Falling behind your bar exam study schedule can feel overwhelming. One missed day turns into a missed week, and suddenly panic sets in.
Here’s the truth: being behind does NOT mean you’re doomed but it does mean you need to change your strategy immediately.

This guide gives you a realistic 2-week rescue plan designed to help you regain control, focus on high-value topics, and maximize points  even if time is tight.

Step 1: Stop Trying to “Catch Up”

The biggest mistake students make when behind schedule is trying to complete everything they originally planned.

That approach leads to:

• Burnout
• Shallow understanding
• Poor exam performance

Instead, shift your mindset from coverage to scoring.

Your goal now is maximum points with minimum wasted effort.

Step 2: Focus on Priority Topics (What Actually Gets Tested)

Not all subjects are equal on the bar exam. Some topics appear repeatedly and are easier to score points on.

High-Priority Topics to Focus On

(These vary slightly by jurisdiction, but generally include:)

• Contracts – formation, breach, remedies
• Torts – negligence, duty, causation
• Criminal Law – actus reus, mens rea, defenses
• Civil Procedure – jurisdiction, pleadings, motions
• Evidence – relevance, hearsay, exceptions
• Professional Responsibility – high ROI, rule-based

Skip niche subtopics unless you’ve mastered the core rules.

Step 3: The 2-Week Bar Exam Rescue Plan

Week 1: Stabilize & Rebuild Confidence

Daily Goal:

• 5–6 focused study hours
• 2 main subjects per day
• Practice > passive reading

Daily Structure

• 2 hours: Review core rules & outlines
• 2 hours: Practice questions (MCQs or essays)
• 1 hour: Review mistakes & weak areas
• 30–60 mins: Light memorization

Focus on understanding why answers are right or wrong.

Week 2: Practice, Polish & Lock In Points

This week is about execution, not learning new material.

What to Do Daily:

• Full practice sets under timed conditions
• Issue spotting for essays
• Reviewing past mistakes
• Refining rule statements

Avoid starting new subjects unless absolutely necessary.

Step 4: Use the “Good Enough” Rule

Perfection is the enemy when you’re behind.

Instead of asking:

“Do I know this perfectly?”

Ask:

“Can I earn points with this?”

Bar exam graders reward:

• Clear structure
• Correct issue identification
• Reasonable rule application

Even partial answers can earn points.

Step 5: Track Progress (Don’t Guess)

When you’re behind, guessing your progress is dangerous.

Use tools like BarBuddy’s progress tracker to:

• Identify weak subjects
• Monitor daily improvement
• Focus on what needs attention now

Tracking turns anxiety into clarity.

Step 6: Take Care of Your Brain

Studying longer doesn’t help if your brain is fried.

Make sure you:

• Sleep at least 6–7 hours
• Take short breaks
• Eat consistently
• Avoid all-night cramming

A calm, focused brain scores higher than an exhausted one.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Too Late

Many successful bar passers were behind schedule at some point.
What separates those who pass from those who don’t is strategy, not panic.

If you:

• Prioritize high-value topics
• Practice intentionally
• Track your progress

You can still pass.

Ready to Study Smarter?

BarBuddy helps you stay focused, track progress, and study what matters most even when time is tight.

Start your smarter bar prep today at BarBuddy.ca

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