Memorization Epiphany:

     I have mentioned learning types many times.  At the basest assessment, I am a kinesthetic learner meaning I learn from partaking in activity.  One of the things I read about was writing a rule out after you miss a question with it.   I have never attempted nor even thought possible for myself to memorize large volumes of material.  I thought I had to have familiarity and that would suffice.  Well, I have rethought this.

    I came across a post at All4jds.com., a website comprised of forums dealing with lawschool, bar exam, and lawyering related topics.  So, when of the posts was about how to increase memory.  A poster replied and posted a link to his company page http://lawprism.com/. Basically, he runs a california company and helps people prepare for the "California bar exam" and the "Baby bar."  He did this lecture, which you can access Here . It's two hours but definitely worth listening to. 
  
    Towards the end he talked about how he studied for the "Baby bar" or "First year law school exam" in California.  [For those who don't know, California allows people to go to California accredited lawschools for a year or 2 and take an examination which will give them a license to practice law in the State of California only.]  So, at the end he said he was down to 72 or so hours, If I remember correctly, and proceeded to type the rules out 15-20 times in order to achieve rote memorization of the necessary rules.  He didn't advocate this approach for the regular bar exam. 

   I was down to about 20 days.  I was panicking and I knew I had to memorize.  I stopped doing practice MBE questions and writing essays.  I picked up outlines and started to read them and repeat them to myself, because, although painstaking and not efficient, I didn't know what else to do.  I was able to memorize some things but the memory traces were not as strong as I knew I needed them to be to achieve success. 

   So, with about 10 days left, I came across that lecture, pro gratis, of course.  I listened to the whole thing.  It was a topic I had been researching for a while and it was of interest to me.  I began to employ that technique of typing everything out.

     I couldn't type everything.  First of all, there wasn't enough time at that point.  I had to make the best and most reasonable use of my time which is what any lawyer or aspiring attorney would be expected to do.  Second of all, it was'nt necessary.  For example, I am pretty certain U.C.C. Article 2 governs contracts for the sale of goods.  I could recite that rule in my sleep I have heard it so many times.  But that is me.  If I did not know it well and/or I needed to be reminded, I would write it out.  I focused on things that tended to trip me up, that had many elements, or that I really had issues recalling.  Also, certain things are not likely to be tested.  For example, a contract can be written or oral.  This is great to know.  It's important. However, without getting into statute of fraud issues or the "can of worms" it leads to, it is unlikely the bar exam will ask you a question calling for that stand alone statement.  It is the best example I can think of, but I hope you get the point.  Bar examiners don't and can't really test everything. 

   Additionally, I didn't write everything full out.  For example, I needed to learn the jurisdiction of the Florida courts.  I drafted it into an outline format like this:

• FL Supreme Ct.
• Mandatory
• Death penalty
• Bonds
• Invalidation of State statutes or constitutional provisions
• Statewide Utility rate decisions
• Discretionary
• Class of Constitutional officers
• Conflicting decisions
• Validation of State statutes or constitutional provisions
• "Great public importance"cases
• Federally Certified questions
• Bypass certification
• Writs
• No Certiorari

Et cetera.  If it was a stand alone rule I needed to remember, sometimes I would write full sentences.  After doing this, I produced some of the best essays I have ever written.  Meanwhile, my multiple choice scores increased exponentially because I had the laws at the tips of my hands.  When I needed to recall something, If a wrote the first line, the rest would be triggered. 

        I used this to spit out some of the most specific, detailed, and concise rule statements I have ever written.  I used to think the rule statements in the Barbri outlines were impossible until I learned this technique.  I am not sure this is the best way.  But, it is far more better for me to do this than it is for me to read an outline and close my eyes hoping the words will magically appear in my mind.

      The obvious Caveat is, this might not work for everyone.  If it doesn't don't bother with it.  If it does, then more power to you.  Like anything else, it takes work and is not magic.  Sometimes it would take me 7-10 times before I could write something without having to refer to the source.  But, like clockwork, I was able to recall and rewrite the rule, statement, or outline I had copied by the 15th to 20th time nearly without fail. 

     Also, I don't really want to go into detail about it in this post, and probably not on this blog for that matter.  But, a tip to strengthen the memory trace in addition to writing, is to speak what is being written, and to read what you just wrote as well.  To put it simply, when we store something into memory we create a pathway in the brain to do it.  If a person writes, this creates one pathway.  These pathways can break if they are not strong and this is what causes difficulty retrieving memories when they are absolutely needed. This could be the result of increased stress (such as when taking exams) or other emotional scenarios.  However, if a person writes, reads aloud, and visualizes the same information, the memory trace is much stronger.  This means, the memory will be easier to retrieve.

      I will post some more about this later on.

The "Reverse Perfect Score"

      I stayed with two friends of mine this time.  It was great to see them, but of course we all wished it wasn't under these circumstances.  Nonetheless, when we get together, we reminisce of course and talk about how our other acquaintences and friends are doing. These two guys, are pretty funny and we all keep it "light" while we shoot the breeze.

    So we were talking about a friend of ours called Stan.  When Stan's name came up one friend and I asked about him and how he faired on the exam.  My other friend replied, "Stan got a perfect score."  The former friend and I replied "perfect score?"  So, the second freind went on to explain.

     Stan received a 136 on the state portion and a 136 on the MBE, and aggregate of 272 for a combined 136 average.  This was not a point more nor a point less than what was precisely needed to pass.  According to my friend's logic, Stan did precisely the amount of work necessary.  He further elaborated about people that score 150s or higher and how those scores reflect a person who has wasted 10-20 days of their life studying while they could have been doing something more "worthwhile."  He concluded by saying: "Stan got the Reverse perfect Score."

     We all cracked up about this.  That's not really how I operate, but for my friend who explained this comment I understand his point of view.  He is gifted student, who, while failing the first attempt at the Florida Bar examination, only committed about 20 or so hours of work to it.  He only failed by 1 point.  In comparison, I spent at least 100 hours (and probably way more) studying for that test and I failed by 6 points.  This is a guy who, even now, is apportioning his time by completing an L.L.M. at a tier 1 Tax L.L.M. program. He was about the same in Law School.  He would pull off amazing grades with "Reverse Perfect" effort, so to speak.

     I do not buy into this theory at all.  I come hard, or I don't come at all.  "Something worth doing, is worth doing well."  Overpreparation is possible, but not for something like the bar for what my opinion is worth.  Anyway, that is the "reverse perfect score."

    

    
  

  

Back again. Yay

      What's up world? It's been a while.  I am home after taking the Bar again for the 3rd time.  Hopefully it was the last time.  Taking the bar is expensive business especially in Florida.  There is only one testing site unlike most other states.  So, unless you live near tampa you will have to stay in a hotel and travel to and from Tampa and depending on where you go, it could get costly.

      Well, I don't want to convolute the posts and mix things up.  I have plenty I would like to say, so I will do it in installments.

Merry Christmas! :-)

I am just chiming in to say Merry Christmas.   For my family and I, this is a time we use to reflect on our blessings.  Please, use this time and do the same.  The glass cannot always be half empty.  So focus on your loved ones, those who love you, your friends, etc. . . and remember why you love them and how they have loved you regardless of the failures and faults that exist.  If you don't have any loved ones, well . . . remember why you love yourself and reflect on how you will make yourself better this upcoming year.  Best regards and may G-d bless you all.

Slim fit jeans not such a slim fit; Bodyrocking

       The title says it all. I am a fitness freak.  I love human bodies in all shapes and sizes for their aesthetics, strength, flexibility, and all the incredible feats a human body is capable of.  I love to stay in shape too if possible.  I  had to quit my gym membership at one of the local gyms here because it was way too expensive given my current situation.  To me, it was worth the money but I just could not pay it. 

    Fortunately, I was able to replace it with a cheaper and more affordable one.  Mind you I have had a lay off of about a month or so from working out.  Aside from not having a gym membership I was in a poor mental frame which made it difficult to workout.  However, my slim (not skinny) fit jeans changed my mind.

    I tried on my slim jeans a week or two ago and they fit uncomfortably.  It is a wake up call.  I don't want to be in irredeemable shape (not that such a state exists) before I have to trudge my way back into shape again.  I have been through that cyle a handful of times and it is tough.  However, I refuse to spend hours and hours in the gym again like I previously did.  Don't get me wrong.  I love to workout and I love spending hours in the gym.  However, i would rather use that time to do other things like study. So what am I supposed to do?

Here is the answer:

Meet Frederick and Zuzana light.  They run a website and a vlog called Bodyrock.tv. On this vlog they mainly talk about fitness.  Zuzana is the main subject of the videos and she always demonstrates the workouts and gives fitness insights.  The best part is the workouts are really short.  They are usually anywhere from 4- 30 minutes.  They are full body workouts, and they are super intense.  Along with the workouts, there is a great supportive community (of which I am a new member); Zuzana, Freddie, and other community members offer recipes, inspirational stories, and discussions about travel. 

      So, I have traditionally been a weightlifting and heavy cardio type of guy in the past.  I really aim for the V shape and I have always wanted to be ripped.  But, Zuzana's body says it all:

She has the best physique in terms of fitness I have ever seen for a female.  If she can do that, I am excited to see how far I can get as well.  Most of the workouts require little or no equipment; they are short; they burn tons of fat, they increase strength, and they increase flexibility.  Its a win win, no?

     What does this have to do with the bar exam? Don't forget, working out is good for memory and it helps the brain to function better overall by increase blood flow and circulation to the brain.  I am already seeing results after a week or so of workouts.  Check it out when you guys have a chance.  She does all of her workouts from home.  Her intention is actually to start a home workout movement.  Ironically enough, because of my situation, I do these workouts at my gym.  Go figure.

I want to move

     Of course, it is the most wonderful time of the year, right?  Here in the transient, retirement, and commuter state of Florida, the "snowbirds" are coming back down; traffic is increasing; vacation and seasonal homes are filling up; Commercial services, retailers, and service industries are booming; and natives along with former natives are coming back into town.  Ode to joy.

     I obviously moved back to the town I am from because my family lives here.  I am not necessarily in a position to up and move right now and i am lucky to have a place to stay.  Nonetheless, every year around this time, I always end up running into some "kid" or two I used to know.  I was a semi-popular kid for whatever it's worth.  But at the end of the day, that counts for jackspit.  I don't like to visit the past.  In fact, I like the past right where it is, "in the past!" Better yet, I would love to erase some of the past if that was possible and start from scratch.

     I am a way different person now then I was back then.  I have grown by leaps and bounds.  I LOVE DISCRETION. I like to keep my business in house.  I want to be out of sight, thus out of mind.  I like things to be uneventful, smoothe, and under control.  When things the waves come in, I like to go with the flow for the most part.

    It's always around this time that I run into these people, gossip mongers and people who still think I am 14, and usually pointless conversations ensue.  Conversations always go something like:

• Some kid: Hi (lowly file clerk/J.D.)
• Me: Hey. How are you?
• Some kid: Good. What have you been up to?
• Me: Not much. You know, this and that.
• Some kid: What are you doing now.
• Me: Oh not much of anything. Like I said.
• Some kid: Oh.  Do you still keep in touch with so and so?
• Me: Who? Sorry, I don't remember who that is.
• Some kid: Okay. I'm sure I'll see you around.
• Me: Indeed.

     I am no psychologist, but it doesn't take one to know certain people do not have your back, and those same people don't have your best interest at hand.  You can get a sense from past interactions, they way they look at you, the things they say to you, etc. . .  All jokes aside, these people can be detrimental and dangerous.  Character assasination, when people gossip about you and spread rumors about you can be difficult to recover from. 

     I've never really had to face anything like that, but that is because I keep to myself and I have a very small tight knit circle of friends. True friends are nearly impossible to come by, so when you find them reciprocate the love and keep them.  Let them know you have their backs. Look out for them as you expect them to look out for you.

    The thing about the past and the people in it is many times these people want to chain you to your past. People evolve, almost daily. We develop different tastes. We grow to love and hate. We form and unform different relationships. People are complex evolving organisms always adapting and everchanging. To think you have someone pegged down is often a mistake. People will surprise you. The best expectations are no expectations.  Don't be tied down to your past and the people in it.  Allow yourself the freedom to grow and to be better.

MBE Strategy Dilemma?

     Everything is moving along.  I am a far cry from the whining cry baby who felt so sorry for himself just a few weeks ago.  Reality has galvanized me.  Every day I turn on my computer, I see the days on the countdown timer winding down.   Watching those days disappear is a gutcheck every single time.

     I can't emphasize this enough, but "I am a fighter."  It is one thing if I get beat, but it is another thing if I get beat and don't put up a fight.  Life is a series of beatings, and we are judged by our ability to recover from them.  This includes the beatdown I have twice taken called the bar exam.  It is a necessary adversary and I will do my best to overcome it.

     My confidence is growing as far as my test preparation is concerned.  My adopted strategy of writing out the answers has really helped me to improve my practice percentages and overall recognition, and memorization of the law.  However, the answer writeups are taking much longer than I would like.  As I posted previously, I have adopted a strategy of taking chunks of MBE questions under heightened time constraints (90 seconds instead of 108 seconds per question), reviewing my answers to see where I went wrong or where I got lucky, and writing out the rules to those answers by hand or by typing. 

     I have recently been doing them by hand.  This is great, because I am forced to pay attention to what i am writing thus reading and engraving said rules in my brain. Typing, has a similar effect but it is easier to type something without paying as much attention to it.  But even with typing, familiarity still increases. But for people who type faster then they write, this may save 1/3 or more of your time when doing write ups.   So my dilemma is this: Do I type to cover more questions thus giving me more overall familiarity with questions and question types; or should I sacrifice a little speed for more in depth familiarity with the law and certain question types?

     I read in a successful repeater's blog, it may take 2 to three times as much time to do a writeup review of your answers as it does to take a set number of MBE practice problems.  I have found this to be true.  Couple this with the fact I am now doing MBE questions at a clip of 100 questions.  I gave myself 2 1/2 hours to do the test under a heightened time constraint.  However, it still took about 3 to completely finish.

     The weaker your familiarity is with the subject, the longer your writeup will be.  Although, this is said to get much easier as you grow in familiarity with previous mistakes and start to score more efficiently.  For instance, I did very well in torts in law school and I understand it well.  I did horrible in Contracts.  I was able to finish my torts write up for 100 questions and about 34 misses in about 5-7 hours.  My write up for 100 contracts questions and 33 misses took me nearly 9 hours.  I handwrote both of these.

     This is a matter of bar exam strategy.  As of now, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners allows bar exam takers to pass either the state or MBE portion of the exam and fail the other portion.  If this happens, an applicant can still pass with enough aggregated points from the combined state and MBE scores.  If the applicant does not have enough aggregated points, he or she may retake the exam portion they failed and carry over the score from the portion they passed on the previous examination.

    As for my MBE I was 2-5 questions away from passing on both exams.  I believe this write up strategy will get me over the top and allow me to score the extra points I need to pass.  So, based on my previous MBE scores and my increased knowledge and familiarity, I should pass whether I type or handwrite my MBE practice writeups.  However, I still need to get as many points as I can to try to help me on the state portion.

     I have been much weaker on my state portions in the past most especially on my essay scores.  Most of this has to do with a lack of strategy, lack of practice, and poor practice performance. My newly adopted essay strategy will increase my score.  In fact, it should increase it enough to help me pass.  But, I don't want to take any chances.  I will have to weigh the merits of my MBE strategies and modify accordingly.  I'll have to think this out today and make a move.