Besting the Bar: Tips for bar exam-takers from those who've hurdled it

(Updated 8:31 a.m., Oct. 13) Bar.

 

Many begin to unwind and relax when they hear the word, which often calls to mind a table laden with alcoholic beverages. But for some people—especially those whose lives and dreams hinge on becoming a certified lawyer—the bar exams can be the single most nerve-wracking experience of their lives.

 

Which is why the first tip that we here at GMA News Online offer all aspiring lawyers and bar-takers is this: Breathe. Deeply.

 

For more specific advice, we contacted several lawyers for tips on how to navigate the bar exam.

 

Time management

 

"When already pressed for time during the review, go codal. And leave no question unanswered in the essay portion." — Court administrator and former SC spokesman Midas Marquez

 

"Don't take any of the questions for granted. Every point counts. The difference between passing and failing the exam is .01 percent" — Atty. Victor Cayco, 2012 Bar passer, private practioner

 

"In answering the exam, always remember to K.I.S.S.—remember to Keep It Short and Simple." —Atty. Cindy Ilagan, 2013 bar passer, private practitioner

 

Keep healthy

 

Lawyer Marnie Tonson co-authored "Bar Blues: Everything You Wanted to Know About the Bar Exams But Are Too Busy To Ask" with Romel Bagares, Ateneo Law professor Tanya Lat, Bar 2002 sixth-placer Grace Gamez, and congressional staff member Malen Manait.

 

In case you didn't have time to pick the book up, Tonson offers some fast tips:

 

1. Get sleep the night before. Force yourself to sleep. You need to be alert when reading and answering Bar questions. If it seems you can't get to sleep, then try this trick: For dinner, eat an extra large meal fit for two or three people — you will get sleepy after that.

 

2. Eat a heavy breakfast full of protein for alertness but low on carbs; eat a sparse lunch, of just one large banana for stamina and dark chocolate with almonds for alertness; and have an early dinner right after the afternoon Bar exams because you'll be very hungry by then.

 

3. Bring just one bag in which you can fit your codals (maximum of three small ones), just one notebook where you keep your notes, your pens, and your lunch, i.e., one banana, one small pack of almonds covered in dark chocolate, and a bottle of water.

 

Pray

"Taking the bar isn't as difficult as it sounds," said Supreme Court public information office head Theodore Te.

"A lot of it is recalling stock knowledge of basic principles which ought to have been learned in law school and which cannot be learned in five months of review. If you can't remember it the day before, you won't be able to remember it on Sunday, so don't bother; try instead to cite a constitutional provision or principle or a codal provision to support your answer. You can never go wrong with that. Get a lot of rest the night before. Relax and pray. And enjoy the experience," Te added.
 

From Marianne Lagasca, 2014 passer and associate lawyer at Kalaw, Sy, Selva, and Campos Law:

 

1. Pre-week is the most important part of review. Make sure you finish it.

2. Sleep early the night before the bar.

3. Pray like everything depends on God.

 

— Trisha Macas, Vida Cruz and Mark Merueñas/JDS/KG, GMA News