Online Essay Writing For the California Bar
Don’t get caught in “Scrolling Hell!”
Overcome the problems of digital online essay writing for the California Bar.
The California Bar exam isn’t your grandparent’s, parent’s, or even your older sibling’s California Bar exam.
This is not only due to the fact that laws are constantly changing, but because a global pandemic is shaping everything about our lives, including how exams are administered and proctored.
In the past, taking the California Bar used to mean paper and pencil in a room full of people. But rather than an in-person exam, it’s a digital experience (much like everything else nowadays!).
But even though “virtual living” has made some things easier, it can complicate your life in other ways…such as essay writing for the California Bar.
Problems With Online Essay Writing For the California Bar
If this is your first time taking the California Bar (or the first time in a while), you might be unaware of the unique issues associated with taking this test in a digital format.
The first thing you should know is that there is no single “start time.” You can log in and begin taking the test anytime between 8 – 8:30 am. Once you click that button and are verified, the test begins immediately.
When people tell you that you have one hour per essay, they are not lying. You will get exactly 60.000 minutes to finish each essay.
Since that time includes outlining as well as writing, every second counts on the Bar exam. You do not have time to hem and haw about your answer!
But even if you hit the ground running, there are two major issues with online essay writing for the California Bar.
1. It’s All Digital
You already know the test is administered digitally, but have you given any thought to what this will actually look like?
That’s right: no scratch paper!
The only available option you’re told about is a digital scratch pad that you will have to click on to expand (so you can read it) or contract (to get it out of the way).
2. Scrolling Hell!
Because your entire exam is on a screen, it’s very easy to find yourself scrolling up and down (and back again), trying to read the fact pattern.
I call this “Scrolling Hell” for a very good reason: it does not make this test any easier for an applicant! In fact, this combination can make you feel like you’re playing 4D chess!
I Can Help!
If this is starting to seem like a nightmare, I can’t blame you. But I do have a solution that can help.
Yes, simply being prepared for what’s ahead can help a great deal in getting you across that finish line. By telling you what to expect on the digital bar exam, you might have a slightly, or far better, outcome than someone going into the test totally unprepared.
But I can do you one better.
I came up with a solution to avoid Scrolling Hell, make outlining easier, and eliminate the digital scratch pad to keep you from getting distracted.
If you have the time, my 1-on-1 tutoring program is unmatched in the industry. I’ve taken the last 21 years of experience teaching law at UC Hastings and distilled it into a 2-, 3-, or 4-month customized program that meets you where you are.
In addition to lectures, a personalized calendar, and custom feedback, you’ll also receive my secrets to outlining, issue spotting, and crushing all three phases of the California Bar exam.
Even better: my program sifts out the nonsense, so you’re left with only the essentials.
What If I Don’t Have Three Months?
I get it! Not everyone has the time or the means to focus on nothing but Bar prep for three months.
For you, I have my secret weapons.
WINNIN’ TIME! is my most popular book, helping students pass the Bar exam year after year. Just about everything you need to know about the exam is in here, from memorization to outlining.
Need help issue spotting? The Trigger List is the way to go! This book is the only place I know of where students can find a plan of attack to identify trigger words and phrases that will help spot issues 100% of the time.
The Future of the California Bar
It would not be unreasonable to expect the California Bar exam to continue digitally in 2022. We’ve seen the same trend in jurisdictions around the country. As more and more employers realize that their employees can work well from home, they’re allowing a much more virtual work space.
Perhaps the California Bar will continue in that direction, too.
However you end up taking the Bar exam, you should have a plan in place to pass in as few tries as possible. Luckily, I have a plan for that.
If you’re nervous about your upcoming exam (hey, who isn’t?), let’s talk about it! Spaces fill up quickly, so contact me as soon as possible to save your spot.
