Tip #8

Can I bring a backpack into the test room? Can I bring a clock? Can I use a calculator?

You can bring a reasonable size bag with you to your seat. Keep in mind that "reasonable" is defined by those proctoring the test, and like many practices related to the administration of the test, can be changed at any time. Best to err on the size of smaller bags.

Sizable luggage will not be permitted in the testing room. If you are traveling to take a second bar exam or leaving on vacation right after the exam, you should check your luggage at your hotel or leave it at home.

You should bring a clock and/or watch. The room you are in may or may not have a clock. But UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you set an alarm on your clock/watch to "beep" during the exam. The person next to you will go insane and kill you.

If you’re concerned about timing sections of the test, you can set your clock/watch for 9 am at the start of the exam. For example, on the Multistate Bar Exam day, if your clock/watch is set at 9 am at the start of both the morning and afternoon sessions, you know that at 10 am, you should be at question 35; at 11am, you should be at question 70; and at Noon, you should be done. You do not care what time it really is. You are on bar exam time. Just remember to reset the clock/watch to the real time during your lunch break, so you get back to the test location on time.

You cannot bring in or use a calculator. If you feel that you need a calculator, which some test-takers think would be helpful on some Corporations or Wills essay questions, you are probably doing something wrong. If you find yourself in this situation, you should probably answer the question in concepts and not get into the nitty-gritty of the numbers. The Law Examiners traditionally have drafted questions that deal with whole numbers, not decimals.