Preparing for the Ontario Bar Exams is a time-consuming and stressful experience. There are several helpful posts and blogs on the topic online from those who have implemented successful strategies from their experience. In this blog, I will highlight the 4 key steps I took to pass the Ontario bar exams on the first attempt.
1. Organization
Given the volume of materials, studying for the Ontario bar exams is a time-consuming endeavour regardless of the exam cycle or if a test taker opts to take both the barrister and solicitor exams in the same exam cycle.
There are 3 helpful organization steps I implemented:
(i) binding the materials by topic (i.e. printing the criminal law materials as a stand-alone binding for ease of reference)
(ii) sticking to a fixed study plan (i.e. setting a target of getting through at least 50 pages a day from the day I received the materials)
(iii) developing a helpful study resource (i.e. I actively annotated bar exam summaries as part of my preparation and I ultimately used the annotated summaries as a resource on the day of the exam).
2. Annotation
I found it helpful to engage with the actual materials head-on. Annotating the content allowed me to condense the materials into a more manageable format.
Specifically, I took short-form margin notes summarizing key concepts and then relied on those notes during my second pass-through of the materials when time was of the essence.
In my case, it would not have been practical to complete a fulsome second read-through of the materials and the annotations were critical in this regard.
3. Practice
I practiced using my study resources by doing as many practice questions as I could. This allowed me to practice how I would use my study resources on the day of the exam in order to answer the questions in an expedited manner.
It also gave me an opportunity to update/further annotate my study resources based on the learnings I gained when doing the practice questions.
4. Time Pacing
While the first 3 steps dealt with the preparation process, pacing myself was critical on the day of the exam. I used a timer sheet that I developed using a helpful precedent (there are several samples available online) and this enabled me to keep progressing through the questions at a good pace during the exams and feeling confident in my time management.
In Conclusion
These are the 4 key steps that worked for me to successfully pass the Ontario Bar Exams on the first attempt. At Bar Exam Crackers, we know that everyone has different strategies and preparation methods when it comes to taking the Ontario Bar Exams. I would love to hear what steps you are implementing currently or for those who have completed the exams, what worked for you? Please write to us at info@barexamcrackers.com.
How Bar Exam Crackers Can Help You Pass The Ontario Bar Exam
At Bar Exam Crackers, we offer a variety of premium quality study and practice materials for students who are getting ready to take the Ontario Bar Exam. From up-to-date practice questions and summaries to one-on-one tutoring services that are designed to help you prepare for your exam, we have your needs covered.
For other helpful insights and tips for passing the Ontario Bar Exams, please check out our Ontario Bar Exam Blog today!
