The key to success on the Ontario bar exams is to be well-prepared before exam day. Initially, this may seem overwhelming because of the volume of material covered on each exam. However, it can be helpful to begin your preparation by considering the experiences of past candidates. This may include general study tips, substantive information about certain areas of law, and most importantly, mistakes that candidates would avoid making again.
Below are some common bar exam pitfalls, as identified by former licensing candidates, and how you can avoid them:
Not Maintaining a Clear Study Schedule
The Ontario Bar Exams cover hundreds of pages of materials that can become incredibly overwhelming without a clear study strategy. One of the biggest impediments to success on the bar exams is not taking enough time to review the materials appropriately.
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Here’s What to Do: Once you have your materials, create a detailed schedule that includes the number of pages you will read each day, rest days, practice test days, and any group study, lectures, or courses. Make sure you adapt the schedule to your personal situation (e.g., reading more pages on the weekend if you are working during the week).
Not Taking Breaks
Studying for the bar exams takes time and patience. As such, it is important to conserve your energy during the weeks that you will be studying. Without regular study breaks, you may experience mental fatigue which can make it harder to retain information and prepare effectively. It can also increase stress before exam day, which can impede performance.
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Here’s What to Do: When you create your study schedule, intentionally block out time for breaks. You may want to schedule 30 minutes between reading pages or entire evenings where you can do something you enjoy. The goal is to spend some of your time away from the materials to give your mind a rest. Most importantly, make sure to actually take your breaks!
Not Doing Enough Practice Exams
Candidates often express that practice exams are the best way to prepare for the bar exams. While reviewing the materials is important, without sufficient practice, it can be challenging to feel confident with the time limits, the nature of the questions, and using your indices or supplementary materials to find key information during the exam.
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Here’s What to Do: Practice throughout your study weeks. Start with individual practice questions, like the sample questions available on the LSO website, then work your way up to practice exams. Make sure you also give yourself time to do at least 1-2 full practice exams under simulated exam conditions.
Not Reading Questions & Answer Options Carefully
One of the easiest mistakes to make on the bar exams is reading a question and its corresponding answer choices incorrectly. Since you only have a minute and a half to answer each question, it can be easy to skim a question and miss important details. Similarly, it can be tempting to pick the first answer that seems correct without reviewing all the answer choices to see if there is a better option.
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Here’s What to Do: While doing practice exams, make sure you read each question in its entirety. While you’re reading, underline or circle any key words that will impact the answer. Review every answer choice carefully before eliminating any options or selecting the correct choice.
Not Reviewing the Ethics & Professional Responsibilities Section
Ethics and professional responsibilities are a crucial component of legal practice, and as a result, questions from this section will appear throughout both the barrister and solicitor exams. It may be tempting to dismiss this section as ‘common sense’ but it’s important to review it carefully as your performance on this section will impact both exams. Additionally, candidates find that being well-versed in this section can save time, boosting both efficiency and confidence.
While these tips are meant to guide you in your exam preparation, it’s important that you also take time to identify the strategies that work best for you. Remember, preparing for the bar exams is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, adjust your study tactics as needed, take breaks, and stay focused—you’re almost there!