CONTACT

All Blogs
Ask These Questions to Your Potential NY Bar Exam Tutor to Ensure You Choose the Right One
June 05, 2023

In the world of law, the bar exam is considered the ultimate gatekeeper, the final barrier that separates the aspiring lawyer from the practicing one. As such, preparing for this formidable examination is a task that demands a careful choice of resources and, most importantly, the guidance of a seasoned tutor. This piece aims to assist you in making the right choice, specifically if you are looking for a tutor for the New York Bar Exam, which is renowned for its complexity and multifaceted nature.

The first question you should pose to a prospective tutor pertains to their personal experience with the NY Bar Exam. It is important to remember here that the NY Bar Exam is an entity distinct from other state bar exams, with its unique blend of multi-state and state-specific laws. It's important to ascertain whether the tutor has not only taken the NY Bar Exam but also achieved an exemplary score. This question will address the reciprocity principle, which allows lawyers licensed in one state to practice in another without taking the bar exam in the latter, provided certain conditions are met. A tutor who has actually sat for and passed the NY bar exam will have first-hand knowledge of the examination's format and the type of questions asked.

Next, inquire about their teaching methodology. Does their tutoring approach align with the pedagogical theory of Andragogy, which emphasizes the importance of self-directed learning for adults? Andragogy, as opposed to pedagogy, the theory of teaching children, posits that adult learners need to be involved in the planning and evaluation of their instruction and learn best from experience. Therefore, a potential tutor should provide a framework that encourages independent learning while offering guidance and feedback.

Moreover, delve into their familiarity with the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which New York has adopted since 2016. The UBE consists of the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE), and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT). Each section tests different skills and knowledge areas; thus, your tutor needs to have an in-depth understanding of each component and the ability to prepare you for all three.

Seek to understand the flexibility of their tutoring schedule. It is crucial to remember Parkinson's Law, which postulates that "work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." In the context of bar exam preparation, the available time, if not structured effectively, can indeed become a labyrinth of ineffectual study hours. As such, it is advantageous to choose a tutor who can provide a flexible yet structured timetable that aligns with your personal and professional obligations.

Inquire about the tutor's track record. It is advisable to choose a tutor who has a proven history of successful students. This information can often be found through reviews, testimonials, or by contacting former students directly. It's an application of the statistical theory of large numbers, which suggests that the larger the sample size (in this case, the number of students a tutor has taught), the closer the sample mean gets to the population mean (the tutor’s overall success rate).

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, assess whether the tutor's personality and teaching style are compatible with your learning preferences. The social cognitive theory forwarded by Bandura emphasizes the interaction of personal factors, environment, and behavior in learning. Therefore, a tutor with a teaching style that meshes well with your learning style can significantly enhance your understanding and retention of information.

Finding the right bar exam tutor is not a trivial task. It requires careful consideration and a keen understanding of one's own learning needs. However, by asking these questions, you can ensure that your potential NY Bar Exam tutor is a suitable match, able to guide you through the labyrinth of preparation and towards the exhilarating pinnacle of success.


Related Questions
Interested in the Best NY Bar Exam Tutors?
Discover the best ny bar exam tutors for your needs by reading more of our blog posts! For an overview of the top-rated tutors, check out our rankings of Best Ny Bar Exam Tutors.
Ranking
Brought to you by the Editorial Board of Best Ny Bar Exam Tutors
Zero-Error Content: Crafted by Oliver Morgan , polished by Spencer Knox , and evaluated by Taylor Gates | All rights reserved.