BarEssays FAQ
"We learn by example and by direct experience because there are real limits to the adequacy of
verbal instruction."
- Malcolm Gladwell,
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
"My advice to her is that
she should look at 15 bar questions and 15 sample, perfect answers. That is all she'll need to pass
[the California Bar Exam]."
- William A. Urquhart,
"one of the world's leading litigators," providing
advice to a colleague, Wall Street Journal (February, 2006).
What is BarEssays.com?
BarEssays.com is a unique and invaluable study tool for the essay portion of the
California Bar Exam. We are, by far, the most comprehensive service that provides REAL examples of
REAL essays and performance exams by REAL students that were actually taken during the California Bar
Exam and graded by the California Bar Examiners.
Our database contains 500+ essay examples, including
both high and low scoring
essay answers to more than 50 different essay questions. All of our essays are
actual graded and
returned California Bar Exam essays and include every tested subject. We provide you with high scoring
essays, low scoring essays, barely passing essays, and everything in-between. You will see
exactly what it takes to pass (or not pass) a California Bar Exam essay and performance exam.
Does BarEssays.com provide actual California Bar Exam essays graded by the California
Bar Examiners?
Yes! Every essay is from an actual copy of an exam, taken during the
California Bar Exam and graded by the California Committee of Bar Examiners. Our essays are not manufactured
by a review course or "model" answers. These are actual unedited essays, written by actual exam-takers,
during the actual exam, with the same stress and time restraints you will have.
What is the point of BarEssays.com?
Essays and performance exams count for 2/3 of your score on the California Bar Exam.
However, exam takers most often do not know exactly what the California Bar Examiners consider to be a
passing essay. Some review courses provide a few examples of actual graded essays, but these examples
are often limited and very old.
BarEssays.com believes in the power of learning by example – i.e. a key to
succeeding on the California Bar Exam is proper knowledge about what it takes to pass. We provide
you with high scoring and low scoring essays, handwritten and typed, in every recent subject and
performance exams. You will see exactly what you need to do, and what to avoid, to PASS the
California Bar Exam.
Are the BarEssays.com essays from recent exams?
Yes! Our database consists of actual graded California Bar Exam essays from
2003 through the present. Our database will provide you with the most recent examples of graded essays.
Does BarEssays.com provide examples of performance exams as well?
Yes! We provide examples of every type of California Bar Exam essay including
performance exams. You’ll see examples of both high scoring (and low scoring) performance exams.
Do you provide handwritten essay examples as well?
Yes! Our database includes examples of both handwritten and typed exams.
We are perhaps one of the only services that will allow you to see the differences in passing
handwritten and typed exams. You’ll see how high scoring (and low scoring) handwritten and typed
exams have been structured.
Are the BarEssays.com essays altered in any way?
No! What you see is exactly what a test taker wrote during the bar exam.
You'll see essays with typos, mistakes, sloppy and neat handwriting, and you'll see exactly how
these essays scored. We only remove the exam number and any identifying information to protect
the anonymity of the exam taker.
Is BarEssays.com affiliated with the California Committee of Bar Examiners or the State Bar of California?
No. BarEssays.com is an independent company and is not affiliated in any manner with the State Bar of California.
What is the best way to use BarEssays.com?
BarEssays.com recommends that you simulate at least one essay exam each day
and then compare your essay to our graded examples and outlines. The more essays you practice, the
better you will become at test taking! More tips and instructions are provided once you
sign up for our service.
What are the BarEssays.com outlines?
With every subscription to BarEssays.com, you will receive a set of the BarEssays.com
California Bar Exam Short Review Outlines and Checklists.
Click here for more information regarding
the BarEssays.com outlines.
Can I sell my essays to BarEssays.com?
Yes! If you received your essays from a previous examination,
click here to sell
us your essays. We are constantly updating our database and can always use new essays.
How much does it cost to subscribe to BarEssays.com?
A subscription to BarEssays.com costs only $75 and will provide full access to the
website through the conclusion of the upcoming California Bar Exam. We are an affordable service that
complements any bar exam review course or home study.