44 point jump and pass!

I wanted to share my experience with bar prep and retaking the bar. I failed July '24 after scoring a 236. l ended up passing February '25 with a 280 and there were so many things I did differently that I feel are necessary to share.

(1) | did BARBRI the first time around and looking back, I find that completing BARBRI does not mean you actually did the work. You can check so many boxes but you look back not even knowing anything about the box you checked. While BARBRI is a successful platform and works for several students, I found it very difficult to pay attention to the videos and actually absorb the information. I will say, MEE and MPT prep through BARBRI is what I continued to use the second time around and it helped me big time. I just did it in a way that worked for me and not by their schedule. I can get into the MEE prep later.

(2) being honest with yourself is extremely important. Looking at the first time I studied, I failed to actually take the time to slow down. As I mentioned above, using a commercial bar prep and checking the boxes does not mean you're studying. It felt more like a completion game for me and I didn't want to tell myself that.

(3) Supplements are EVERYTHING. After you complete your commercial course skills and requirements, it shouldn't stop there. At my second go around, l used the following: GOAT Bar Prep full paid package, adaptibar, and critical pass. I know supplements are expensive and these are not possible for everyone, but second hand options are available, and the exam is expensive period. ESPECIALLY if you have to take it twice like I did. So invest in yourself early so you don't have to do it again. I can deep dive on bar supplements for a long time because I truly believe they are the answer, especially as a retaker.

(4) contact your law school, even if you had graduated. They want you to succeed. I got to partake in a program that helped me so much.

(5) study when you can, and know when it's not worth it. If you are sitting there attempting to get things done but you just CANNOT do it. Don't. It's not worth it and I told myself often not to force myself. I am a firm believer in quality over quantity.