostics and performance statistics are the best way to gauge your readiness and any areas that need improving prior to your exam day. 

So stop wasting time and sign up for Quimbee today!

TAKE ME TO QUIMBEE REVIEW!

AdaptiBar Review

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Adaptibar bar review

Adaptibar bar reviewRATING: ★★★★★

Using AdaptiBar’s patented, adaptive technology, licensed MBE questions,
and diagnostic tools on any device, you will receive the best possible preparation for the MBE
that is proven to accurately predict your MBE score. The AdaptiBar program also includes a mobile app for all devices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5vHHwBfeS8

PROS

1. Authentic Material

100% of practice questions in the program are licensed questions that have been released from past bar exams. By practicing with authentic MBE questions (as opposed to those written by test prep companies) students will be better prepared for the questions they will encounter on the actual exam. AdaptiBar recently added 200 new simulated questions in Civil Procedure and 15 in Real Property for 1,964 MBE practice questions.

2. Score Predictor

The AdaptiBar course keeps track of your overall accuracy rate as you answer practice questions while you study. The company claims that the accuracy rate generated by AdaptiBar is a relatively accurate predictor of the score you will receive on the bar exam, although some students report that the questions on the actual MBE seem more difficult.

3. Adaptive Technology

The AdaptiBar software automatically adapts questions to your strengths and weaknesses by tracking your performance as you answer questions. In the Practice Questions mode, you will be presented with more of the questions you struggle with, one question at a time, until you become better at questions of that type. The Past Performance Table allows you to see how many questions you have answered overall and calculates your accuracy in answering them to help guide your study sessions and show you which outlines to review more thoroughly.

4. Improves Time Management Skills

AdaptiBar also helps with exam pacing by keeping track of how long it takes you to answer each question. This will help you determine whether you should spend less time on particular questions and move through the exam more quickly, or spend more time on a question if it helps you select the correct answer. You only get 1.8 minutes to answer each question on the bar exam, and AdaptiBar’s time tracking feature will help you learn to use your time wisely. You can also use the interactive Message Center that guides you through the entire process of preparing for the MBE. As you study, AdaptiBar will assess your performance and provide you with progressive feedback and advice on what step to take next.

5. Customizable Practice Exams

The MBE Simulator & Prep course comes with NBCE’s practice exams 1-4 (100 questions each from 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2013). You can also create an unlimited number of customized practice exams to take under exam-like conditions. In the Practice Exam Mode you can choose subjects and subtopics and the number of questions in order to generate an exam tailored to your needs. Submit your exam for grading to receive a detailed exam report that breaks down your performance with respect to topic and timing in addition to detailed explanations for each answer.

6. Test Drive

Try AdaptiBar’s course offerings for free to see if this program is a good fit for your study habits and ability level. You can register for a free trial that includes a small selection of simulated practice questions along with the adaptive technology and all other features of the MBE program on their website. Try it today to see if AdaptiBar is the right supplementary program for you.

CONS

1. MBE Practice Only

Many students studying for the bar exam are looking for a comprehensive review course to help them cover all the material necessary to pass their exam. However, AdaptiBar focuses only on the MBE portion of the exam which is why it should only be used as a supplement to a more comprehensive bar exam review course.

Ideal User

This focused MBE review program is best for students who plan to use MBE preparation in conjunction with a more comprehensive bar exam review course. Self-motivated students who can find the time and dedication to study on their own without a set schedule of classes or reminders will get the most out of AdaptiBar’s self-paced online course.

One nice feature is that explanations are provided for both correct and incorrect answer choices to help you understand why you got a question right or wrong. It helps to know that you got the answer correct for the right reason, not just because you guessed or because you chose the right answer through a flawed reasoning process. Students can choose between the Practice Question and the Exam Question modes. You can also create a customized Past Questions report of all the questions that you previously answered in both modes that can be sorted by various categories for further review and practice.

The Early Access Option is a good choice for those who want to get a jump start on their studies. For an additional $125, this option allows you to access course materials before your session is scheduled to begin. Best for visual learners, AdaptiBar also offers online video lectures and flashcards to help you study and memorize key MBE topics.

My Suggestion

AdaptiBar’s adaptive technology is good for helping students pinpoint their weaknesses and drill those content areas until they improve. Their Practice Questions and Exams make their course an effective tool to help students prepare for the MBE portion of the bar exam, but it should not be used as your primary study materials because it doesn’t cover all areas of the Bar exam.  Click below to purchase AdaptiBar’s course.

 COMPARE THE BEST BAR PREP COURSES!

Summary of Course Features

  • 1,964 practice questions (1,749 Licensed Questions; 200 Simulated Civil Procedure Questions, 15 Real Property)
  • Exam Simulator
  • NCBE’s Online Practice Exams 1, 2, 3 & 4
  • Adaptive Technology
  • Practice Question or Exam Question Modes
  • 1,000+ Flashcards
  • Online Video Lectures
  • Customer Support via Phone & Email & Live Chat
  • Free Trial

Pricing

Save $30 on all AdaptiBar Prep today!

Users can now sign up for AdaptiBar and pay with PayPal Credit. PayPal Credit offers “No Payments + No Interest if paid in full in 6 months” so it is a great option for students interested in financing their bar prep.

MBE Simulator & Prep
Price: $395
Includes: 1,964 Practice Questions, Exam Simulator, NCBE’s Online Practice Exams 1, 2, 3 & 4. Course may be accessed either Aug. 1st – Feb. 29th (February bar exam) or March 1st – July 31st (July bar exam).
Baby Bar MBE Simulator & Prep
Price: $295
Includes: 814 Licensed Questions, Exam Simulator. Course may be accessed Nov. 1st – June 30th (June bar exam) or July 1st – Oct. 31st (October bar exam).
Smart Online Flashcards
Price: $95
Includes: Lifetime access to 950+ flashcards to help review for all MBE subjects.
Video Lectures
Price: $15+
Includes: Add-on option of online video lectures by Professor Jonathan Grossman. Only available in conjunction with and during an active prep course. Unlimited access to streaming videos that will not have to be purchased again if you need additional study time for the bar exam.

To compare AdaptiBar to other Bar exam prep courses, please click the button below:

 COMPARE THE BEST BAR PREP COURSES!

AdaptiBar Review Top Features 
1. Real Questions from Past Bar Exams
2. Customizable Online Features
3. Enhanced Learning Options
4. Optional Videos and Flashcards Available
5. Self Selected Subjects and Topics

BarMax Review

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BarMax Bar Review

Barmax Bar Review Course

RATING: ★★★★★

best bar review courseCrush the Bar Exam has given BARMax Review the award for Best Bar Review Course!  Their bar exam prep course has earned the #1 spot due to its flexible course offering along with all of the following reasons:

  • Affordable price for those on a strict budget
  • Suggested study calendar to keep you on track
  • Audio lectures by Harvard-trained law professors
  • 1,750+ real multiple choice questions from past Bar exams
  • Real practice essays and PTs with model answers and/or point sheets
  • Message boards for help with MBE questions
  • Private Tutoring and Office Hours for extra assistance

BARmax, unlike other courses, has mastered the art of studying on the go. Life is hectic and everyone is juggling 20 things at once; that’s why you need a course that’s going to keep up with all you have to do.

No matter what device you use, laptop or smartphone, you are able to pick up quick study sessions anywhere with BARMax. This medallion signifies that BARMax has gone above and beyond to create a course that will help you pass the Bar exam so you can start practicing law in your given jurisdiction.

If you’re simply looking for the best Bar prep course to help you pass, BarMax is your best bet!

TAKE ME TO BARMAX!

barmax mobile dashboard

BARmax Course Features

Many courses are “mobile optimized” but really have limited functionality on a smaller screen. BarMax is one of the best on-the-go study courses and it is available at a much lower price than some of its competitors.

Despite the relatively low cost, there’s a lot of value for this review course, as it is comprehensive and comes with great planning tools. BarMax is a great Bar review course and will get you to the promised land even if you’re constantly on the move.

PROS

1. Flexibility

The BarMax online prep course gives you the ability to carry all the information you need around in your pocket. Having access to stacks of books through the app makes this course the easiest to use on the fly or whenever you have a spare moment to study. Studying for the bar exam is almost fun when you can do it on your iPhone or iPad at the coffee shop, gym, or beach. Internet access is not required to access content through the BarMax app, and you don’t have to waste time driving to class.

2. BarMax Price

BarMax Bar Exam Review’s comprehensive state course price is much lower than the industry average. The price includes lifetime access to audio lectures from Harvard Law alumni, such as the legendary Arthur Miller, corresponding black-letter law outlines, and flashcards. There’s more than 1,750 real multiple-choice questions (MBEs), real practice essays, real performance test (PT) questions, personalized writing revisions, analytics and customer support by phone, email and in-app message boards. This is an incredible value.

If you’re worried about paying for their course, this company also offers 0% financing. Because of this, you’re able to get immediate access to any BarMax course and split the purchase into budget friendly 3, 6, 12, or 18 monthly payments. They also offer a public interest discount for students pursuing careers in public interest law.

In addition to the comprehensive state courses, Bar Max offers supplements for the MBE portion. For less than $100 a month, you can enroll in their full MBE prep course that includes audio lectures, outlines, flashcards and over 1,500 MBE questions. Alternatively, you can enroll in a more affordable question bank package for less than $50 a month.

3. Study Planner

BarMax provides a recommended study calendar that sets forth daily assignments and a clear overview of the material, including how much you will need to study. The calendar suggests a more reasonable study plan of 15-25 hours per week for 12 weeks. This efficiency is unparalleled. Additionally, since BarMax is the only bar review course to offer instant and lifetime access, it is an amazing option for students who would like to get started with bar prep sooner—a great idea if you are working full-time or are an international student.

4. Instructor Help

The instructors who design, organize, and teach BarMax’s study materials are among the best in the field. Because of this, you’ll have the ability to make the most of their expertise when enrolled in one of their prep course packages. If you need a little extra help on certain subjects, feel free to reach out to your instructor during Office Hours for some much-needed assistance. And if you need even more help, you can always opt for BarMax’s Private Tutoring; pay by session or as part of a whole package.

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Ideal User

This course is especially suited for students who may be overwhelmed by the massive information overload that is typical in other review courses. Straightforward outlines and easy-to-understand lectures along with actual multiple-choice questions (MBEs) from previous bar exams, as well as flashcards and practice essays make this program less complex and more effective.

BarMax currently offers preparation for the bar exam in California (CA), Uniform Bar Exam (UBE)—currently used in 33 jurisdictions, including New York—the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), the CA First Year Law Students Exam (FLYSE or Baby Bar) and the MPRE (free).

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Summary of Course Features

  • Black-letter law outlines for every subject with all pertinent material needed to pass the exam
  • Suggested study calendar
  • Audio lectures by Harvard-trained law professors
  • 1,750+ real multiple choice questions from past bar exams
  • Real practice essays and PTs with model answers and/or point sheets
  • Flashcards
  • Message Boards for help with MBE questions
  • Two writing critiques (your choice of either essays or PTs)
  • Technical support team is available Monday through Friday, with emergency support available on weekends and holidays as well
  • Additional for-fee options include remote tutoring by phone/online, additional essay and PT critiques, and notebooks for those who prefer to study with hard copy and print materials.

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Kaplan Bar Review

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Kaplan Bar Review

Kaplan Bar Review

RATING: ★★★★★

Kaplan Bar Review offers a full range of courses tailor-made for individual needs. Choices include their Complete Bar Review, LLM Bar Review Courses, and a variety of Multistate Bar Exam Courses and Supplements.

Kaplan has been in the test prep industry for more than 70 years and is known for its comprehensive review and full-length simulated exams. Their classroom lectures can be attended in person, watched synchronously (live), or on-demand at home, depending on the course.

PROS

1. Comprehensive Bar Review

The Complete Bar Review Course includes a heavy schedule of classroom or recorded lectures, outlines, and more than 4,000 exam-like MBE practice questions in a question bank to create customized quizzes. The price includes unlimited essay grading for a maximum level of individual guidance. A free MPRE Review Course is offered online at Kaplan’s website. An outline, course materials, lectures, MPRE questions, and flashcards are available for download. A hard copy version is available with an additional shipping fee.

2. Structured Program

Strict organization and mandatory classroom/online lecture attendance keeps students on track, making it harder to fall behind. Assignments are tailored to improve areas of weakness. The program follows a set course of instruction, homework, practice questions and essay writing, testing, and final review to optimize performance on the bar exam.

3. Flexibility

Lectures are offered in-person and online. Recorded lectures can be accessed anywhere, anytime from smart phones and other portable devices (both iOS and Android). The schedule allows for some wiggle room to catch up on weekends if students fall slightly behind.

4. Employer Payment Options

They have an online “Bill My Firm” enrollment option if your employer is paying for the exam. (Employer/Law Firm is billed directly.)

5. Additional Support

Ask-an-Expert Support option includes academic attorneys who are available to answer additional questions as needed. For an additional fee, experienced tutors are available to help those who need even more personalized coaching. Technical support is provided for all of Kaplan’s test preparation courses.

CONS

1. Price

Kaplan is one of the more expensive options when it comes to reviewing for the bar. The price tag for the Complete Bar Review Course varies by state, ranging from an affordable $1895 (Hawaii) to more than $3,500 (New York, Florida, and North Carolina). Prices will vary according to promotions and specials.

2. Work Load

The sheer volume of work can be overwhelming for some students. This lengthy course touches on every concept covered on the bar exam, and requires numerous assignments, essays, personal outlines, and practice MBE questions to be completed outside of class for optimal preparation. Learners who struggle with information overload may prefer a more streamlined review that emphasizes a more general overview.

3. Not Available in All States

Kaplan Bar Review is not scheduled to be available in the following states until summer 2016: Kansas, Maine, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

4. Quality of MBE questions

Kaplan has drawn criticism from some test takers that their “exam-like” MBE questions are not as similar to those on the actual bar exam as the practice questions used by some of their competitors. Still, Kaplan stays current when it comes to changes in the bar exam and asserts that students will be ready for the new MBE that will be featured on upcoming exams.

Online Options

Like its competitors, Kaplan has jumped onto the online-access bandwagon to meet demands for flexibility. Lectures do not have to be viewed in a traditional classroom setting. In addition to online features that allow you to track progress and feedback, an interactive online syllabus and an Online Lecture Library help learners stay on task. The basic lectures are available in the following formats:

Live or Live Online

Attend lectures in a traditional classroom or online from another location at a pre-scheduled time. With this option, lectures are simulcast for those who log in remotely. Questions can be asked in the chat function to receive immediate answers.

On-Demand

Lectures are available 24/7 in the Online Lecture Library if you miss a scheduled lecture, don’t want to attend a physical session, or need to review all or part of one. Internet access is required.

My Suggestion

Kaplan Bar Review appeals to both traditional learners who prefer a bricks-and-mortar classroom experience, as well as those who like to self-study online. Kaplan is an established review course that keeps students on track while they study for the bar exam. The flexibility of being able to attend lectures in person or online makes their course a good fit for most students who are serious about passing the Bar.

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Summary of Course Features

  • 7 day Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) Preparation
  • 36 day lecture for subject review and practice (number of days varies by state)
  • 4-5 day full-length simulated exams and review for all parts of exam
  • 14-day “final countdown study plan”
  • Lectures available in-person and online
  • Homework assignments include multiple choice questions, practice essays, quizzes, and simulated exams.
  • Ask-an-Expert support is included for additional questions
  • “Reports” feature in online syllabus shows scores for all graded tests, quizzes and practice essays
  • Conditional money back guarantee

 Pricing

Complete State Course: $1,895 – $3,595 (depends on your state)

MBE Supplemental Courses:

  • Combination Course Price: $1049
  • Foundation Course Price: $699
  • Final Review Course Price: $449

MPRE Review Course: free

The Money Back Guarantee has stringent requirements: only first-time bar candidates with a JD from an ABA approved law school who have completed all basic study requirements before taking the exam immediately after the course will be reimbursed. For example, attendance is required for at least 90% of lectures.

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Best Kaplan Coupon Codes & Discounts

Kaplan Bar Review Course Information

Features
 Additional Features  Pricing 
7 day Multistate Bar Exam (MBE) Preparation Lectures available in-person and online Complete Course: $1,895 – $3,595
36 day lecture for subject review and practice Ask-an-Expert support is included for additional questions Combination Course Price: $1049
4-5 day full-length simulated exams and review for all parts of exam “Reports” feature in online syllabus shows scores for all graded tests Foundation Course Price: $699
14-day “final countdown study plan” Conditional money back guarantee Final Review Course Price: $449

Themis Bar Review

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Themis Bar Review

Themis Bar ReviewRATING: ★★★★★

Themis Bar Review combines affordability with the flexibility of an online study program.

An online study portal can be accessed from anywhere, and a mobile app allows users to download content in advance for times they find themselves without internet access. Themis prides itself on its high pass rates, suggesting that this course gets results.

Themis Bar Review provides a great overview of a wide range of topics without overloading students with excessive material. Learners can tweak the suggested study program to meet their needs without being overwhelmed by too much information.

 PROS

1. Available for a Wide Range of Devices

One of the first online programs in its field, Themis capitalizes on its universal availability. The entire Themis program is compatible with virtually all devices, including smartphones, computers, tablets, and e-readers. The app is available for iOS and Android, making this course very portable.

2. Concise Learning Modules

Video lectures are broken down into shorter, more manageable segments of 15-20 minutes to keep learners interested and focused. Based on research in instructional design and learning retention, Themis Bar Review presents information in smaller doses to prevent learners from becoming overwhelmed, and allows them to process information at their own pace.

3. Fair Price

Themis has a price tag of $1,295 to $1,695 depending on which state and program you choose. While this certainly isn’t cheap, it costs less than the most other major Bar Prep courses on the market. There are no hidden fees or associated costs, and some students may qualify for an additional discount if they plan to work in the public interest sector. Discounts are also available for active duty, reserve, and retired military members, as well as members of certain law school and legal organizations.

4. Helpful Planning Tools and Features

Although this course is aimed at learners who want optimal flexibility rather than a traditional classroom approach, several features help learners organize their time. A preset sequence of tasks, a to-do list, and a dynamic calendar keep learners accountable and on track. In addition, the myProgress tracker monitors which assignments have been completed. In other words, there is enough structure for those students who need it.

 CONS

1. Not Available in All Areas

Themis Bar Review is currently available in 44 jurisdictions, as shown on the map on their site. However, students from all states can take advantage of the online review materials Themis offers on their website.

Pass Rates

Themis publishes detailed pass rates by state on its website. Pass rates range from 70-90%, with the higher pass rates coming from students who complete 75% of the course before the exam.

Ideal User

Themis is best suited for self-motivated learners who want the freedom to study on the go from a portable device. As the course is fully online, there are no classroom sessions to attend. Those who are working or have other obligations will benefit from this flexibility and the reasonable recommended study schedule (six to eight hours a day plus review on weekends).

One nice option is the ability to customize your level of independent study. In the Directed Study mode, you have to complete a daily list of tasks. If you miss a day or more, the dynamic calendar makes changes to your schedule so you can catch up to where you should be. In the Flex Study mode, you can skip around and complete assignments on your own without a prescribed schedule. It is possible to switch back and forth between the two modes, depending on your schedule and what type of instruction works best for you. Hard copies of the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE), state outlines, the MBE Milestone and Simulated exams, and Performance Test (PT) questions and answers are provided as well. Visual learners can print hard copies of the handouts that accompany each lecture to take notes.

My Suggestion

Themis Bar Review is a flexible and adaptable course with enough structure to keep students on track while they study for the bar exam. An early adopter of online learning, Themis supports more different kinds of devices than its competitors and has done the educational research to back up its approach. It offers a broad overview rather than an exhaustive review of all relevant material, which makes it ideal for those who want to concentrate on the big picture.

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Summary of Course Features

  • 8-10 week course is fully online
  • Structured daily tasks to be completed in sequence (optional “Directed Study Mode”)
  • On-demand video lectures followed by questions for maximum retention
  • Searchable outlines and interactive handouts
  • Option to study at own pace with “Flex Study Mode”
  • Practice MBE-type multiple choice questions and essay questions
  • Simulated paper exams and milestone exams track progress and prepare you for the actual test experience
  • 24/7 tech support, academic support, and Personal Attorney Adviser (trained in bar review essay grading) and state director are available for guidance, to answer questions, and provide detailed feedback and advice for essays
  • MyProgress tracker monitors which assignments have been completed
  • Pass or a Free Repeat Guarantee for first-time Themis takers. Those who do not pass the bar the first time can take the course again at no additional cost.

 Pricing

Full Course: $1,295 – $1,695, depending on your state and available discounts.

MPRE Review: free

Compare Themis to other Bar Review Courses by clicking the button below:

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Themis Bar Review Course Information

Themis Bar Review Top Features 
1. 8-10 week course is fully online
2. On-demand video lectures
3. Searchable outlines and interactive handouts
4. Option to study at own pace with “Flex Study Mode”
5. Practice MBE-type multiple choice questions and essay questions
6. 24/7 tech support

How to Study for the Bar Exam on a Budget

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How to Study for The Bar Exam On a Budget


How to Study for The Bar Exam On a BudgetWith an average annual tuition rate and fees of $49,095 at a private law school or $21,500 in in-state tuition and fees at a public law school, the last thing that most law school students want to do is bury more money into a bar exam course. However, the bar exam represents the last hurdle before being able to act as an attorney and begin your legal career. 

Here are some considerations for budgeting for your bar exam preparation.

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Think About Whether It’s Worth It to Study for the Bar Exam With a Course

Barbri’s current published rates for its bar exam course are $4,095 and $3,795. Kaplan’s live California bar exam course, at the time this post was written, is listed at $2,699 while the online course is listed at $1,999. While these courses represent the higher end of the spectrum, most bar review courses will run you a couple of grand. Additionally, you will still have to pay for the actual cost to take the exam, background processing fees, and your application.

So, with this information in hand, you might think that a simple way of saving more than $2,000 is to skip the bar exam course altogether.

However, it’s important to think about the true cost of the bar exam. Will failing the bar exam mean that your great first-year associate position will disintegrate? Will you have to take time off work to study for the second go-round?

Will you be relegated to performing paralegal duties since you aren’t licensed? Don’t think about the cost associated with a bar course in a vacuum; instead, really consider the drawbacks of not taking a course. 

While it’s great if you’re a motivated self-starter, many law school students do require the additional assistance and structure of a bar prep course. Think through whether you will really be able to study for what many people believe is the hardest test in the world without an established bar review course. 

Additionally, even if you do fail the bar exam on your first try, many prep courses will refund your money or let you take the course again for free or at a discounted rate. Consequently, you don’t have to feel like you’re sinking your money into a black hole.

After carefully weighing these factors, you might decide that shelling out a few thousand dollars is worth it to protect your first-year associate salary. Even if you have to take a short-term bar exam loan to pay for the course, this is usually worth it when you really consider what’s at stake. However, even if you go the bar prep route, you can still find ways to save. Here are some ways to make your investment a little less painful.

Library Hacks - How To Study For the Bar Exam on a Budget

Compare Available Courses

There are several available bar exam prep courses, but they’re not all made equal. Fortunately, you can review some of the most popular bar prep options our site. This can give you a good idea of what each course offers, and their cost, so you can make a budget-friendly decision while also considering which course best suits your learning style.

Take an Online Course

When comparing different courses, also look closely at the price for an online option. There is usually a significant difference in the price between an online and live option. This is because live classes have additional expenses to cover, including in-person tutors and having to secure space for lectures. If you don’t need a live class and can maintain structure with an online version, skip the added expense of a live course.

Online courses often feature video and audio options that appeal to a more diverse group of learners. You can tap into these resources while you are exercising, running errands or commuting to your job.

Get Your Employer to Pay For You To Pass The Bar

If you’ve found your groove and have been placed with a firm, check with your employer if they’d be willing to cover the cost of your prep. Many competitive firms will provide this assistance if it means securing a good applicant to fill an in-demand practice area. Furthermore, some bar programs provide a discounted rate when an employer pays.

Be Strategic with Your Selection of Law School Classes

While your 1L year is probably set in stone by your law school, you can more strategically select your courses during your second and third years so that you take full courses on bar exam subjects and closer to the timing of the bar exam. At the very least, ask for outlines for some of these courses so that you have your bases covered.

Take a Law School Based Review

Many law schools offer a course that is part of the regular curriculum that helps students prepare for the bar. Consider taking a course like this as part of your regular coursework to better prepare. This course can typically be rolled in with your student loans since it may count as part of your required credit hours.

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Befriend 3Ls

When you are a 1L or a 2L, make it a point to become friends with upperclassmen. In addition to being the best source for outlines and tips to get through law school, these individuals may have just doled out serious bucks for their bar prep courses and materials. Consequently, you may be able to borrow these from them or buy them at a discounted rate.

Additionally, some bar prep courses will offer piecemeal plans in which you spend a certain amount for the class itself and another amount for materials. This strategy can help you reduce the overall cost of your course.

While you don’t want to use really outdated study materials because the bar exam can change, books that are only one or two years old probably have the same content.

Check with Your Law School

Many law schools feel increasing pressure to help their students pass the bar exam. Hence, many have partnered with various bar exam prep companies and others to offer students greater access to resources.

Some services that may be offered through your law school for free or cheap include:

  • Full courses
  • Seminars
  • Essay grading
  • Books
  • One sheets

Check with your career services department or the dean of your law school to see if any of these resources are available. And if you don’t have a plan set up, form a committee to suggest this to your law school. With early activism, you might be able to get a program set up in time for your 3L year.

Apply for a Bar Review Scholarship

Some bar prep course companies offer a scholarship for students to help supplement the cost of the course. These may be needs-based or based on other criteria. For example, Barbri offers a scholarship for students going into public interest law.

Additionally, many law schools have scholarship applications that help you apply to multiple scholarships that are available through the school even after you are enrolled and have your base financial aid package. Check with your law school and financial aid office for any opportunities along these lines.

Take Free Bar Prep Workshops

Many bar prep companies offer free workshops during the weekend or for a couple weeks during the summer. Attend these workshops and get as many resources as you can from them. Ultimately, if you do this consistently during your law school career, you will be able to amass a mini arsenal of helpful tools and information.

Ask the ‘Rents for Help

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for financial help! Hit up your parents, godparents, friends, and others for help paying for your bar exam materials. If you are expecting some gifts for graduation, spread the word around that you would like a payment made toward your bar review prep course or other materials.

Get Discounts On BAR Review Courses!

Use Free Resources Online - How To Study For and Pass The Bar Exam

Use Free Resources Online

Fortunately, there are many free resources to study for the bar exam on the web. You can use these to supplement your bar prep course or as part of your study plan if you have decided to go it alone. Here is a quick rundown of some available options:

  • Free bar exam tests – You can check out older, retired bar exam test questions on the National Conference of Bar Examiners. You can also take some free sample tests here.
  • Free sample questions – The National Conference of Bar Examiners publishes a list of sample MBE questions. Here is another great resource with state-specific information for sample questions. Additionally, you can sign up for a daily MBE question and answer that is delivered to your inbox. Also, check other law schools in your state for state-specific sample questions and resources.
  • Free MPRE course – Kaplan offers a free MPRE review course. 
  • Free 1L and 2L online courses – Kaplan also offers free 1L and 2L courses that contain tons of study materials that can be reused for bar prep.
  • Free podcasts – You can check out free podcasts on writing advice, tips on taking the bar exam and alternative ways to study for the bar exam.
  • Free videos – Check YouTube for tons of free videos on bar exam preparation and subjects.
  • Free study materials – You can also find a wealth of free study materials, such as this big picture analysis and group of one sheets from Brendan Conley. 

Ultimately, this step might take some extra time, but it’s well worth it to get great resources at no cost.

Check Out Your Law Library

Your law library may be secretly hoarding a litany of free resources for bar preparation. Check online for topics. Also, check with the law librarian who will probably know the best sources of this often-requested information. You might be able to conjure up old practice bar exams for your state and explanations, essay questions, practice MBE questions, and other goodies. Plus, some law school students will donate their used books, materials, flashcards, board games, and tons of other items to their law school after passing the bar.

Look for a Bar Exam Discount

Try to track down a promo code for any online course purchase. Major test prep companies often have different phases where they charge different rates for the same packages. Try to track these promotions by checking our Bar exam promos codes often so that you can purchase them at an optimal time.

Become a Sales Rep for a Bar Prep Company

Major prep companies hire local law students to sell their courses to their peers. For example, Kaplan sales representatives earn credits for each course they sell that they can apply toward the payment of their own course. Then, for any additional sales, they earn commissions that they gain in the form of cash or gift cards.

Purchase Study Materials

For individuals skipping bar prep courses or those who are wanting to supplement their studies, Amazon is a great resource for used or new bar exam prep materials. You can also scout out a local book exchange or check with your law school’s bookstore for some lower-cost study options.

Be Creative

If you’ve exhausted the list above and still feel the budget crunch, it’s time to throw everything at the wall and hope something sticks. Are your law school’s bar passage rates abysmal? One law school responded to this problem by paying for a full bar prep course and gave students a $5,000 stipend. Maybe you can convince your law school to attack the problem in a similar fashion. 

Do you have some talent that you can tap into temporarily to get the funds to pay for bar prep? For example, can you make websites for a couple of firms or area businesses to drum up funds to pay for your prep course or to supplement your income so you can take time off work? Think outside the box to come up with some other options to pay for your study materials or reduce your expenses.

Get Started Today

Studying For and Passing The Bar on Your First Try

It’s never too early to start getting together your bar exam study schedule and budget plan! Be sure you check our site for the latest comparisons on bar prep courses and get ideas for studying for the bar on our blog.

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Best Bar Tutors

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Everyone knows that the bar exam can be an incredibly challenging hurdle on the way to obtaining your license to practice law. How can you ensure that you are prepared for the exam and receive the guidance you need?

It’s simple- hire a tutor!

If you’re fresh out of law school and already knowledgeable in bar exam topics, you might be wondering what benefits you can gain from a bar exam tutor. Well, with a topic as dense as the bar exam, the extra helping hand can be the secret ingredient that ensures your success on exam day.

We’ve taken the time to sample various bar exam tutoring services available on the market today, and you can see our findings below. Keep reading to discover the best learning resources when studying for the bar!

1. Barmax Bar Exam Tutor

barmax coupon code

A great tutor helps you set clear goals and achieve them. A big part of this process comes down to recognizing areas of improvement. It’s fitting then that Barmax was born out of a group of law students who recognized that the bar exam tutoring space was monopolized and desperately in need of improvement.

To resolve this issue, Barmax designed a bar review platform that offers students a more affordable and effective option. Since that time, they’ve continued to improve upon their services— and their tutoring services are a prime example.

This company offers one-on-one sessions with tutors that have previously taken and passed the exam themselves. They all have years of experience helping students like you pass the Uniform Bar Exam. Additionally, their approach is designed to evaluate students on an individual basis, spotting unique weaknesses that can help to improve your overall performance.

Tutoring sessions are designed to be convenient for you; they can be conducted over the phone or online via video conference call. Once you’ve been matched with a tutor, you can find a time to hold your sessions that will fit your schedule. This emphasis on flexibility is extremely helpful for students with a tight schedule, especially if you’re anxiety prone.

Speaking of flexibility, Barmax’s pricing options are also designed to be variable to your personal preferences and budget. They offer hourly tutoring at $200 per hour, and also have other options that allow you to select a set number of hours at a discounted rate. Best of all is that you even have the option to pay in monthly installments through a financing company.

BarMax Bottom Line: Barmax’s many strengths boil down to one common element: it’s designed by students, for students. The bar exam tutors with this company understand the need for solid education while also respecting your budget. Definitely check out their site if you want to work with a great bar exam tutor or enroll in an equally impressive bar review course!

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2. Kaplan Bar Prep Tutor

Kaplan is something of a staple within the exam prep industry. For over 80 years they’ve been helping students prepare for their exams with services reaching over 36 countries and including more than 120 test types. Unsurprisingly, their bar tutoring services continue this trend of impressive performance.

Unlike Barmax, Kaplan offers more of a bundle option for their tutoring. In addition to receiving up to 20 hours of personalized tutoring from a licensed attorney, you’ll also have access to several other features. Kaplan gives you an assessment to better identify your prep goals from the get go. Your tutor will provide you with feedback and guidance to you over the phone or a video call— it’s your choice.

One standout aspect of this bar exam tutor is their methodology for helping repeat bar exam takers. The extra focus helps them identify students’ key areas of improvement and tackle them in core target sessions. They also allow you complete access to their bank of real bar exam essays and have your submissions graded by actual lawyers. 

Kaplan Bottom Line: Kaplan, as always, is a solid choice. They have a track record that spans several decades and have proven their methods are successful through millions of passing students. Their package option for bar tutoring not only sets you up with top notch instruction; it does so at a price point that won’t break the bank either. Stop by their site for a free consultation to speak with a professional tutor and see what Kaplan has to offer.

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3. Themis Bar Review Tutor

Themis Bar Review

Themis Bar Review understands that students need tutoring for many different reasons. This is reflected by their bar exam tutor resources; they’ve made sure to account for students who are new to the bar as well as those who have taken the exam previously. 

Their tutors are lawyers who have passed the bar themselves and also have experience with creating review content. Essentially, they’ve gone through many of the same rites of passage you have on the way to their current position— which means they know what it’s like to be in your shoes.

While Themis also offers a course to review for the bar exam, you don’t need to enroll in this course in order to take part in Themis Virtual Tutoring. Instead, you’ll need to complete a preliminary questionnaire that covers your educational background and plans for taking the bar. After this, you’ll be contacted within 24 hours to discuss your next step.

Enlisting the help of a Themis bar exam tutor will help you evaluate focus areas during your study schedule. This ensures you reinforce the topics you need as you go and enables you to obtain the highest bar exam score possible. This demonstrates their desire to help you prepare as quickly as possible, which is also reflected by their affordably priced short-term packages.

Themis Bottom Line: Themis earns our endorsement due to its clear care for students of all types and learning styles. Their approach really takes the time to evaluate your personal goals and pinpoints your level of knowledge prior to tutoring. Most importantly, they reevaluate your targeted areas of study as you progress to make sure you’re always making progress.

4. BarBri Bar Prep Tutoring

barbri prep review

BarBri stands out from other bar exam tutor providers because it includes Multistate Performance Test techniques as part of their curriculum. Out of all the tutoring options currently available to professionals taking their bar exams, BarBri was one of the few we saw who took out-of-state exams into account.

But they also offer some other great features for students fresh out of law school:

BarBri’s tutors offer clearly defined techniques to improve your competence in essay writing and substantive law. Additionally, your tutor will also run you through practice questions and keep you on a tight study schedule to ensure you’ve reviewed all necessary topics on the way to your exam date.

As far as pricing goes, BarBri is similar to Barmax; you have the option to purchase several different packages with set amounts of hours. While a single hour could run you around $350, selecting one of the higher package options could net you some substantial savings and boost the amount of in-depth tutoring time you receive.

BarBri Bottom Line: BarBri provides an excellent option for anyone seeking additional tutoring for the Bar exam. But their recommendation of enrolling in 10 hours for the best experience is disappointing when compared to other options. Overall, we definitely still recommend checking BarBri out in case they are the best fit for your goals.

5. JD Advising Tutors

 

JD Advising understands the importance of efficiency as well as tailoring study plans to each student. Consequently, their bar exam tutoring packages don’t just focus on providing you with top notch study materials, but also with teaching you lasting study habits. This approach has helped their bar exam tutors to lead hundreds of students down the path to success.

How exactly does this process work? Here are the finer details:

You’ll get started by regularly meeting with a tutor for your study sessions. They’re kind of like bar exam coaches, since they also hold you accountable for completing assignments and keep you on track. Next, you’re assigned two essays after each tutoring session; the feedback they provide after reviewing them will help you ace the essay portion.

Additionally, this company puts a lot of effort into personalizing each bar review tutoring session. Your previous bar exam scores (if you’ve taken the exam before), your work schedule, and overall comfort level with the material are all taken into account. JD Advising also gives their students incredibly detailed study guides that are designed with past exams in mind.

 

 

 

JD Advising Bottom Line: We really love how hands on JD Advising is. From their course outlines to their essay assignments, they make sure that you never ask what you should be studying next. Everything is planned and according to schedule here. If this is your preferred way of learning, then we definitely recommend checking out JD Acvising’s Bar Tutoring options.

6. AmeriBar Review Tutors

With over 20 years in the game, AmeriBar is no stranger to helping students pass the bar. They pride themselves on being one of the best tutoring providers in the country and have helped thousands while continuing to offer similar resources to other top providers. Where AmeriBar stands out in particular is their heavy emphasis on tutoring students who previously failed to pass the bar exam.

Including former professors and bar exam graders, AmeriBar’s tutors start by helping you reevaluate your test taking skills. The first step consists of 10 hours of workshops that are focused on improving your test-taking technique. Following these workshops, you’ll then move on to reviewing substantive law and then you’ll receive feedback. This focus on test-taking technique is sure to be a benefit for those who simply don’t enjoy taking tests.

While AmeriBar does also offer courses that complement their tutoring services, only their highest tier of package bundles includes tutoring sessions. If you’re a repeat bar taker or curious about the AmeriBar approach, you can also opt to take part in a free trial to see their content prior to fully enrolling.

AmeriBar Bottom Line: While AmeriBar may not be a local tutoring option, they’re a great remote learning option for repeat bar exam takers. But if you’re taking the bar for the first time, you can probably opt for one of the tutoring options like Barmax that offer more availability and take less of your time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bar Exam Tutors

What are the qualifications for bar exam tutors?

The best bar exam tutors are people with exposure to the bar exam and legal field in some form. From actual lawyers, bar exam graders, to technical legal writing experts— the best companies that offer bar exam tutors will pair you up with someone who either understands where you’ve been or has the in-depth knowledge to help you to the fullest extent.

I haven’t taken the bar exam before, do I need a tutor?

This will ultimately be determined by your comfort with the exam material. However, tutors are often former law school students with career experience, so the guidance and assistance they provide is a huge advantage. 

I’ve failed the bar exam multiple times with tutoring, what should I do?

You might want to try a company that specializes in repeat bar exam takers. These bar review courses and tutors have a specific approach to improving your test-taking techniques. Be sure to mention which portions of the exam you have the most difficulty with, such as the exam section.

Do I need to select a specific bar exam tutor based on where I live?

While you should definitely look to see what your state’s bar exam requirements are and plan accordingly, all of the tutoring options listed above accept students across the United States.

Successful Strategies to Pass the Bar the Second Time Around

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Successful Strategies to Pass The Bar The Second Time Around
Successful Strategies to Pass The Bar The Second Time Around

Well, you did it. You put in hundreds of hours of studying for the most important test of your life, you submitted your application to become a licensed attorney in the state, and you lined up your first job as an associate. 

You wait anxiously for your state bar to announce you passed. As you frantically scroll through the names, you look and look but don’t see yours. You look again but there is no change. 

It suddenly hits you: you failed.

While this isn’t the outcome you hoped for, it is your reality.

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You can take a moment and sit down and cry and lament the last several months of your life. But then, it’s time to get back to work and figure out strategies that can give you a different outcome the second time around.

A Few Kind Reminders

The bar exam is a notoriously difficult test that is difficult to pass the first time around. Just exactly how hard is the bar exam? Well, to throw a number at it, the State Bar of California announced that in 2018, only 40.7% of test takers passed the test. Additionally, only 55% of first-time takers passed the test. So don’t be too hard on yourself; it’s not an easy test! If it were, super smart and successful people like Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Franklin D. Roosevelt wouldn’t have failed the bar exam.

You’re far from alone. Not passing the bar exam the first time does not mean that you will be a bad lawyer. You just need to figure out some different strategies to help you with the test the second time around.

How To Pass The Bar Exam (and how to study for it!)

Thoroughly Review Your Exam Report

Carefully analyze your test results so that you can find out where you went wrong. If this information isn’t clear from what you receive in your state, there are companies that will analyze your score report and give you extensive data on your results. Remember, this information is important to pinpoint so that you know what to focus on the second time around.

Take Control of Your Preparation

Unfortunately, it’s not enough to simply sit back and rely on the study schedule provided by the commercial program you purchased. Furthermore, this schedule doesn’t factor in your individual needs, strengths and weaknesses. Many people who fail the bar exam took a commercial prep course, so you can’t just rely on this program to get you through.

Additionally, you’ll probably have less time to study for the next bar exam than you did the first time around. There’s likely less time between the results date and the next passage date than there probably was between the time you started studying and the last test date.

Create a study plan that is customized for you and that can deliver results in a shorter time period.

Learn How To Pass The Bar By Testing Yourself

After getting back your not-too-friendly test results, the last thing you probably want to do is test yourself. However, it’s important to know where you stand on certain subjects so that you can tailor your prep.

See how many rules you can remember from each subject without referencing any study books or flashcards. You won’t have these materials on test day, so It’s important to know where you stand without these aids. As you study, test yourself often without any of these additional assistive devices so that you have a better understanding of how much information you are retaining in a particular subject.

Do Something Different

While you might be tempted to retake the entirety of your bar course, this probably is not the most efficient use of your time and may not yield the desired result. If you’re tempted to go this route, remember that it didn’t work the first time. Studying the same way the second time around may simply make you a third exam test taker. Consider adopting a new strategy to pass the bar this time around that really works for you.

Don’t Watch the Videos!

If you do one thing differently, don’t watch the commercial bar prep videos again. They’re boring and they’re unlikely to stick. Instead, focus your attention on content that is targeted to increase your score. Review the rules. Create outlines. Study questions. Do anything besides watch those videos!

Create a Defined Plan for Answering Questions and Essays

Create a step-by-step process to attack questions. This will help you feel more in control of the outcome and will also increase your efficiency so that you are more likely to have time to answer all of the questions. Additionally, this will also help you reduce your test anxiety, which can have a direct impact on your test performance.

Study Real MBE Questions

The bar exam has been around for more than 100 years in most states, so there’s no reason to use “pretend” questions. Get your hands on the real questions and study with them!

First, the LSAC sometimes recycles questions. Hence, by simply remembering the question and answer, you can get a freebie. Second, studying with real questions will get you better acquainted with them so that you can recognize patterns and better attack them.

Just like you studied real LSAT questions before taking the LSAT, you need to study real MBE questions. And they’re not even difficult to get a hold of, so what’s your excuse?

How To Pass The Bar Exam - Take A Repeater Course

Take a Repeater Bar Exam Prep Course

Repeater courses are designed specifically for people retaking the test. They get to the point right away and don’t waste your time with the same fluff that traditional courses do. Consider adding this option to your arsenal.

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Don’t Forget Your Essays

While you could probably use some improvement in the MBE section of the test, don’t forget about the importance of your essays. This can account for a significant portion of your overall test score.

In states that administer the Uniform Bar Exam, the Multistate Essay Exam and the Multistate Performance Test make up half of your overall grade.

Therefore, you can’t ignore this portion of the test just because essays take longer to prepare when you are studying. 

There are effective strategies to help you with the essay portion of the test. For example, you can identify the issues, outline an answer to an essay question, and compare your outline with the rubric to see how many issues you correctly identified. Also, complete essay questions on a regular basis under timed conditions so that it will become second nature to do this work.

Consider using a program like Baressays (California specific) for additional help. This will give you a template to attack essays; you can see real bar exam essay questions and actual law students’ responses. You can check out the grade the test taker received and why.

Furthermore, you can review successful answers and what test takers did right. Practice your essays by applying the templates, and remember to focus first on the subjects that are more likely to be tested.

How To Pass The Bar Exam - Keep A Notebook

Keep a Notebook of Rule Statements

As you go through practice questions and answers, write down the rule statement that applies. After your study session, read back through the rules. Every few days, read over all of the rules that you‘ve written down. You’ll notice that some of them repeat, but reading this information over and over again can help lock it in.

Track Your Progress

Many commercial bar prep companies will help track your progress. However, you might want to track your own progress, especially if you’re doing different types of prep with various tools and programs. Keep an excel sheet or other document in which you record critical data, such as:

  • How many MBE questions you answered for the day
  • How many essay questions you answered for the day
  • Your grades on these subjects
  • How much time you spent studying
  • Your practice test scores

You might find that simply by requiring yourself to keep track of this information that you will hold yourself accountable for it. After all, it’s hard to deny when you’ve been slacking when it’s in black and white!

Learn Your Outlines

Read over your outlines as part of your bar prep every day. Then, review them periodically throughout your studies. Don’t make the mistake of reading them once and then putting them away. They’re a great resource, so use them!

State bars won’t tell you that a big portion of doing well on the test is simply to memorize rules. However, it is! Here are some effective strategies that you can use to efficiently learn and memorize your outlines:

  • Focus on important subjects – You’re going to have to focus on certain subjects because you can’t possibly learn everything. Hence, spend more time learning your MBE subjects, such as negligence, rules of evidence, contract formation and hearsay exceptions. Also, hone in on the state subjects that tend to be tested at higher rates than others.
  • Make it interactive – Many test takers read through their outlines over and over again. However, they might not notice whether they’re spacing out or actually retaining the information. Make the process interactive by color coding your outline, drawing diagrams, and testing yourself on them. 

Learn one section at a time – Don’t try to tackle the entire outline in one sitting. Instead, learn one section completely before moving onto the next. Then, review the old and new sections together before moving onto the third.

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Learn the Law

Okay, we know that your goal is just to learn how to pass this f$%^ing test! However, remember that this test is designed to see that a person has learned enough in law school to actually practice law and become an attorney.

This step goes hand-in-hand with your outlines, which are basically a summary of the law. Use your outlines as you go through some test prep questions and apply them to multiple-choice and essay questions. You must first know the law in order to apply it correctly.

How To Pass The Bar Exam - This is Exactly Why Private Tutoring Makes a Lot of Sense

Consider Private Tutoring

While this might be one of the more expensive options, it is also one of the most effective. A private tutor can customize your study for the areas where you need the most improvement. Additionally, a private tutor can personally guide you through the process. Furthermore, having another person to be accountable to may make you stay on track and hold your feet to the fire. 

Your tutor can give you valuable feedback on your MBE, MPT and essays. While you might think it’s too expensive to hire a tutor, really think about the financial consequences of failing the bar exam again. Will your dream job vaporize? Will you have to take more time off work to continue studying? Can you really afford to live off of non-attorney fees for another round of test taking and waiting for test results?

It will probably cost you a lot more to keep taking the test without individual guidance than hiring a private tutor for a few months. Do what you have to in order to afford it. Beg, borrow, or steal if you have to. Okay, maybe not steal; you’ll still have to pass the ethics portion of the test before you can become licensed, but you know what I mean!

How To Stack The Deck in Your Favor - Passing The Bar Exam on The 2nd Try

Stack The Deck in Your Favor

Crush is committed to helping you learn how to pass the bar exam, no matter how many times you’ve already taken the test. Passing the Bar the second time is more about studying smart and knowing how. Check out our reviews on some of the leading bar prep courses and read our blog for new study ideas. 

And good luck to you! You’ve got this.

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