5 Bar Exam Things

1. I am FINISHED with the Washington State Bar Exam. Longest three days of my life (+8 weeks of studying) and I could not be happier to have the day off today. The only day I took off during all of bar prep was the 4th of July (because it is my favorite holiday), so I am thoroughly enjoying my leisurely morning (read: pizza for breakfast with my roommate). Also we’re having a party at our house later, so yay!

2. My butt is bruised from sitting in that chair for so long during the test. I also have bruises on my arms from where they rested on the lip at the edge of the table while I was typing the test. Brutal.

3. I am pretty sure that no matter what anyone says, or what advice you get, no one can ever really prepare you for the experience that is the bar. I think the most important thing to remember if you ever take it is: take a bar prep class (I liked my BARBRI course) and then study all day every day before the test. Minus the 4th of July. Take that day off and don’t feel guilty about it. But wake up, study all day, go to bed and do it again. Every single day. It’s the only way to get your stamina where it needs to be so you can endure three days of testing and so that you will feel that you prepared as well as you could have prepared. You don’t want to be one of those people vomiting or crying in the middle of the test.

4. If you ever take the bar: stay in a hotel across the street from the testing center. My roommate and I split a hotel room in Tacoma, across the street from the convention center, and it was the best decision. Also bring lots of snacks to your hotel room. Unhealthy snacks like bagels and Doritos. And go out for dinner. And go on walks after you finish the test each day. Then study more before bed.

5. The day the test is done you’ll want to just lay and never move or think again. You’ll be so exhausted. More exhausted than you’ve ever been, but, get up, eat something, and go out. Have a drink. Be with your friends. Look like a beautiful princess in real clothes, with really dirty hair (see picture above). It will make you feel normal again, and feeling normal is the best.

P.S. I DID IT!