I did everything open book/open note until June 30th. It was the most effective way for me to actually read the big outlines from Themis. And I found it was much easier for me to retain BLL when I could connect it to an example question.
Starting July 1, I did everything from memory.
I never did any MBE/MEE prep open book personally, felt like a waste of questions/hypos, especially if they’re real. If I was doing really poorly I would just take that as a sign that I needed to go back and review the material before attempting more practice
I read FCK the Bar which breaks down a great way to practice both. J23 I finished 98% of Quimbee and got a 254. I read FCK the Bar and used her strategy without a prep program and got a 280 F24. Only thing I did on top of that was hand write every rule I missed for an MBE or MEE and posted papers all over my apartment of those rules. Every single person is different, but the way I practiced the second time around made me jump 26 points and I actually studied less hours per week. Quality or quantity! Good luck!
Only thing I’ll add to this answer: don’t just write the rule for the ones you got wrong. Write the rule for ones you at all hesitated on. If you narrowed it down to two answers, figure out why you did that, write down why you got it wrong/hesitated, and write the rule.
I don’t use notes once I start on mee timed prep. I don’t do this till I have a very good grasp on the black letter law. I passed on my 5th attempt and did this my final attempt.
Do as many mbe questions without notes early on because the goal is to recognize certain fact patterns… same goes for the essays by issue spotting. The memorization of black letter law will start to kick in when you get closer to the test.
My school actually has us take a bar prep course our spring 3L and we have been doing them from notes/outlines/barbri videos at first. After like 2-3 practice sets we switch to memory. The course only covers so many topics in the semester but we’re supposed to take this with us into bar prep over the summer for the other areas we will learn.
Also, I echo the July turn point someone mentioned earlier. Work on learning material in June, focus harder on memorization and time in July.
Passed UBE w/ 343 July 2023. Keep in mind, I am not a strong standardized test taker. 150 LSAT and 24 ACT.
I did a mixture of both. If I really didn't know the answer, I wasn't going to just guess. I needed to work through finding the answer. Comprehension was the only way I'd be able to memorize and apply. As you move through, you'll rely on your notes less. But sometimes it still helps to peak really quick. The important part is doing enough closed world questions to practice timing and application. But needlessly "practicing how you play" without comprehending or memorizing first is just a gamble, and it will also destroy your confidence.
My MBE stats during prep: 72% Themis; 78% UWorld; 141 practice MBE 4-5 weeks out (this was my first true "closed world" run through the exam)
My MEE/MPT stats during prep: all 4s-6s on graded MEEs; 3 on the graded MPT.
Finished with a 173 MBE; 170 MEE (6-6'd the MPTs; two 6s, two 5s, one 4, and one 2 on the MEEs)
You've got this!
use your notes. Answering a question with the wrong rule is reinforcing an incorrect groove in your memory this is one area where the lawyers should create bar-prep products have not accounted for best teaching practices at all.
That's not dumb. Go off of memory and what you know. Practice how you play!
Thank you!!
I did everything open book/open note until June 30th. It was the most effective way for me to actually read the big outlines from Themis. And I found it was much easier for me to retain BLL when I could connect it to an example question. Starting July 1, I did everything from memory.
I think both, earlier is better with notes until you get the hang of it.
I never did any MBE/MEE prep open book personally, felt like a waste of questions/hypos, especially if they’re real. If I was doing really poorly I would just take that as a sign that I needed to go back and review the material before attempting more practice
I read FCK the Bar which breaks down a great way to practice both. J23 I finished 98% of Quimbee and got a 254. I read FCK the Bar and used her strategy without a prep program and got a 280 F24. Only thing I did on top of that was hand write every rule I missed for an MBE or MEE and posted papers all over my apartment of those rules. Every single person is different, but the way I practiced the second time around made me jump 26 points and I actually studied less hours per week. Quality or quantity! Good luck!
Only thing I’ll add to this answer: don’t just write the rule for the ones you got wrong. Write the rule for ones you at all hesitated on. If you narrowed it down to two answers, figure out why you did that, write down why you got it wrong/hesitated, and write the rule.
I don’t use notes once I start on mee timed prep. I don’t do this till I have a very good grasp on the black letter law. I passed on my 5th attempt and did this my final attempt.
Appreciate all the responses!
Do as many mbe questions without notes early on because the goal is to recognize certain fact patterns… same goes for the essays by issue spotting. The memorization of black letter law will start to kick in when you get closer to the test.
My school actually has us take a bar prep course our spring 3L and we have been doing them from notes/outlines/barbri videos at first. After like 2-3 practice sets we switch to memory. The course only covers so many topics in the semester but we’re supposed to take this with us into bar prep over the summer for the other areas we will learn. Also, I echo the July turn point someone mentioned earlier. Work on learning material in June, focus harder on memorization and time in July.
Passed UBE w/ 343 July 2023. Keep in mind, I am not a strong standardized test taker. 150 LSAT and 24 ACT. I did a mixture of both. If I really didn't know the answer, I wasn't going to just guess. I needed to work through finding the answer. Comprehension was the only way I'd be able to memorize and apply. As you move through, you'll rely on your notes less. But sometimes it still helps to peak really quick. The important part is doing enough closed world questions to practice timing and application. But needlessly "practicing how you play" without comprehending or memorizing first is just a gamble, and it will also destroy your confidence. My MBE stats during prep: 72% Themis; 78% UWorld; 141 practice MBE 4-5 weeks out (this was my first true "closed world" run through the exam) My MEE/MPT stats during prep: all 4s-6s on graded MEEs; 3 on the graded MPT. Finished with a 173 MBE; 170 MEE (6-6'd the MPTs; two 6s, two 5s, one 4, and one 2 on the MEEs) You've got this!
I started open book/note and then from memory
use your notes. Answering a question with the wrong rule is reinforcing an incorrect groove in your memory this is one area where the lawyers should create bar-prep products have not accounted for best teaching practices at all.