PA BAR EXAM 2017 Forum

[Acdc54]

How do you feel about the essays? Did anyone else talk about power of appointment for the second wills issue? Also, was statement against interest one of the evidence issues?

[Bimmerfan]

I thought essays were okay.

Definitely forgot about the consideration exception for life insurance contracts. Didn't mention power of appointment; just discussed intent of testator. I was hoping to do exceptionally well on the essays since MBEs haven't been a strength for me, but I will be ecstatic with getting 65% of the points on essays.

[Bimmerfan]

I also don't think it was statement against interest. I discussed present sense impression but thinking back, I don't think it fell under any of the exceptions.

I've been doing calculations every day since Thursday. I definitely psyched myself out way too much. Took barbri and averaged around 45-65% on practice questions but felt like the actual test questions were tougher (opposite of what people told me beforehand). Aiming for at least a 100 raw score...

[Acdc54]

The MBE was a whirlwind. I legit felt like I was torn between two answer choices for almost every single question. I wish I could remember the other essay questions. I hate not knowing the answers.

[YalteseFalcon]

For what my two cents is worth (less than two cents, perhaps):

I did mention valid power of appointment, but I called it power of distribution for some reason. I only remembered it because it was in one of the decedents estates essays Barbri assigned. I didn't complete most of the essays that were assigned, but that happened to be one of them. I hope I get some points for that issue, despite calling it the wrong thing.

I couldn't remember the death benefit taxation issue at all, so I took a guess. I correctly (apparently) guessed that transfer for consideration makes it taxable, but I incorrectly answered that the taxable income from the benefit would be reduced by the $2,000 he paid in consideration.

As to the statement against interest, I guess this is talking about the handwritten note of the administrator? I kind of blanked on that one, after not coming up with any clear hearsay exception. I said it couldn't come in for it's truth, but may be admissible as PIS for impeachment.

The MBE made me feel awful. I agree with whomever above said it felt harder than Barbri. It felt that way to me. I averaged right around the Barbri goals, but some of those questions were still very different in focus and form. I narrowed it down to two for...maybe 50% of them?

[Bimmerfan]

I was just happy to get the exam over with, but it turns out, waiting for results is much more painful. Pre-exam, we at least had some control over what we could do to have an impact on the exam. Post-exam, everything is out of our control.

Also, it's rough when everyone in my firm keeps telling me that I passed. Yes, it's very encouraging but makes me feel even more anxious considering the consequences I'd have to face if I failed.

Since Feb scores tend to be lower than July, with a much lower pass rate, does that mean we'll likely get more points for our scaled score?

[Acdc54]

I hope the curve helps all of us. The criminal law essay issues were odd. Forgery? And, family law, those lotto tickets def weren't marital prop. Anyone else remember issues?

[Bimmerfan]

What... I wrote that it was marital prop because the divorce wasn't finalized (they were just separated at the time the tickets were bought).

All of the essay questions can be found on the pa bar exam website. Posted over the weekend.

[Acdc54]

I messed up present recollection refreshed with past recollection recorded. What was it on the essays?

[HoneyPot]

Do you guys think there's a chance we'll get results this upcoming week? My guess is Friday. I hope it's earlier though - the wait is killing me. Think it's possible we'll get results Monday-Thursday?

[Acdc54]

I'm hoping we find out this Friday

[HoneyPot]

My heart skipped a beat when we got that email today. I really thought it would be results - I don't remember getting an email like this when I took (and failed) it in July 2015. At least we know exactly when we're getting them now.

I feel like we're about to experience the longest 48 hours ever. I'll just be here trying to keep my anxiety at bay. I hope we all get happy news soon.

[Acdc54]

Same. It is out of our hands at this point though. I just hate feeling like I have no idea how I did at all. No inkling whatsoever.

[Bimmerfan]

I'm going to throw up

[HoneyPot]

I'm going to throw up

I hear you. Thank god for wine. And vacation days. I took off tomorrow so I don't have to worry about bawling and having mascara running down my face at work.

[Bimmerfan]

Same. Pretty sure I failed, but have a glimpse of hope.

Anyone know the chances of results being posted earlier than 4?

[HoneyPot]

Same. Pretty sure I failed, but have a glimpse of hope.

Anyone know the chances of results being posted earlier than 4?

I have a feeling they're planning to post right as they leave for the day. Since the office closes at 4, I doubt it'll be before then. And if it is, I doubt it'll be before 3:30. T minus 5 hours.

[HoneyPot]

Failed again. It's super awesome feeling like a complete idiot.

[Bimmerfan]

Same. See you in July.

[Acdc54]

Same. Onto July. Pass rate was 54% yikes

[Bimmerfan]

Anyone receive score reports yet?

[frix0803]

Yes, today; passed

[shaq23]

Yes, today; passed

Hey...congratulations!! Do you mind sharing what your practice/simulation MBE performance was vs. your actual MBE score (if you received it)?

[frix0803]

Sure. I used Kaplan. Final practice test was 142/200. I ended up getting 144 on MBE. My essay score carried me over the limit.

Full disclosure: I have been a practicing attorney from out of state, so that might have helped a bit. Total bar prep time was about two weeks.

(

Yes, today; passed

Hey...congratulations!! Do you mind sharing what your practice/simulation MBE performance was vs. your actual MBE score (if you received it)?

[shaq23]

Sure. I used Kaplan. Final practice test was 142/200. I ended up getting 144 on MBE. My essay score carried me over the limit.

Full disclosure: I have been a practicing attorney from out of state, so that might have helped a bit. Total bar prep time was about two weeks.

(

Yes, today; passed

Hey...congratulations!! Do you mind sharing what your practice/simulation MBE performance was vs. your actual MBE score (if you received it)?

Nice....thanks for sharing and agains congratulations!!