Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with exam

New Lawer in the Family

Raybun — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:34:19 -0800

I have just been invited to an open house to honor a distant relative that has just passed his Bar examination. Is a gift expected and if so what would be good for a new lawyer?

Mefites: Please hope me!!!

bebrave! — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:38:11 -0800

I need to take two exams in order to continue to compete for a job I have applied for. I very much want and need this job, or something like it (I am truly desperate!) The tests take place in about a week. The email that arrived from the HR person states that the exams I need passing scores on are: 1. Software Function and Use WOQAA198
2. Financial Services Basic Exam WOQAA130

This job is an intern (training) position for a state agency, after the year's training period the successful trainee will no longer be an intern and will probably get a small raise and a title of sorts, and have the security of a government job, which would be a HUGE relief to me.

A little Hx (I will try to keep this short): I have worked for 25 years in a relatively specialized field that is not really business related (I am a dog /cat wrangler, or, veterinary technician). Except for a little relief work and/or owners of the clinic dying or retiring, I have had the same employer most of this time. This (animal medicine) is a "dream job" for many, as it is all about "saving the animals", and because of my longevity/experience, I have a great reputation and have gone as far as a person can go without a DVM, but the problem is, a person can't really pay their bills or raise a family on the financial compensation. And I like the work just fine, but the money and the "hard labor" aspect can be tough for a woman approaching 50.
This was ok for the longest time, because my job in the family sense was to make a little grocery money and get out of the house a few days a week. Now, the situation has changed. My partner has gone from a hard-charging reliable family guy to one who has decided he will forevermore work only for himself, so he pushes an aerator around and swings a hammer here and there but has for all intents and purposes quit providing for our family (we have two kids and I helped him raise the others he had to adulthood). He gets out of bed everyday between 10 and 11 AM and doesn't see a problem with that. (That whole issue is a whole total 'nother Mefi question, but not today's!) I was a more-or-less suburban housewife encouraged by my spouse to keep that job for it's few bucks and respectability.
A few years ago now, things started to get really tight so, since I realized he wasn't really going to work anymore and he wouldn't support my going back to school (for something or anything) I have been trying to find something or anything else I can do that will pay the bills and keep my kids safe and healthy until they are grown.
I have a Bachelor's (in Biology) in addition to my animal medicine education/experience, but did not use it to do anything else (see above, and yes, my fault).
So a couple years ago I found a great job with decent money and benefits (which I formerly depended on my spouse for) which worked me hard but I loved and was related to animal medicine, but they canned me after a year and would not say why. It has been painful but also qualified me for unemployment insurance which has actually "paid" better than my vet tech job. I have used this time to try like heck to find a "real" job. I have applied to every job I can find that I am qualified for and think I would like to do. I keep getting axed at the final weed-out (when I am 1 of 6 or 1 of 3, out of an initial 100-ish). This, I don't think, is so weird, things are tough out there right now. But the unemployment money is about to run out for real, and I need to know how to ace these tests. If they don't pick me for another reason, then, fine. But I don't want it to be because I can't pass, and I have no experience in "business".
I can do anything, do any job, have proved myself a bazillion times at my hard work and adaptability.
I think they want to know I know computer and business basics. The reference librarian sent me home with a small armful of books, but can anyone out there help me get ready in a couple of days?

Double Take

gensubuser — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:30:26 -0800

How ethical is it to look at previous years' exams? I know that some students have access to previous years' problem sets and use them to extreme benefit. We have been told that exam questions are often like previous years' questions, and have not received any instructions that any material is forbidden.

On the other hand, I assume acquiring the actual exam would be forbidden. What is ethical here? Alerting them to the availability is not an option.

Sounds like I have been asked to Design an Online School... CMS Recommendations?

gonzo_ID — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 11:51:45 -0800

I've been asked to design a website that shows the progress of subscribers academic achievements based on what marks they get from modules posted on the site. I have no idea even how to begin this? Basically client wants to provide a service where subscribers have to pay for specific content that they will be tested on. Marks for the results are then shown on their 'academic achievement' page which can be linked to from their own site.

er... I'm pretty good with WordPress but am in the dark about a plug-in combination that could do the academic achievement bit. wp-commerce for PDF download, some sort of trivia quiz plugin for the question, but showing the results in a pretty way on their author's page?

or am i going down the wrong track? I'm guessing I shouldn't be using WordPress.

What should I be using? Is there any specific Content management system that does exactly this?

Who has passed the bar exam in the most number of states?

banished — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:57:31 -0800

Who holds the record for passing the bar exam in the greatest number of states, and what is that number?

1977 JMB English A-Level Texts

kyten — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:29:07 -0800

What texts were examined in the 1977 Joint Matriculation Board (JMB) English A-Level exam taken by students in the United Kingdom?

How to get a part time job as an exam proctor?

mintchip — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:31:22 -0800

How to get a part time job as an exam proctor? I've heard this can be a good, easy part time gig. How and where can I get into this? Thanks!

How to cram for Fundementals of Engineering (FE) Exam?

jdlugo — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 11:34:57 -0800

I signed up to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam tomorrow morning in Tennessee. For no real reason, I haven't been preparing and just realized this is an 8 hour exam. How do I pass? I go to a top university in Tennessee and am hoping my coursework has prepared me enough to pass. Am I being naive?

I am a computer engineering student and will take the 'Electrical' test for the second half of the exam. The first half is general engineering. How can I best cram for this? Is it a lost cause?

I would love some advice! For what it's worth, I am taking the exam as a junior so if I do fail and want to take it again I can.

Thanks!

Which PMBR course to take?

Tren — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:43:00 -0800

I'll be taking the California bar exam this summer, and I have a question about studying for the MBE. Should I take the 6-day online PMBR course, or the 3-day in-person course? 3-day course is one full day 6-hour simulated MBE exam, and then you spend the next two days going over it. Cost is $550.

6-day course seems more comprehensive. You do 50 practice questions each morning, and then go over them in the afternoon. Cost is $800. I'd have to take it online because the in-person classes are full for the dates I wanted.

Signing up for either course gives you access to the practice questions and other materials.

I'm leaning towards the 6-day course, but maybe that's not necessary? Money is a concern, but passing the bar is definitely the greater concern!

I am taking BAR/BRI too, but I've heard PMBR is helpful and important for the multiple choice practice.

Please help me improve my reading comprehension on the GRE

SpacemanStix — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:59:41 -0800

I need some advice on how to do better on reading comprehension questions in the verbal section of the GRE. There have been a number of GRE askme questions, but I'm looking for some help on a specific area.

The reading comprehension portion of the GRE verbal gives me the most difficulty. I'm able to comprehend passages, but I have two problems. First, I'm a slower reader, and the GRE is a time sensitive test. Second, my mind tends to wander when I'm nervous. This creates a situation in which I have to read more quickly, my mind will wander, and I will finish up going, what did I just read?

I've taken the GRE once and did okay, but I would like to do better. This is easily my weak spot.

I've heard that the best way to do better in this area is simply to do a lot of reading (which I do), but I'd also be interested in directed practice scenarios that will help me get better at this, as well as tricks or general perspective that will help me focus and retain information better. I have GRE practice books, but the amount of material for this type of question is limited, and obviously not helpful for using more than once.

So any advice on the two issues I mentioned above (slow reading and mind wandering), as well as any helpful practice advice, would be most welcome.

Should I take the USPTO exam just because it's there?

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:04:36 -0800

I'm a scientist considering taking the USPTO exam. I have a few questions. I'm considering doing this to put an extra qualification on my CV, and as an emergency back-up career path for the future; I have no immediate plans to switch careers or to patent any inventions. So I have two questions:
1) I'm assuming, without much evidence, that this test is not terribly difficult. With a few weeks of study from cheap or free materials, could I could sit the exam and have a decent chance of passing? What materials would you recommend (other than the manual itself)?
2) Since I plan to invest as little into this project as possible, I expect to pass with a low score, and perhaps not on my first attempt. Could a low score on the exam make things difficult down the road if I decide to work in the field? Or is it truly a pass-fail process, where they care only whether you are or are not certified?

Studying for Real Estate Broker's exam

selavy — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 19:36:29 -0800

I am studying for the Real Estate Broker's exam for California. I am awful at studying in general, and have little to no real estate experience. I am not currently a Real Estate Agent. I've taken the test once, and didn't score so hot the first time and I'd like to take it only one more time. Anybody take it and pass and have some words of advice, such as study methods, programs, or books?

Bar Exam Filter: DC, VA or MD bar?

smallstatic — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:42:48 -0800

I just passed MA and am considering a move to DC. I'm looking for advice on which bar exam to potentially sit for in February 2009. I'm considering a move to DC in the next few months but I don't have a job there yet. Ideally, that would be the first step but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to make it happen without first getting licensed. I just passed MA and am considering VA, MD, or DC for February. I've got civil litigation experience here in a general practice firm, in addition to a bit of real estate and wills/trusts. I'm hoping to do employment law, either in-house, or as an associate, as a next step. I don't have the credentials for a big firm position but I've got a decent amount of legal professional experience, having worked full time through law school and the bar. Given this, which state should I focus on licensure in first? I'm thinking VA but am very interested to hear from lawyers practicing in the area about what the market is like, in addition to the relative difficulty of the exams, which I know has been commented on here in the past.

You fill out a form, then see where everyone else is from who also filled out the form.

Wild_Eep — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 08:08:24 -0800

Is there a WordPress plugin that will let me make forms for people to fill in, and then dump the results to the database instead of emailing the results to me? I want reports with Google Charts (specifically the US and World maps). There are at least a dozen different survey/questionnaire/poll/form plugins, but nearly all of them merely email submissions to a given address.

I want to be able to maintain real-time statistics about who has filled out a form so that I can tie it to the APIs from Google Chart and produce maps for my site. Ideally once I set this up, it should run without any interaction from me. (No exporting data to create a report manually). I'm not worried about spoofing for now.

So far I've only found two contenders:

Surveygizmo, which is close but doesn't seem to support the mapping report that I'm interested in.

SurveyFly, which hasn't been updated to support recent versions of WordPress.

Is there something out there that I'm missing?

Tips for the NC bar exam.

greta simone — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:50:01 -0800

Tips for the NC Bar exam? Asking for a friend:
I am an attorney currently admitted to the NY bar, and taking the NC bar in three days. I took BarBri for the NY bar, but studied on my own for the NC bar. One of the most helpful things about BarBri was the "tips and techniques" for the bar exam - such as areas of law frequently tested, or stylistic techniques for answering the essay questions. Can anyone tell me what the frequently tested areas are (such as Miranda violations or Rule Against Perpetuities, etc.)? I have been looking over essays from prior exams, and I have been shocked by the minutiae of some of the areas tested.
Also, I am curious as to how the essays are scored and how points are awarded. For example, in NY, the essays are scored on a 1-10 scale, with 1/3 points awarded for each issue spotted or statement of law that is included in the answer. A "5" is considered a "passing score" and a 7, 8, or 9 are considered above average answers and are infrequently awarded.
I have been told that the NC exam is easier than the NY exam. Has anyone found this to be true? Why or why not?
If you are a recent NC bar-taker, I would appreciate you sharing the tips and/or strategies you used that you found to be helpful. Thanks!

Go ahead, test me.

dkleinst — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:02:00 -0800

For what jobs are applicants accepted largely based on an examination? Inspired by this question. Examples of this type of hiring practice would be the United States Foreign Service examination and USPS.

NYC Tour Guide Exam

josher71 — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 14:13:46 -0800

I would like to take the NYC Tour Guide Exam. However, I'm having trouble finding an idea online of what they ask on the exam. Has anyone taken it? Or, can anyone help me find where I can get even an idea of what sorts of things will be asked?

When in doubt, it's a "renal" something or a "hepatic" something.

houseofdanie — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:23:07 -0800

On Thursday morning, I'm taking my final exam in Anatomy & Physiology II. I typically have test anxiety, and this time, it's reaching fever pitch. What are your favorite little mnemonics and/or rules of thumb that you rely upon in order to remember... uh, everything? Tho I tend to test well, this particular exam is a pivotal one in my education. I have extensive notes, charts, books, diagrams, and what-not, all of which I've studied til the cows came home, but I find it comforting to have little mental crutches when thinking about complex subjects.

As an example, I adore the "Never Let Monkeys Eat Bananas" mnemonic for remembering the leukocytes and their relative percentages in blood. From this, I can imagine the pictures I've drawn for each cell type, what they do, and so on and so forth.

On this exam will include: endocrine system, reproductive systems, fertilization and development, lymphatic and immune systems, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, metabolism (redox reactions; anabolism/catabolism of carbs, fats, and proteins), electrolytes in body fluids, and acid-base balance. I think that about covers it. The nervous system was covered in detail last semester, but of course, it permeates every other system, so it's still important to keep in studies.

My weak points are histology (locations of various connective tissues will kill me) and anatomical precision in areas such as cardiovascular layout. I'm strongest with chemistry and general physiology.

Aaaanyway, just as a matter of keeping my panic to a dull buzz, will you please share your mental crutches with me? My future patients and I thank you very much!

Bar exam study schedule for a working, neurotic undisciplined student

notjustfoxybrown — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 08:50:21 -0800

Please help me design a bar exam study schedule for a working person. I have started going over outlines and have done a couple sets of MBEs. I know it's early but I need to get started.

Here are the specifics:
1. Arizona's state bar portion is 12 essays. No MPT's or multiple choice.
2. There is, of course, the MBE (state portion is weighted 2/3, MBE is 1/3 of the score).
3. I work from 8 to 4:30 every day, no overtime... Very straightforward work day ... I work less than 2 miles from where I live and the library is en route between home and work.
4. I have a tutor who will be working on essays with me.
5. I have PMBR CDs and question books, BARBRI outlines, old Arizona bar exams with model essay answers and outlines from my tutor.
6. My metabolism (and psyche) require that I workout 3-4 times a week....The plan is to do that at the lame but convenient workout room at the job. Walking to and from work will be kind of an option for about the next month or so. After that, it will be too damn hot... and right now, all the construction near my home makes it unpleasant at best and dangerous at most.
7. I have the discipline level of a five-year-old. (My apologies to the 5-year-olds.)

Anyone have a schedule idea in mind?

And finally, the test is in July so after that, the green won't have to endure any more questions from me about this motherf$#%@! test.

Thank you.

Do I need a physical?

forallmankind — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 16:22:45 -0800

I've never had a physical - do I need one and what would it involve? I just started a new job, my benefits have just kicked in, and I'm thinking that getting a physical might be a good idea (dammit, my car gets one every year). When I joined my current health practice 5 years ago I had a quick weight/ blood pressure check & testicular exam, but that's all. I've never been back since except for a couple of minor issues. I'm 35 in OK health and I have a PPO.

Is this a good idea or unnecessary? How extensive are physicals (I've only seen them in the movies, and they usually involve people on treadmills with lots of sensors)? Are they expensive?

I understand that checking for a bunch of stuff that you show no symptoms of is a bit of a waste of time, but I'm assuming that knowing if my cholesterol's going through the roof or I'm heading towards diabetes (my father and his mother are/ were diabetic) would be useful information to have sooner rather than later.

How do I physically write faster?

ajp — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 07:38:57 -0800

How do I physically write faster? Does anyone have any tips for how to physically write faster? So far I've been advised to try using soft pencils on good paper, but I'd be interested in other suggestions. I'd also like to reduce my chances of developing tendon irritation from all the repetitive movement of writing. I sit exams regularly, and need to write continuously and legibly for between 1 and 2 hours. This is currently killing my thumb.

I've trawled the net of course, but all my search terms seem to hit pages more targetted at approaches to creative writing.

* Are there any guidelines for how to write clearly and avoid strain injury?

* What is the perfect writing implement, given the requirements of speed and pain-avoidance? Oh, and relatively low cost :-)

* Hand-writing guides. Is there an optimum style? I suspect that "cursive" or "Nelson" handwriting is best. Are there any figures to back this up? I'm willing to put in the time required to adapt my writing style if it will pay off.

Things I am not concerned about:

* Creativity, style, etc. This is about the physical aspects of writing, not the cerebral.

* Being more concise in my essay responses. Good advice, but already taken. I'm aiming for maximum output with minimal physical effort.

* Shorthand. The writing has to be easily and clearly comprehensible by any English speaker.

Other salient points:

* I'm considering asking for extra time in the exams so I can minimise the pain.

* Exams have to be written in ink, and anything that smudges easily is likely to be out. I'd like to try a fountain pen, since I believe the nib would morph with age to complement my writing style; but I think the smudge factor rules them out.

* Anecdote is great, evidence is better!

Much obliged.

How hard is the MD bar?

footnote — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 13:25:05 -0800

How hard is the Maryland bar?

What should I do with my life post law school?

notjustfoxybrown — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 11:58:48 -0800

Another chapter in the ongoing saga of "what should notjustfoxybrown do with her law degree since she really, really doesn't want to retake the bar exam but feels societal pressure to do so." Please forgive the length of this question. Brevity was only my strong point when I was a reporter.

To recap previous chapters:
Graduated law school in Florida in 2004. Took and failed the bar exam...OK...Twice... (Sick the first time, living with a sick man the second time.) Worked in state government and public affairs for awhile before making the mistake of joining the family business here in Phoenix.

I'm ready to move on to something else and am currently on the finalist list for a job in regulatory compliance that will pay well, offer the chance to work for someone who seems like an awfully kind and funny man, learn a new skill and most importantly, have an actual life...or as close to an approximation as I can living in Phoenix. The latter is hard to do when your mom is your boss and can call you at any time.

I originally applied for the compliance job because it is mostly a 9 to 5 and would give me the opportunity to study for the bar after work. I'm told that it also offers a flex schedule and I could come in early and leave early if I so chose.

I would be studying for the bar only because I'm afraid that I'll never reach my full income potential without this license. I don't intend to practice ... but I might want to do something part-time...I'm still figuring that out.

Most of the jobs that I've applied for have been in public affairs/government relations because I seemed to enjoy that work most but I've found it damn near impossible to find such a job here in Phoenix ... and I really dislike D.C. so while that might be a logical choice, it won't work for me. I'd eventually like to live in L.A. and have applied for a couple of jobs there but honestly, I'd like to stay in Phoenix long enough to save money before making the L.A. leap.

I've struggled with the career issues for years (as well as with the curse of the noonday demon) and have always been pretty much saddened by the outcomes I've chosen. I think I'd be a fine attorney though I don't know whether I can muster the discipline and drive it would take to sit for this exam again.

I've had this thing hanging over my head for years now. There are so many other things I'd like to be doing with my life for the next six months (which is how much time my newly hired tutor said I would need to study for the Arizona Bar since I'm coming from out of state). I'd like to start singing again and working on my writing, improve my cooking skills, maybe make some new friends and get serious about looking for a long-term relationship...all things I'd have to put on hold while I studied for this damn test...again.

I earlier alluded to the societal pressure to resit but I think some of it is simply me feeling like a failure because I've not taken the traditional post-law school route. I was a non-traditional student and had a decade-long journalism career before starting my J.D. I've been pretty fortunate with the job market (although haven't had any bites from L.A.) I'd only be taking it to be licensed somewhere since I clearly don't want to stay in Arizona.

So the questions (and believe me there are many...just pick one you think you might be able to answser.):

1. What lucrative career path might I take without retaking this bar exam? It is only important that it be lucrative because I'm a single woman, late 30s, and I don't know how soon that will change (the single thing, not the age thing. That will change in June.)

2. I know there have been several posts about not tying your self-worth to your job ... and I'm trying really hard not to... but what's a good standard line I might give to people who say, "You went to law school? Why aren't you a lawyer?"

3. Will I regret choosing quality of life over slaving away at a firm? I don't think I will but money does indeed buy a certain amount of freedom.

Thanks for listening to the ramblings of a madwoman.

New State, New Bar Exam. Wah!

batcrazy — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 15:18:14 -0800

Advice for a lawyer taking another state bar exam? Asking for a friend...

Friend went to top-tier law school and graduated in 2003. Took and passed NY bar, worked for big firm in NYC for two years. Friend and Fiance moved to DC in 2005, where Friend worked for different big firm in DC for two years, and waived into DC bar.

Now Friend is working for a firm in VA and has to take the VA bar. Friend is signed up to take the February Bar and will be working 8-5 at firm and taking BarBri classes from 6-10 M-F from January 2 - end of February.

Any words of advice for friend? Specifically:

1) Helpful hints/tips about Virginia's bar exam specifically (including online places to get outlines/flashcards/ mnemonics)

2) Helpful hints/tips about taking Feb. bar vs. July bar

3) Personal anecdotes of having to work FT and study for a bar

4) Personal anecdotes about taking a bar after practicing law for 4+ years (is it easier b/c you know more law or harder b/c you are no longer in 'student study' mode).

5) Advice on how to get through two months straight of 14 hour week days + studying/working on weekends + time for spouse/housework (etc)/dog/friends...

Thanks in advance!

I can't work it out with a pencil

scruss — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:02:36 -0800

I need to pass a legal exam. Trouble is, I'm no legal genius and I haven't sat an exam in decades. How would you get down to cramming the facts? I need to get my Professional Engineer licence for Ontario. Much to my surprise, I passed my ethics exam, but failed the legal part, so have to resit in December. I'd never failed an important exam before, and managed to get through university only having to sit one exam that was in essay question form.

I am, at best, a last-minute desultory studier. Memorising stacks of facts was never my thing, and precedents just make my head spin.

Suggestions, please, for effective study.