Mastering the 170/200: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Success in the Bar Exam

Introduction

The bar exam, a rigorous assessment of legal knowledge and skills, poses a significant challenge for aspiring attorneys. To increase your chances of passing, it's crucial to develop a strategic approach that allows you to make the most of the allotted time. This guide explores the concept of "170/200," a strategy that has proven effective for countless bar exam takers.

The 170/200 Concept

The 170/200 strategy is built on the premise that in order to pass the bar exam, you need to correctly answer 170 out of the 200 questions. This equates to a score of 85%, which is typically the passing threshold in most jurisdictions.

Key Points:

• Focus on answering as many questions correctly as possible, even if you don't have time to answer them all.
• Prioritize questions that you are confident in and can answer quickly.
• Manage your time wisely to ensure you have enough time for all sections of the exam.

Planning and Preparation

1. Establish a Study Schedule

• Start early: Allow yourself ample time to prepare thoroughly.
• Create a structured schedule: Set aside specific time slots each day for studying.
• Break down the material: Divide the exam material into manageable chunks.

2. Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses

• Take practice exams: Simulate the exam experience and identify areas where you excel or need improvement.
• Review past exams: Analyze questions to understand the common topics and question formats.
• Seek professional help: Consider hiring a tutor or joining a study group to address specific areas of difficulty.

3. Develop a Test-Day Strategy

• Familiarize yourself with the exam format: Understand the number and types of questions in each section.
• Manage your time effectively: Allocate time for each section and stick to it.
• Utilize break time: Use breaks to review your answers and regroup.

Execution on Exam Day

1. Prioritize Questions

• Start with easy questions: Answer questions you are confident in first to build momentum.
• Flag difficult questions: Mark questions you need to revisit later if time permits.
• Eliminate incorrect choices: Carefully read the questions and eliminate obviously incorrect answers.

2. Manage Your Time

• Be aware of the clock: Keep track of time and adjust your pace accordingly.
• Don't spend too much time on any one question: Move on if you're stuck.
• Utilize all available time: Answer as many questions as possible until the time runs out.

3. Review and Verify

• If time permits: Review your answers and correct any mistakes.
• Check your scantron: Ensure that your answers are correctly bubbled in.
• Don't second-guess yourself: Trust your initial instincts and avoid changing answers unless you are certain.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not practicing under timed conditions: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and time constraints.
• Trying to answer every question: Focus on answering the questions you know and leave the rest.
• Rushing through questions: Take your time to read the questions carefully and eliminate incorrect choices.
• Overthinking difficult questions: Move on to easier questions and revisit difficult ones later.
• Neglecting break time: Utilize breaks to clear your head and review your answers.

Success Stories

1. Emily, Florida

Emily prioritized answering questions she was confident in and flagged difficult ones. She managed her time effectively and used breaks wisely to review answers. By staying calm and focused, Emily passed the Florida Bar Exam with a score of 175.

2. John, California

John established a rigorous study schedule and attended a bar prep course. He took practice exams regularly and used the results to identify areas for improvement. On exam day, John implemented the 170/200 strategy, answering questions quickly and accurately. He passed the California Bar Exam with a score of 172.

3. Sarah, New York

Sarah formed a study group with classmates. They reviewed materials together, discussed difficult concepts, and encouraged each other. Sarah also sought guidance from a tutor for specific legal topics. By collaborating with others and seeking support, Sarah passed the New York Bar Exam with a score of 178.

Conclusion

Mastering the 170/200 strategy is an effective way to increase your chances of passing the bar exam. By planning and preparing thoroughly, executing your test-day strategy efficiently, and avoiding common mistakes, you can maximize your score and achieve your goal of becoming a licensed attorney. Remember, success on the bar exam is not solely about knowing the law but also about managing your time and staying focused under pressure. Embrace the 170/200 approach and strive for excellence in your legal career.

Tables

Table 1: Passing Thresholds by Jurisdiction

Table 2: Time Allocation for the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)

Table 3: Tips for Answering Multiple-Choice Questions