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Bar Prep

Qualifications for Admission to the Bar

In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

To apply to take a bar exam, you will need to visit your desired jurisdiction’s bar admissions page.  Here are links to a few jurisdictions frequently sought by SIU law students:

Helpful Links

The bar exam is typically offered twice each year (February and July).  The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) creates and administers the Uniform Bar Exam offered by most jurisdictions.  From their site, you can find information about the bar exam, including subjects tested and question types, as well as information about each jurisdiction’s rules surrounding bar admissions: www.ncbex.org

First year

The ASP team begins working with new students during orientation to develop the foundational skills needed to hit the ground running with law school. The team then leads two sections of the required Mastering Legal Education course through the first year to continue skill building in time management, class preparation (reading text material and briefing cases), note taking, synthesizing course materials (“outlining”), and exam preparation (including essay writing practices). The program uses cognitive science and sound learning theory to empower students to become effective learners. Included in the Mastery course are individual conferences to help students train themselves to be self-regulated learners who reflect on their performance and benefit from their mistakes.

Upper-Class Students

The ASP team continues individualized support through the 2L and 3L years via required programs for those deemed at academic risk and on a volunteer basis to all.

3L Bar Prep

At the end of the 3L year, ASP facilitates the Advanced Legal Analysis and Strategies (ALAS) course, taken in the final semester before graduation. This course helps prepare upcoming graduates for the rigors of bar study. The ALAS class focuses on one or more bar-tested topics to refresh the students’ skills in summarizing materials, retaining rule statements, and applying rules to fact patterns by way of MBE (multiple choice) and MEE (essay) questions. The class also provides MPT question guidance and practice.

Post-graduation Bar Exam Prep

While it is expected that graduates will use a commercial bar prep course to guide them in subject-matter review, the ASP Supplemental Bar Prep Program offers additional tutorials, workshops, writing practices with individualized feedback, and simulations. The ASP team also facilitates mentorships with faculty and alumni for additional support. The goal is to pass the exam on the FIRST TAKE!