339: Top 10 Time-Wasters When Studying for the Bar Exam
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Release Date: 01/05/2026
The Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today we're walking through four questions on evidence -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Join us and practice your understanding of hearsay exceptions and character evidence! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Hearsay exceptions (MBE) Question 2: Statement not offered for the truth (MBE) Question 3: Statement not offered for the truth (NextGen) Question 4: Character evidence (NextGen) Study tips for...
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Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on constitutional law -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Practice applying the right level of scrutiny, the right test, and the right doctrine with questions on free speech, equal protection, and procedural due process. In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: First Amendment (MBE) Question 2: Equal Protection Clause (MBE) Question 3: Equal Protection Clause (NextGen)...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on civil procedure -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. Wondering how to keep straight two doctrines that sound alike: personal jurisdiction and subject matter jurisdiction? Find out in this episode! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Personal jurisdiction (MBE) Question 2: Subject matter jurisdiction (MBE) Question 3: Subject matter jurisdiction (NextGen)...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode is part of the series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Today Lee walks through four questions on negligence -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. What differences can you expect between the two exam versions? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Negligence per se (MBE) Question 2: Causation (MBE) Question 3: Causation (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: If you...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This is the first episode of a series in which we demystify the shift from MBE to NextGen multiple-choice questions. Join Lee as she walks through four contract formation questions -- two in classic MBE style and two in the NextGen format. How are they similar? How do they differ? Find out now! In this episode, we discuss: Question 1: Firm offer rule (MBE) Question 2: Pre-existing duty (MBE) Question 3: Pre-existing duty (NextGen) Question 4: Issue-spotting (NextGen) Study tips for multiple-choice questions RAMP study tool Resources: If...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today, we explain the neuroscience behind our RAMP study tool -- which we introduced in our . We discuss the limitation of working memory, which makes it essential to move legal rules into long-term memory through spaced repetition and scaffolding. In this episode, we discuss: The research and science behind our RAMP study tool Scaffolding and why we use three learning tiers Studying through spaced repetition RAMP study mode features and confidence calibration How much information can our working memory hold? Resources: If...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how we're thinking about preparing for the NextGen bar exam differently -- and we're excited to introduce a new tool we've built to help you learn and retain the rules you need to know. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of the NextGen UBE The big misconception: No memorization is required for the NextGen Why traditional study methods fall short Introducing our new RAMP (Rule Acquisition and Mastery Platform) tool and how it works Our recommendation on who should start using RAMP now Resources: If...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing one of the most tested subtopics of professional responsibility -- the duty of a lawyer to maintain the confidentiality of all information relating to the representation of a client, a former client, or a potential client. In this episode, we discuss: Overview of confidentiality Core exceptions to the duty of confidentiality How confidentiality works when the client is an organization A hypothetical from a previous California bar exam Resources: If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on ...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing Rule 4.1 of both the ABA and the California Rules of Professional Conduct -- what it prohibits and allows lawyers to do when communicating with opposing parties. In this episode, we discuss: Rule 4.1 of the ABA and California Rules of Professional Conduct Communication with represented and unrepresented parties A California bar exam hypo illustrating the rules Resources: If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on () or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us...
info_outlineThe Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast: Pass the Bar Exam with Less Stress
Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're speaking with Themis Bar Review experts Zach Lindesmith and Michele Cooley. The conversation centers around the importance of realistic study planning for the groups of students who need to start their bar prep early. Note: This episode is sponsored by – the gold standard in bar exam preparation. With this special promotion, you can save $700 on any July 2026 Themis Bar Review course using the code BAREXAMTB700 at checkout. (This offer is valid until April 3rd, 2026.) In this episode, we discuss: ...
info_outlineWelcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we're going through the most common ways students waste time while studying for the bar, including relying on passive learning, overfocusing on one section, using too many resources, and neglecting feedback. We emphasize the importance of active study methods, balanced preparation, and honest self-reflection to maximize your chances of passing the bar exam.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Passive vs. active learning
- Overfocusing on one portion of the exam
- Ways to get helpful feedback
- Effective MBE studying and essay writing
- Avoiding distractions during bar prep
- And more!
Resources:
- Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/)
- Podcast Episode 43: Talking About AdaptiBar with Guest Maggy Mahalick (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-43-talking-about-adaptibar-with-guest-maggy-mahalick/)
- Podcast Episode 78: Learning Through Mistakes in Bar Prep (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-78-learning-through-mistakes-in-bar-prep/)
- Podcast Episode 223: Quick Tips – Balancing Passive and Active Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-223-quick-tips-balancing-passive-and-active-studying-for-the-bar-exam/)
- Podcast Episode 244: Spaced Repetition and Memorization During Bar Prep (w/Gabe Teninbaum) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-244-spaced-repetition-and-memorization-during-bar-prep-w-gabe-teninbaum/)
- How to Properly Study MBE Questions and Essays (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-properly-study-mbe-questions-and-essays/)
- How to Pass the Bar by Doing What Makes You the Most Uncomfortable (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-pass-the-bar-by-doing-what-makes-you-the-most-uncomfortable/)
- Tricks for Staying on Track and Avoiding Distractions When Studying for the Bar (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tricks-for-staying-on-track-and-avoiding-distractions-when-studying-for-the-bar/)
Download the Transcript
(https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-339-top-10-time-wasters-when-studying-for-the-bar-exam/)
If you enjoy the podcast, we'd love a nice review and/or rating on Apple Podcasts (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-pass-bar-exam-less-stress/id1370651486) or your favorite listening app. And feel free to reach out to us directly. You can always reach us via the contact form on the Bar Exam Toolbox website (https://barexamtoolbox.com/contact-us/). Finally, if you don't want to miss anything, you can sign up for podcast updates (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-updates/)!
Thanks for listening!
Alison & Lee