A structured, hour-by-hour study schedule for bar exam preparation — with separate tracks for full-time candidates and those balancing work. Built on the principle that consistency beats intensity.
Pencil in a walk "around the block" every hour — about 5 minutes — with lots of stretching. Plan on a daily exercise routine in the morning (though midafternoon is optimum) or during one of your breaks.
Snack throughout the day to keep your sugar highs and caffeine jags in check so as to maintain your level of concentration. Taper off caffeine by 4pm to avoid sleeping issues.
Make sure to get the sleep you need, whether it's 7 or 9 hours each night. A fatigued brain erases — or just poorly retains — much of the gains from a study session. And latest studies show that information you input just before sleep — even a short nap — is better retained due to the brain re-organization that occurs during shuteye.
You will probably miss about three study periods each week — morning, afternoon, or night. That's okay, it happens. But don't try to double up the next day; just get back on the routine as soon as possible.
If you are working full time, use the full-time schedule above for your open weekends. For workdays, try squeezing your memorization time into part of your daily commute, and follow this compressed schedule.
The key to effective prolonged studying is a balanced regimen, perseverance with flexibility — every time you fall off schedule, get back on — and attaining and maintaining a good humor.