calendar_today April 07 2025, By Pieper Bar Review

Updated April 07 2025. Originally published April 07 2025

If you’re graduating this spring and preparing for the July 2025 Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), you might be hearing a lot about what’s coming: outlines, practice questions, performance tests, and those long days of studying. But right now—in April—you have a powerful opportunity to lay the groundwork for a smoother, more productive bar prep season.

The truth is, the bar exam isn't just about what you know; it’s also about how well you can prepare under pressure. So here are some smart things you can think about (and act on) now to help you maximize your study time when bar prep officially kicks off.
 

1. Guard Your Time—Now and Later

Start carving out your summer study time now. If you're working, see if you can take time off—or reduce your hours—during May, June, and July. Bar prep is a full-time job. The more uninterrupted time you have to focus, the better.

If you have caregiving responsibilities or other demands on your time, talk with your support network now. See where you might be able to get help in the coming months so that your brain space stays as clear as possible for studying.

2. Create (and Test) Your Study Space

Where are you going to study every day? Make sure it’s:

Quiet

Comfortable

Consistent

Low on distractions (read: not your couch, not your bed, and probably not your kitchen)

If you’re not sure where that is yet, try out a few places now. Libraries, co-working spaces, even your law school’s study areas can be great options. If you're staying at home, try to set clear boundaries—physically and socially—so others know not to interrupt you.

3. Start the Social Media Detox

Social media is a concentration killer. Apps are designed to keep you scrolling, and a 5-minute check-in can turn into a 30-minute rabbit hole before you realize it. Think about how you can limit your access:

Delete apps from your phone

Use website blockers during study hours

Set “do not disturb” time windows

If you start this habit now, it’ll feel a lot less painful when you’re deep into your bar prep routine.

4. Prioritize Sleep—and Practice It Early

Bar prep isn’t about who can study the longest; it’s about who can retain and apply information efficiently. And that starts with your brain being well-rested.

Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, even now. If your circadian rhythm is all over the place, use April to shift into a regular pattern. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day will help train your brain to be alert and focused during your future study blocks—and ultimately, on exam day.

5. Plan for Movement

Exercise improves memory, focus, and mood—all of which you’ll need during bar prep. You don’t need to train for a marathon, but even 20–30 minutes of walking, stretching, yoga, or any activity that gets your blood flowing can make a difference.

Think about what kind of movement you’ll actually enjoy (or at least tolerate), and block off that time on your calendar now—so you’re not tempted to cut it when things get busy later.

6. Start Lining Up Logistics

A few small things you can take care of now that’ll make life easier later:

Make sure your bar application is submitted and fees are paid

Confirm you’re registered for a bar prep course (and know how to access it)

Check the dates and location of your exam so you can plan travel or lodging if needed

Talk with roommates, family, or anyone you live with about your summer routine and what you’ll need from them to stay focused

7. Set Your Expectations (and Your Mindset)

Bar prep is intense—but it’s temporary. One of the best things you can do in April is mentally prepare for the commitment you’re about to make. Start framing your summer as a season of purpose and focus, not just pressure.

Remember: you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to be consistent.

Final Thought: Give Yourself the Gift of Preparation

By thinking through these things in April, you’re giving your future self a huge head start. The fewer distractions, logistical issues, and emotional drains you have in the summer, the more energy you can devote to what really matters: learning the material and practicing the skills that will help you pass the UBE.

So, take a breath, look ahead, and start making your plan. July might feel far away—but what you do now can make all the difference.

Photo Credit:  Anna Shvets

Recent Posts

New York to Adopt the NextGen Bar Exam in July 2028

Why Study with a UBE Tutor?

The California State Bar Considered Breaking Away from the NCBE's Exams as a way to Cut Costs, but Those Plans are on Hold

Everything You Need to Know About Taking the Bar Exam in New York

Illinois Becomes 19th State to Announce Its Adoption of the NextGen Bar Exam Starting in 2028