Thread: Failed NY; dunno what I did wrong.

Yep. I'm another Bar exam failee, and I've reapplied to take it again in July. Problem is, I have no idea what I did wrong. Practice exams went well for me before the exam, and I could tell you almost anything about the UCC. But when it gone down to the questions, it became as if I never studied at all.
Anyone have tips for motivation to start studying again? It's not that I don't know my stuff, as I've been getting pretty decent percentages on practice questions after a one-time read-through of notes.

I would recommend consulting with a tutor to read over your essay answers and pinpoint your mistakes so that you know what you need to focus on the second time around.

If you did well on the practice exam but couldn't remember anything when tackling the actual exam Qs, it sounds like you just had a bad anxiety attack during the actual exam. You probably already know the stuff cold. Just work on reducing anxiety by putting yourself in a calm frame of mind before the test. Get a good night's sleep. Eat well. FYI, you are not alone: I failed the WA state "3 days of bar hell" by 9 pts. The fact that I have been through it, came so close to passing, and know what to expect in July has reduced my nervousness. Now I know exactly what to do to slay the bastard in July.

I think you should take advice from people who have passed and can articulate their methodology.

You might try Professor Leonard Lakin. He's very good. http://www.lakinbarexam.com.

mizzyalana, how is it going this time?

It's difficult to motivate yourself after failing it but it does sound as though you suffered from nerves on the day which can happen and does happen to most of us.

If you know the material, then you need to get yourself into a relaxed frame of mind.

I find it useful to be by myself a day or so leading up to the exam and on the day itself to stay well clear of others that may be talking about the questions and what might come up etc... nobody knows what will come up bar the examiners. Everyone can guess but nothing for certain so try to relax, cover the bases again and nail it this time around.

A number of peolle I know failed it and then passed on the subsequent sitting with less study. Their frame of mind got them the first time out.

It could be worth contacting a reputable tuitor also to go through your essays and get their take on things as it could also be down to poor format of your answer even though you knew the content.

Good luck,
David

Hi there,

Have your ordered your essays and compared them to the above average answers on the NY Exam website? doing well on previous exams is great, but you need to know what was letting you down on this one. February contained no UCC but intricate contract rules of construction. I guess its too late to order them now, but read over the above average essays and make a note of all the things that differed from your answers. Once you have covered those topics, relax. It really is a head game too. Best of luck in July.