Finishing Your Bar Exam Essays Early?

First, let's address the concern: is it bad to finish an essay early? Not necessarily. Some people are naturally fast writers and issue spotters, which allows them to get through essays quicker than others. If you're identifying most of the issues, applying relevant rules, and providing solid analyses, you're likely in good shape.

However, the bar exam is as much about maximizing your score as it is about simply finishing. If you find yourself with time to spare, you can use it strategically to strengthen your responses.

If you've finished early, consider going back to your analysis sections. Is there an opportunity to delve deeper into the application of the law to the facts? The graders are looking for nuanced, well-reasoned arguments, so if there's a way to add more depth or address alternative arguments, now's the time to do it.

Take a few minutes to carefully re-read the fact pattern. Bar examiners craft these with precision, and every fact is there for a reason. As one commenter noted, each fact often corresponds to an issue, so make sure you've addressed all the significant facts in your analysis. If you find a fact that hasn't been thoroughly discussed, consider how it might relate to an overlooked issue.

Policy arguments can be another area to strengthen if time permits. While they're not required for every essay, including a brief policy discussion can show a deeper understanding of the legal principles at play. If you've already completed the required analysis, use your remaining time to discuss why a particular rule exists or how it furthers certain policy goals.

Even if you're consistently finishing early during practice, remember that exam day conditions can slow you down. Nerves, fatigue, and the pressure of the actual exam environment can all contribute to a slower pace. Don't be surprised if you find yourself taking more time on the real exam; the extra time now can help you build the habit of thoroughly reviewing and refining your work.