The bar exam begins one week from today. The following is my last blog post sent to our graduates heading down the home stretch:
It is just about time to get this little examination over with and move on with life, how does that sound?
Odds are that you have prepared for this exam more than you have ever prepared for any one thing in your life. As a result, you will be relieved to finally get to it. It will (unbelievably) feel good to start those first morning essays!
So you are past the time for dreading “the bar” – just bring it on, knock it out, and get to the rest of your life!
A few final thoughts:
1. Enjoy a little packing and nesting this weekend. If you have studied at the law school, clean out your locker. When you pack up for the hotel, be sure to read over the “what you can bring into the exam” list and believe that they are serious about enforcing the list.
2. For those staying in hotels, I suggest arriving early. It gets a little crazy when a bunch of bar applicants arrive at the same time prepared to argue with anyone and anything, so I suggest beating the crowd.
3. Once you arrive, take a leisurely walk around the area to get your bearings. Both the walk and the acclimation process are good things.
4. Get plenty of alarms set (wake-up call, cell phone alarm, etc.) – no need to add unnecessary stress by oversleeping!
5. Walk in with confidence. There is a difference between confidence and arrogance, and truth be told, you graduated from a school with a track record on the bar that qualifies you to walk in the room with either one. Arrogance can get you in trouble, though. Instead, walk in knowing that you have everything going for you and are in the top echelon of people truly prepared for the bar exam.
6. Pay attention to your timing. You have practiced this all summer, so it won’t be a problem. Just stay on task.
7. Finally, just do your best no matter what. As a dad, I have always told my daughters that I would be proud of them for doing their best regardless of the final result. The good news for you is that your best on the bar exam promises to produce the result you want.
It has truly been an honor to tag along with you all through the bar preparation process. I look forward to seeing many of you during a lunch break next week, and I especially look forward to the swearing-in ceremony after you accomplish what you set out to accomplish!
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, but I have every confidence in you.
Yours to count on,
Al