Day One

So, this morning, I thought things would go kinda like this:

However, that is not what happened.  And thank goodness because I was truly expecting the worst.  There were definitely thousands of very nervous people in one huge room, but I did not see any throw up, or smell any.  Some people's computers crashed, that sucked, and there were power issues.  But, it all seemed resolved by the second half of the day. 

Anyway, I was obviously terrified which is why I felt like it was going to be like "Welcome to the Jungle" in there.  But, the questions were not as intense as I expected.  I say that, and I know people are going to disagree with me.  But, to me, that was not what I was expecting.  I honestly thought I would open up the book, read a question, and not know what to say.  Luckily, I had something to say about them all!  Phew.

Now, what everyone wants to know -- what were the subjects.  Straight criminal law, straight federal civil procedure, and straight contracts.  I think the criminal law and contracts essays were the most challenging because there were tons of issues to bring up.  I'm sure I missed things.  And the civil procedure was challenging because...well, I suck at it, for one, and for two...what was that?  I was surprised, honestly.  I willed them to test us on personal jurisdiction...and it apparently did not work.  I'm pretty sure the civ pro essay will be my lowest score. 

I have no idea what to really think as far as my performance went.  I issue spotted like crazy.  But I worry about my analysis...which is the most important part.  It is difficult to not default to a ping/pong type analysis.  It is also difficult when the questions do not present facts of clear defenses and you have to think of them of the top of your head...or at least think of the other side of the argument.  I tend to think conclusively and this is not the way to go on the bar exam.  In fact, I missed some issues because I thought of them and then decided NOT to raise it.  What was I thinking?

I am not going to go into what I wrote about and what I did not for each essay because that's just stupid.  And I have four months to think about it all...and I'd rather it not be emblazoned on the internet forever. 

I am SO GLAD I wrote so many practice essays.  I never realized how many of them would help me out on exam day -- but thanks to all the practice, I knew what to bring up in a couple of places automatically, which really helped calm my nerves and enabled me to get something on paper.

Lastly...the performance test.  It was definitely a challenge "spelling" wise.  Very glad I pounded red bull before as well because it was, quite possibly, the most boring subject ever.  Next time, I'd like something a bit more salacious please.

All in all...the build up of the exam is the worst.  Now I feel like I can do this and I am not afraid of the questions.  I don't feel like going over anything...but I should because tomorrow is a big multiple choice day and I do not fare well at that kind of thing. 

Anyway, I hope today went well as far as me getting good results in November.  But honestly...not feeling like I nailed it.  Just feeling like I got the "gist."  Wish I would have thought harder about that civ pro question...