How to Succeed on the Bar Exam: 17 Expert Tips

Virginia and South Dakota announced on Thursday their decision to adopt the new bar exam, which is scheduled to launch in July 2026. This development increases the number of jurisdictions utilizing a bar exam for attorney licensing to over half of the 56 states and territories. Virginia plans to implement the NextGen exam in July 2028, while also maintaining a Virginia-specific section that assesses knowledge of state law alongside the national examination, as stated by state board examiners. Meanwhile, the South Dakota Supreme Court has decided to transition to the NextGen exam in July 2027.

The bar exam is one of the most challenging milestones in your legal career. However, with expert guidance and a solid preparation plan, you can approach it with confidence. Lawyer Monthly has compiled 17 expert tips to help you succeed in every phase of bar prep, from law school to test day itself. These strategies are designed to ensure you are fully prepared and ready to tackle the exam.

Bar Prep Throughout Law School

1. Build a Strong Foundation in Your First Year
The bar exam focuses heavily on subjects covered during your first year of law school, such as torts, civil procedure, and constitutional law. These courses are foundational, so it’s crucial to take thorough notes and actively engage with the material. Regularly review and create outlines of what you’ve learned. This foundational work will make bar prep much easier when the time comes.

2. Establish Effective Study Habits Early
Developing strong study habits early on will serve you well throughout law school and bar prep. Use your first-year courses to develop efficient note-taking and time-management strategies. Consistent review and organization of your notes will help keep the material fresh in your mind and provide a reliable reference when studying for the bar exam in the future.

3. Understand Your Learning Style
Everyone learns differently, and understanding how you learn best is vital for successful bar prep. Some students benefit from visual aids, while others thrive with auditory learning. Use available academic resources, such as self-assessments or consultations with academic advisors, to figure out your optimal learning style. This will help you select the best bar review materials and study methods later.

4. Stay Consistent with Review
It’s tempting to focus on new material as you progress through law school, but consistent and regular review is key. Revisit your notes from first-year courses regularly, even in your second and third years. This prevents the need for last-minute cramming and helps you retain the material long-term. Remember, spaced repetition—revisiting material periodically—enhances retention.

5. Use Memory Hacks to Improve Recall
Bar exam prep requires memorization, but there are effective techniques to enhance memory and recall. Use tools like mnemonic devices, chunking, and spaced repetition. Visual techniques like creating “memory palaces” or linking concepts together with funny images or stories can make even the most complex concepts stick. Practice teaching others, which is a proven way to reinforce your own understanding.

Chunking: Simplify complex concepts by dividing them into smaller, interconnected components.

Spaced repetition: Our ability to retain information improves when we consistently review it over time.

Pegging: If you find it difficult to recall a concept, try linking it to a peculiar or amusing image, word, phrase, or rhyme to enhance memory retention.

Memory palaces: Connect the information you need to remember with a familiar location, such as your home or apartment, and mentally navigate through that space when recalling the information.

Chaining/linking: Create associations between ideas by connecting them in a sequence, utilizing related images or prompts.

Mnemonic devices/acronyms: Employ a well-known phrase, word, or melody to aid in memorizing lists or sets of information.

Teach someone else: Research consistently shows that instructing others reinforces our understanding of a subject.

Sleep: While it may not be a conventional memory technique, adequate sleep is essential for processing and retaining learned material, so ensure you prioritize rest.

Smell: Although unconventional, the sense of smell is closely linked to memory. Consider using the same fragrance while studying and on the day of the exam to create a memory association, while being mindful not to overapply.

6. Take Advantage of Academic Resources
Every law school offers academic support services designed to help you succeed. Take advantage of these resources early, even if you don’t feel like you’re struggling. Services like practice exams, individualized counseling, and study tools can enhance your study techniques. Many law schools also offer bar prep-focused courses to sharpen your legal reasoning skills before you dive into full-blown bar exam preparation.

7. Gain Practical Legal Experience
In addition to studying, gaining practical legal experience will help strengthen your legal reasoning and analysis skills, which are crucial for the bar exam. Participate in moot court, mock trial teams, law reviews, or internships. These activities will not only improve your legal skills but also provide valuable experience that can help you stand out in the job market after graduation.

8. Gamify Your Learning
Studying for the bar exam doesn’t have to be monotonous. Make learning more enjoyable by gamifying the process. You can turn your study sessions into a game by rewarding yourself for correct answers or tracking your progress. Additionally, using brain-training apps such as Lumosity, Eidetic, or CogniFit can help improve your cognitive skills and memory retention.

Six to Ten Weeks Before the Bar Exam

9. Adopt a Strict, Test-Specific Routine
In the months leading up to the bar exam, you need to transform your study habits into a full-time commitment. Establish a rigid daily routine that mirrors the schedule of the exam day itself. This will help you adjust your body and mind to the demands of long study hours. Try to simulate test conditions by taking breaks and eating meals at the same times every day, so the experience feels familiar when you sit for the exam.

10. Take Full-Length Practice Bar Exams
Don’t just study the material—test yourself regularly by taking full-length practice bar exams. Include all components of the test, such as essays, multiple-choice questions, and performance tests. Mimic real test conditions by timing yourself, taking scheduled breaks, and practicing in an environment similar to the exam setting. This will help you build endurance and get used to the stress of the real thing.

11. Prioritize Rest and Breaks
While it’s essential to study hard, it’s equally important to take time to rest. Regular breaks during study sessions are crucial for maintaining focus. Additionally, take one full day off each week to recharge. Doing something completely unrelated to law or bar prep will help clear your mind, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. Your brain needs rest to retain information and stay sharp.

12. Focus on Memorizing the Core Concepts
The bar exam tests core legal principles, and memorization is key. Don’t get bogged down in minor details—focus on learning the main rules, doctrines, and cases. Use active memorization techniques like repetition and summarizing the material. Create charts, diagrams, or flashcards to help you organize and quickly recall the key concepts you’ll need to answer the exam questions.

13. Use a Bar Review Course
Invest in a reputable bar review program. These structured courses guide you through the material and provide practice questions and resources tailored to the exam. Research your options carefully to find the best fit for your learning style. While some programs are entirely online, Lawyer Monthly recommends attending an in-person course if possible. A live instructor can offer real-time feedback and force you to adhere to a set schedule.

14. Commit to Regular Study Time
There are no shortcuts to bar exam success. You must commit to studying consistently, even on days when you feel less motivated. Set daily goals and track your progress. Remember, there’s no “magic bullet” to passing the exam—success comes from diligent study and practice. Focus on steady, incremental progress, and you’ll build the knowledge and confidence you need.

15. Practice Self-Care and Stress Management
The bar exam is a taxing mental and physical challenge, so take care of your body. Prioritize sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and engage in stress-relief activities like meditation or yoga. Doing so will help you maintain the energy, focus, and clarity needed for intense study sessions. Make sure to schedule time for activities that make you happy—this will keep you balanced and avoid burnout.

16. Plan Your Finances for Bar Prep
Studying for the bar exam is a full-time commitment, so you may need to take time off work. If possible, plan your finances in advance to ensure you can focus solely on preparation. Speak with your employer or family about taking time off or adjusting your responsibilities. Some students receive financial support from their employers or use savings to cover this period. Be proactive in managing your finances during this time.

17. Communicate with Loved Ones
Let your friends and family know that your availability will be limited during the bar prep period. Their understanding and support will be invaluable as you focus on your studies. Share your goals with them so they can help you stay on track and provide emotional encouragement when things get tough.

Extra Tips: During the Bar Exam

18. Take Breaks Seriously
During the exam itself, breaks are essential. Breakfast and lunch are crucial for recharging your energy, so don’t skip them. Make sure to fuel your body with a balanced meal containing protein, carbs, and healthy fats. During lunch, take a brief walk or meditate to clear your mind and prepare for the next round of questions.

19. Be Mentally and Physically Strong
The bar exam is not just a test of knowledge; it’s also a test of endurance. Keep your mind sharp and your body strong by staying focused on the task at hand. Trust that the preparation you’ve done will help you navigate the exam successfully. It’s not about knowing every rule—it’s about knowing the core concepts inside and out and applying them effectively.

20. Stay Calm and Composed
The bar exam is a high-pressure situation, but staying calm is essential. Don’t panic if you encounter questions you don’t immediately know the answer to. No one knows everything, so focus on doing your best and applying your legal reasoning. If you keep a level head, you’ll be better able to think through complex questions and demonstrate your knowledge.

21. Be Confident in Your Abilities
Believe in yourself. Approach the exam with a positive mindset, and trust in the preparation you’ve put in. Negative thinking and self-doubt can hinder your performance, while a confident, focused mindset will help you perform at your best. Know that you’ve prepared and you have everything you need to succeed.