Caffeine/hydration gameplan? Forum
Forum rules
Anonymous Posting
Anonymous posting is only appropriate when you are sharing sensitive information about bar exam prep. You may anonymously respond on topic to these threads. Unacceptable uses include: harassing another user, joking around, testing the feature, or other things that are more appropriate in the lounge.
Failure to follow these rules will get you outed, warned, or banned."
Anonymous Posting
Anonymous posting is only appropriate when you are sharing sensitive information about bar exam prep. You may anonymously respond on topic to these threads. Unacceptable uses include: harassing another user, joking around, testing the feature, or other things that are more appropriate in the lounge.
Failure to follow these rules will get you outed, warned, or banned."
-
- Posts: 379
- Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:31 pm
Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
For you caffeine drinkers out there, what's your plan? I'm going to avoid it for the test because it always makes me need to go to the bathroom. But, I might keep a can of soda in my car for lunch if I need a boost for the afternoon sessions. But I'm thinking that I should stop drinking caffeine now, a week out, to let my body acclimate a bit. I'm on one cup of coffee per day right now (not a ton).
As for hydration, it usually takes about an hour (I think) for water to go through the system. So I plan to get super hydrated the day before, then wake up an hour before I want to leave for the exam and first-thing chug a bunch of water, then hopefully pee before I leave the house. Then on break, immediately chug water and then stop so that I can hopefully pee before the afternoon session begins.
As for hydration, it usually takes about an hour (I think) for water to go through the system. So I plan to get super hydrated the day before, then wake up an hour before I want to leave for the exam and first-thing chug a bunch of water, then hopefully pee before I leave the house. Then on break, immediately chug water and then stop so that I can hopefully pee before the afternoon session begins.
-
- Posts: 364
- Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:27 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Don't overthink the water deal. Hydrating leads to greater brain power and likely quicker performance. If need be, you take a bathroom break mid-exam. Have you taken any practice exams? I'd plan to take one bathroom break during the middle of each session if you do value your hydrating for test-taking.ironbmike wrote:For you caffeine drinkers out there, what's your plan? I'm going to avoid it for the test because it always makes me need to go to the bathroom. But, I might keep a can of soda in my car for lunch if I need a boost for the afternoon sessions. But I'm thinking that I should stop drinking caffeine now, a week out, to let my body acclimate a bit. I'm on one cup of coffee per day right now (not a ton).
As for hydration, it usually takes about an hour (I think) for water to go through the system. So I plan to get super hydrated the day before, then wake up an hour before I want to leave for the exam and first-thing chug a bunch of water, then hopefully pee before I leave the house. Then on break, immediately chug water and then stop so that I can hopefully pee before the afternoon session begins.
-
- Posts: 379
- Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:31 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Yeah, on my practice I allowed one bathroom break and still finished in time.whitecollar23 wrote:Don't overthink the water deal. Hydrating leads to greater brain power and likely quicker performance. If need be, you take a bathroom break mid-exam. Have you taken any practice exams? I'd plan to take one bathroom break during the middle of each session if you do value your hydrating for test-taking.ironbmike wrote:For you caffeine drinkers out there, what's your plan? I'm going to avoid it for the test because it always makes me need to go to the bathroom. But, I might keep a can of soda in my car for lunch if I need a boost for the afternoon sessions. But I'm thinking that I should stop drinking caffeine now, a week out, to let my body acclimate a bit. I'm on one cup of coffee per day right now (not a ton).
As for hydration, it usually takes about an hour (I think) for water to go through the system. So I plan to get super hydrated the day before, then wake up an hour before I want to leave for the exam and first-thing chug a bunch of water, then hopefully pee before I leave the house. Then on break, immediately chug water and then stop so that I can hopefully pee before the afternoon session begins.
But I prefer to play it "safe" and allow bank time.
-
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:08 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Can we bring in caffeine pills?
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:20 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
-
- Posts: 379
- Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:31 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Caffeinated mint, now that's interesting. What brand?imnottelling wrote:I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
- LionelHutzJD
- Posts: 629
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:37 am
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Monster energy works like a charm for me. I'll probably have to pee multiple times during each session. Oh well.
-
- Posts: 379
- Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 12:31 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Depends on your state. In my state...ahem, commonwealth...we get to bring nothing. Not even water.Near wrote:Can we bring in caffeine pills?
-
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Thu Sep 10, 2015 2:07 am
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
I used these during the last bar exam (I'm taking a different state this summer): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BTMGKS/re ... 0J6E52PQQYironbmike wrote:Caffeinated mint, now that's interesting. What brand?imnottelling wrote:I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
I use them when I run/bike, so I already knew how I would react to them. There are multiple flavors, and you can find them at most sporting goods/running stores.
Last edited by squiggle on Tue Jul 19, 2016 5:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Posts: 73
- Joined: Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:08 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Hmm my state allows us to bring "medications." I'll choose to interpret this broadly.ironbmike wrote:Depends on your state. In my state...ahem, commonwealth...we get to bring nothing. Not even water.Near wrote:Can we bring in caffeine pills?
-
- Posts: 66
- Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2014 3:20 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
I like the jelly beans for long bike rides, but other than that, they kind of leave a sticky feeling in my mouth. For caffeine mints, I got these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01017R9ZA/re ... 66401&sr=1squiggle wrote:I used these during the last bar exam (I'm taking a different state this summer): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BTMGKS/re ... 0J6E52PQQYironbmike wrote:Caffeinated mint, now that's interesting. What brand?imnottelling wrote:I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
I use them when I run/bike, so I already knew how I would react to them. There are multiple flavors, and you can find them at most sporting goods/running stores.
-
- Posts: 364
- Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:27 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
I don't know about you, but when I need to pee while doing questions, it slows me down a little bit. So consider that when deciding to bank the time. Will not going to the bathroom slow you down to the point that you're not actually saving time?ironbmike wrote:Yeah, on my practice I allowed one bathroom break and still finished in time.whitecollar23 wrote:Don't overthink the water deal. Hydrating leads to greater brain power and likely quicker performance. If need be, you take a bathroom break mid-exam. Have you taken any practice exams? I'd plan to take one bathroom break during the middle of each session if you do value your hydrating for test-taking.ironbmike wrote:For you caffeine drinkers out there, what's your plan? I'm going to avoid it for the test because it always makes me need to go to the bathroom. But, I might keep a can of soda in my car for lunch if I need a boost for the afternoon sessions. But I'm thinking that I should stop drinking caffeine now, a week out, to let my body acclimate a bit. I'm on one cup of coffee per day right now (not a ton).
As for hydration, it usually takes about an hour (I think) for water to go through the system. So I plan to get super hydrated the day before, then wake up an hour before I want to leave for the exam and first-thing chug a bunch of water, then hopefully pee before I leave the house. Then on break, immediately chug water and then stop so that I can hopefully pee before the afternoon session begins.
But I prefer to play it "safe" and allow bank time.
Register now!
Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.
It's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 364
- Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:27 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Do hardboiled eggs count as non-distracting if not in a shell? What about bread? These statutes would be unconstitutionally vague if the NY Bar were considered a state actor.imnottelling wrote:I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
- RareExports
- Posts: 719
- Joined: Mon Oct 20, 2014 4:12 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
I had a caffeine pill right before walking into the room and then had a 5-hour energy on the break. Minimized liquid while maximizing caffeine.
I didn't drink anything for probably the 2 and a half hour leading up to the test but had a few glasses of water before that.
I didn't drink anything for probably the 2 and a half hour leading up to the test but had a few glasses of water before that.
- LionelHutzJD
- Posts: 629
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2012 10:37 am
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
I feel bad for whoever has to sit next to you. The smell of a hard boiled egg is intense.whitecollar23 wrote:Do hardboiled eggs count as non-distracting if not in a shell? What about bread? These statutes would be unconstitutionally vague if the NY Bar were considered a state actor.imnottelling wrote:I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
-
- Posts: 364
- Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2014 12:27 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
Barely any smell at all, surprisingly.LionelHutzJD wrote:I feel bad for whoever has to sit next to you. The smell of a hard boiled egg is intense.whitecollar23 wrote:Do hardboiled eggs count as non-distracting if not in a shell? What about bread? These statutes would be unconstitutionally vague if the NY Bar were considered a state actor.imnottelling wrote:I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
Get unlimited access to all forums and topics
Register now!
I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 94
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2016 11:03 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
whitecollar23 wrote:These statutes would be unconstitutionally vague if the NY Bar were considered a state actor.
-
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2016 2:48 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
We can't bring in anything in Texas. Planning on having a caffeine source in the car to access before the afternoon sessions.
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Sun Jan 31, 2016 5:05 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
How much of a pain are they regarding breaks? Is it like the LSAT where getting permission to get up takes you more time than you are actually out of the room?
-
- Posts: 106
- Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2012 6:54 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
When I took the bar I loaded up on water and caffeine, I also was familiar with the test building (my law school) and knew where the bathrooms were located. I went all 4 sessions, and it actually calmed me down for those 30 seconds.
Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.
Register now, it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 64
- Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2012 4:43 am
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
I don't remember having to ask for permission in NY or CA. I think you can just get up and go. Though maybe it depends on the testing site.resipsajob wrote:How much of a pain are they regarding breaks? Is it like the LSAT where getting permission to get up takes you more time than you are actually out of the room?
-
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Sun Jan 31, 2016 5:05 pm
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
That's good to hear. The LSAT proctors made it a huge affair.teabreeze wrote:I don't remember having to ask for permission in NY or CA. I think you can just get up and go. Though maybe it depends on the testing site.resipsajob wrote:How much of a pain are they regarding breaks? Is it like the LSAT where getting permission to get up takes you more time than you are actually out of the room?
- encore1101
- Posts: 826
- Joined: Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:13 am
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
When I took the bar, I filled a water bottle with half-monster/half-water so that I'd be caffeinated but hydrated. I had to use the bathroom a few times, but it actually gave me a reason to walk, stretch, get the blood circulating, clear my head, etc.
- encore1101
- Posts: 826
- Joined: Tue Oct 22, 2013 10:13 am
Re: Caffeine/hydration gameplan?
whitecollar23 wrote:Do hardboiled eggs count as non-distracting if not in a shell? What about bread? These statutes would be unconstitutionally vague if the NY Bar were considered a state actor.imnottelling wrote:I am only allowed to take in a liter of water and a "non-distracting" snack. I've been drinking 4-6 liters of water per day while studying. Need to work on getting used to a little less. I plan on doing a cup or two of coffee in the morning with plenty of time to let it's effects sink in. I also have caffeinated mints to get me through. I always want a little bit of caffeine about halfway through a 3 hour exam. As for snacks, something with a relatively quick acting carb and maybe a little bit a fat, like a granola bar.
Peeled hardboiled eggs and bread should be okay. I brought jerky and PB+J sandwiches (in addition to my Monster/Water combo, see above), and nobody complained.
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login