339: Top 10 Time-Wasters When Studying for the Bar Exam

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! If you're planning to take the bar exam in July 2026 or February 2027, your exam will look quite different from the current one. The Uniform Bar Exam overhaul includes changes in the structure, the question types, the timing, the grading – basically everything except the stakes. Today we're walking you through 11 things that every bar taker needs to know about the NextGen UBE. Some of these are structural and some are strategic, and at least a couple might genuinely surprise you.  In this episode, we discuss: Exam structure changes and new question types What subjects will be tested How the new grading system works Preparing for a fully computer-based exam  How the exam will test practical lawyering skills beyond just legal knowledge Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Official Examinees' Guide to the NextGen UBE (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE-NextGen-UBE-Examinees-Guide%20J26-F27.pdf) NextGen UBE Content Scope (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2025-07/NCBE%20NextGen%20UBE%20Content%20Scope-Aug%202025.pdf) Next Gen UBE Constructed Response Guide (https://www.ncbex.org/sites/default/files/2026-01/NCBE_NextGen_UBE_Constructed_Response_Guide.pdf) Next Gen UBE Sample Questions (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/sample-questions) NextGen UBE Scores and Score Portability (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/nextgen/nextgen-ube-scores-score-portability) Next Gen UBE Tutorial (https://www.starttest.com/ITDVersions/25.1.0.0/ITDStart.aspx?SVC=41623dba-2ec6-41fa-a293-ff5472bf2b71&Json=1) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-344-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-nextgen-ube/) 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing ABA's Model Rule of Professional Conduct 3.3, which governs truth telling to the tribunal (a court, arbitrator, administrative agency, or any other body acting in an adjudicative capacity). We break down all of the rule's nuances and parts, and analyze a few hypothetical scenarios. In this episode, we discuss: An overview of ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct The elements of Rule 3.3 "Candor Toward the Tribunal" A few hypothetical scenarios that show how this topic appears on the bar exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (https://www.americanbar.org/groups/professional_responsibility/publications/model_rules_of_professional_conduct/model_rules_of_professional_conduct_table_of_contents/) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2024 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2024CBXessayQsandAnswer.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2018 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/Feb2018_CBXSelectedAnswers_EssayQuestions.pdf) Talmage v. Smith (https://www.casebriefs.com/blog/law/torts/torts-keyed-to-prosser/intentional-interference-with-person-or-property/talmage-v-smith/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-343-listen-and-learn-duties-to-the-tribunal-professional-responsibility/) 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing contract law – specifically, warranties and the disclaimer of warranties under the UCC. We explain both express and implied warranties and how they can be disclaimed. We also go through several examples to illustrate these rules in practice. In this episode, we discuss: Express and implied warranties under the UCC Disclaimer of warranties A hypothetical scenario from a previous California bar exam Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2016 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/February2016CBX_QuestionsSelectedAnswers_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 64: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Contract Law (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-64-tackling-a-california-bar-exam-essay-contract-law/) Podcast Episode 293: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 1) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-293-spotlight-on-contracts-part-1/) Podcast Episode 298: Spotlight on Contracts (Part 2) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-298-spotlight-on-contracts-part-2/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-342-listen-and-learn-warranties-and-disclaimers-under-the-ucc-contracts/) 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the legal requirements for marriage formation in the United States. We also cover common law marriage as an exception to the procedural requirements and use hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how these rules apply in practice. In this episode, we discuss: Defining marriage and legal precedents Procedural and substantive requirements for getting married Common law marriage Two hypotheticals from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2002 (https://juraxbar.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/July-2002-CBX.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2008 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/February%202008%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act (https://red.library.usd.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3390&context=sdlrev) Loving v. Virginia (https://www.oyez.org/cases/1966/395) Obergefell v. Hodges (https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/576/644/) Podcast Episode 41: Tackling an MEE Family Law and Conflicts of Law Essay Question (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-41-tackling-an-mee-family-law-and-conflicts-of-law-essay-question/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-341-listen-and-learn-marriage-formation-and-requirements-family-law/) 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! This episode of our "Listen and Learn" series explains the fundamentals of trust formation and administration, covering the requirements for creating both private and charitable trusts.   In this episode, we discuss: The different types of trusts Requirements for creating an express private trust Charitable trusts Duties owed by the trustee Two hypotheticals illustrating how trusts are created and administered Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, February 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/sites/default/files/portals/0/documents/admissions/CBXFeb2012_SelectedAnswers_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 75: Tackling a California Bar Exam Essay: Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-75-tackling-a-california-bar-exam-essay-trusts/) Podcast Episode 102: Listen and Learn – The Statute of Frauds (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-102-listen-and-learn-the-statute-of-frauds/) Podcast Episode 201: Listen and Learn – Rule Against Perpetuities (Property Law) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-201-listen-and-learn-rule-against-perpetuities-property-law/) Podcast Episode 250: Listen and Learn – Present and Future Estates (Part 1) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-250-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-part-1/) Podcast Episode 251: Listen and Learn – Present and Future Estates (Part 2) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-251-listen-and-learn-present-and-future-estates-part-2/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-340-listen-and-learn-trust-formation-and-administration/) 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

Welcome 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! We've made it to another holiday season, which means joy, good food, family, and friends. However, for those studying for the bar exam, it can also bring a lot of stress as you try to manage bar prep and family commitments. Today, we're sharing some ways to think about bar study during the holiday season. In this episode, we discuss: Creating a study schedule Setting boundaries with family and friends, and handling tough questions Allowing yourself to take real time off How to ask for help if you need to Avoiding social media and comparisons to others Resources: Private Bar Exam Tutoring (https://barexamtoolbox.com/private-bar-exam-tutoring/) Don't Be a Grinch! Enjoy the Holidays While Studying for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/dont-be-a-grinch-enjoy-the-holidays-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Bar Humbug! How to Handle the Holidays and Study for the Biggest Exam of Your Life (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-humbug-handle-holidays-study-biggest-exam-life/) How to Study for the Bar Exam, with a Side of Holiday Cheer (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-study-for-the-bar-exam-with-a-side-of-holiday-cheer/) Enjoy the Holidays (Even While Studying for the Bar Exam) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/enjoy-the-holidays-even-while-studying-for-the-bar-exam/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-338-studying-for-the-bar-during-the-holiday-season/) 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the ways in which a validly executed will can be revoked (by a subsequent document, by a physical act, and by operation of law), and analyze examples illustrating these concepts.   In this episode, we discuss: The requirements for a valid will Revocation by a subsequent document Revocation by a physical act Revocation by operation of law Doctrine of dependent relative revocation A few hypotheticals and examples Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2021 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2021-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2012 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/CBXJuly2012_Selected_Answers_Essays_R.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 336: Listen and Learn – Will Formation and Execution (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-336-listen-and-learn-will-formation-and-execution/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-337-listen-and-learn-will-revocation/) 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! In this episode, we explain the five requirements for a valid will, and analyze two hypotheticals to illustrate how courts determine validity.  In this episode, we discuss: The basics of will formation The five elements of a valid will What is a holographic will? The "harmless error" rule Two hypotheticals from previous California bar exams Resources: "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2021 (https://www.calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/admissions/Examinations/July-2021-CBX-Essay-Qs-and-Selected-Answers.pdf) California Bar Examination – Essay Questions and Selected Answers, July 2006 (https://nwculaw.edu/pdf/bar/July%202006%20Essays%20and%20Sample%20Answers.pdf) Podcast Episode 27: Tackling and MEE Question: Wills and Trusts (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-27-tackling-an-mee-question-wills-and-trusts/) Podcast Episode 326: Listen and Learn – Intestate Distribution (Wills and Trusts) (https://barexamtoolbox.com/podcast-episode-326-listen-and-learn-intestate-distribution-wills-and-trusts/) SpacedRepetition.com (https://spacedrepetition.com/) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-336-listen-and-learn-will-formation-and-execution/) 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

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox podcast! Today we're discussing how the rollout of the NextGen UBE in July 2026 will also bring significant changes to the Legacy UBE, including the removal of certain subjects from the MEE and a shift in focus for the MPT.   In this episode, we discuss: Timeline for the NextGen UBE and Legacy UBE  Major changes in the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE) Preparing for the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) Potential changes in the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) Deciding when to take the bar exam Resources: NCBE: Preparing for the MEE (https://www.ncbex.org/exams/mee/preparing-mee) The Brainy Bar Bank: Streamlining Bar Study (https://barexamtoolbox.com/brainy-bar-bank/) "Listen and Learn" series (https://barexamtoolbox.com/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-archive-by-topic/bar-exam-toolbox-podcast-explaining-individual-mee-and-california-bar-essay-questions/#listen-learn) Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/episode-335-how-is-the-nextgen-changing-the-legacy-ube/) 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