009: Mastering the Performance Test (w/Doretta McGinnis)

Welcome back to the Bar Exam Toolbox Podcast. Today we're talking to Doretta McGinnis, a legal writing expert and one of our fabulous bar exam tutors here at the Bar Exam Toolbox, about the Multistate Performance Test, or the MPT.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the performance test is so hard (HINT: 90 minutes goes by really quickly!)
• Common problems that non-traditional bar takers, e.g. practicing lawyers already barred in other jurisdictions, have when taking the MPT
• The most common "assignments" you may encounter on the test and all the "components" of the test
• The three biggest tips to improve your scores on the performance test: PRACTICE, PRACTICE, and, you guessed it, PRACTICE!
• Why you absolutely need an attack plan – we even walk you through the best attack plan for optimizing your time while taking the MPT
• Finally – how your legal writing class and other elective classes your school may offer can help you prepare for the MPT far before you start your traditional bar exam study period

Resources:

• National Conference of Bar Examiners – Multistate Performance Test (http://www.ncbex.org/exams/mpt/)
• Tips on How to Read the MPT Library and Save Time (https://barexamtoolbox.com/tips-read-mpt-library-save-time/)
• Everything You Need to Know About the MPT for Practicing Lawyers (https://barexamtoolbox.com/everything-need-know-mpt-practicing-lawyers/)
• How Your Legal Writing Class Prepares Your for the MPT (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-your-legal-writing-class-prepares-you-for-the-mpt/)
• NCBE - Multistate Performance Test Directions (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2Fdmsdocument%2F53)
• Last Minute Tips for the MPT (https://barexamtoolbox.com/last-minute-tips-for-the-mpt/)
• How to Use MPT Point Sheets and Sample Answers to Prepare for the Bar Exam (https://barexamtoolbox.com/how-to-use-mpt-point-sheets-and-sample-answers-to-prepare-for-the-bar-exam/)
• UBE Writing of the Week Course – MEE + MPT (https://barexamtoolbox.com/ube-mee-mpt-writing-of-the-week-wow-bar-exam-course/)
• Get Ready for the MPT! (https://barexamtoolbox.com/get-ready-for-the-mpt/)

Episode Transcript: Download the Transcript (https://barexamtoolbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BET-Ep-9-Mastering-the-Performance-Test-w-Doretta-McGinnis.pdf)

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Thanks for listening!

Alison & Lee