Answering the MBEs

I hope everyone's preparation is coming along well. Below is a testing strategy you may have already considered, but I include it for those who have not yet considered it.

When taking the MBEs, consider the following strategy: Fill in the answer sheet at the end of every column. So record your answers in the testing book, but only transfer them to the answer sheet once you reach a question to be recorded on a new column on the answer sheet.

I find the following benefits:

1. Concentration is maintained, thus helping the tester stay in the mental grove. By being able to focus on questions, the tester can build momentum in answering the questions. This is the result of a less interrupted questioning experience.

2. It is more time efficient. Filling in the answers at once reduces time spent preparing to transfer the answers.

Potential Risks:

1. Incorrectly transferring the answers due to the higher volume of transfers per transfer event. I caution to transfer with care with this strategy.

2. Not transferring all answers at the very end of the test for the last column.

3. Fatigue. Consider when and how you require mental breaks to prevent mental fatigue.

Consider testing this strategy on a practice MBE. It may or may not be right for you.

Best,

Josh

acronyms

What are your favorite acronyms to remember the elements and the material?

Post comments below to share with others. If we get a bunch, I will create a consolidated sheet.

iPhone App Resource

Hey Y'all (as Fatima would say),

Fatima has mentioned to me she is making available flashcards she is creating for an iPhone application. This is her message:

There is a free app called flash card sets for iphone. If you go to
the website http://quizlet.com/, you can create your own flashcard
sets and view them on your phone.

I've already started to create one for Wills, but not up yet. Y'all
can access any sets I make by searching by my username "sheikafatima".
I'm going to pword protect them all by the title of the set. (Ex.
Wills, pw "wills")

F

So there you have it. Another resource available to the community. So thank you Fatima.

Also, she brings to my attention people are not able to post here. Until I figure out how to let anyone post, I know I can invite people to post. E-mail me if you want posting capacity [horowitz@uchastings.edu].

Josh H.

Summary: Real Bar Essays by Date and Subject

Hello Cal Bar Takers,

I include a document here designed to help you study for the essay portion of the exam. I made it for myself, and so I make it available to you too. The document provides information on when a subject was tested on the essay portion of the exam and within which particular question it was actually tested. For example, the document will state professional responsibility was tested on the July 2009 exam and was the second question.

Prof. Sakai recommended, among other things, we read through a few community property exams. This document will help you locate those and other exams.

If you, reader, have summary sheets or other helpful materials you think others would benefit from, please feel free to post them or e-mail them to me for posting [horowitz@uchastings.edu].

Happy Studying,

Josh H.

Note: If you are preparing with BarBri, similar information may also be found in the BarBri California Essay Exam Practice Workbook, page v.