As the Bar Exam gets closer, you may feel increasingly anxious and insecure. However, you shouldn't worry because you know you have prepared so hard for it. Give yourself credit for enduring the grueling 5 months of bar preparation. Here are some tips for the Pre-week.
PRE-WEEK
Your goal on the week before the bar exams is to ensure you have everything ready before the First Sunday. You're lucky if you have an organization/ fraternity/ sorority to take care of everything trivial, including preparing your "dogie bag" so you can concentrate on your pre-week preparation. But if you are preparing in your lonesome, the pre-week begins with taking care of your basic needs like food, transportation and other supplies needed for the week.
It may get so hectic in your final week of preparation but you shouldn't forget to get enough sleep. Studying for long hours before the exams can make you exhausted so it may do more harm than good. It will also be wise to sleep at the same time at night to get your body on schedule for the time of the bar exams. Remember to take breathing exercises and workout if things get so overwhelming. Physical activities are helpful to stimulate your mind and body in time for the exams.
If you're not from Manila, you should also take a trip to the testing center (University of Santo Tomas) before the bar exams so you can figure out the logistics and make arrangements for transportation.
Early in the week, plan to have the contents of your bag ready. Get your color-coded building assignment cards and notice of admission or permit (which must be worn on the exam day), pen, food, water and other personal matters. Remember that it is mandatory for examinees to use only transparent or see-through bags, zip-lock bags and purses during the bar examinations per Bar Matter No. 2819.
Finally, you can choose to read forecasts, answer bar questions and read reviewers but always remember to check your stress levels. Take breaks when you're overwhelmed. Stretching and having breathing exercises are important to keep your stress levels to a minimum.
THE DAY BEFORE THE FIRST SUNDAY
This may not be easy but it is important to make the last day of your bar preparation a relaxing day. There will always be an urge to cram but the bar exam is not like any other exam. You just can't cram for it. When you prepare for the bar, you spend the majority of your waking hours, reading your bar review materials. You may have forgotten how it feels like to take care of yourself or to spend time with family and friends.
So on the day before the first Sunday, try to put away your books and other review materials. Spend time with your family, pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or watch a movie. Whatever you opt to do, make sure you're able to rest and relax. Don't forget to end your day with a full meal and a good sleep.
You also want to make sure that everything you need for exams is packed and ready. Again, make sure to put your exam essentials in transparent or see-through bags.
It will not be easy to sleep because of excitement or anxiety but resist the urge to think about the exam. Try not to open your books or stare at your computer. This will make it harder for you to sleep. So for you to be well-rested and ready for the exam, try to sleep early.
The Morning of the Test
On the morning of the exam, wake up early for the to give yourself ample time to prepare for the exam. Don't forget to eat a nutritious breakfast because you'll need energy for the whole day of examination.
When choosing what to wear, choose comfort over fashion. The rooms are air conditioned so don't forget to bring a jacket or a cardigan.
The Guide and Rules of Conduct for the 2019 Bar Exams are found here.
Barrista Solutions wishes you luck on your exam. Stay tuned for more bar preparation tips.
"How often have I said to you, that when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however impossible, must be the truth." -Edward Bolles