Bar exam tutors range from established companies that provide complete and comprehensive bar review courses to individual attorneys or other individuals who market themselves as bar exam tutors. To choose the best bar exam tutors, one of the most important things to consider is the type of learning structure that will work best for you. If you have failed to pass the bar exam previously, you should seek out tutors who can assess your strengths and weaknesses on a personal level. You also should ask for references and to see statistics about other students who have used your prospective tutors, and you should inquire about the bar exam tutors' teaching styles and the types of study materials that will be included in the tutoring program.
The bar exam typically is a two- or three-day exam, depending on the jurisdiction, that law school graduates must take in order to become licensed attorneys. Most bar exams require test takers to answers essay and multiple-choice questions on more than 15 subjects of law. Many students find that they are unable to complete coursework in law school for each of the subjects tested on the bar exam. It is possible for law graduates to study for the exam on their own, but the amount of material that is covered on the exam is so great that many students become overwhelmed with the task of locating and organizing study materials. For this reason, law schools recommend that test takers seek out the assistance of bar exam tutors.
One option for test takers who enjoy independent study coupled with lectures designed to provide a review of the relevant materials for the exam is to consider one of the nationally recognized bar review courses. These courses are popular among test takers because they provide a structured study regimen complete with study materials and daily lectures. The downside to the lecture-style programs is that the student lacks one-on-one attention with an instructor or tutor.
Some students hire bar exam tutors after failing to pass the exam one or more times. A skilled personal will be able to analyze the student's prior bar results and craft a personalized study plan for the student. These types of bar exam tutors provide a more structured study environment for the student and can relay feedback on the student's progress on a consist basis.
Not all individuals and companies that hold themselves out to be bar exam tutors are highly skilled. Test takers should always consult with a tutor before purchasing their services or even putting down a deposit for services. If a tutor is unable or unwilling to provide you with references or statistics about students who used his or her services, you should continue your search elsewhere.