In this inspiring episode, Allen Williams II shares his journey to passing the California Bar Exam after previous attempts. A USC undergrad with master's degrees in public diplomacy and gerontology, Allen graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2022 while balancing multiple leadership roles and community commitments.
Allen candidly discusses the challenges he faced during bar preparation while working full-time in litigation. He describes the emotional rollercoaster of studying after previous disappointments, the technical difficulties during the exam itself, and the nerve-wracking wait for results. Despite moments of doubt, Allen maintained a growth mindset and refused to quit, stating "I don't care how many times I have to sit for this exam. We are going to pass."
His success strategy combined several key elements: focusing intensely on MBE practice through Bar Exam Drills, working with a private tutor to address specific knowledge gaps, creating flashcards for rule memorization, and maintaining honest self-assessment about weak areas. Allen emphasizes the importance of drilling questions repeatedly, especially those previously answered incorrectly, to build cumulative knowledge.
Throughout his preparation, Allen prioritized mental health by meeting weekly with a therapist and incorporating breaks into his rigorous schedule. He surrounded himself with supportive people who understood the gravity of the exam and created space for his emotions during the difficult process.
For future bar candidates, Allen offers practical advice: practice closed-book essays to test actual knowledge, use licensed NCBE questions, focus on weak areas rather than avoiding them, model answers after official examples, and don't neglect the performance test. He emphasizes that most failed candidates are closer to passing than they realize and just need to identify and fix specific weaknesses.
Allen's story is one of perseverance, strategic preparation, and maintaining perspective through an extraordinarily challenging process. Now successfully admitted to the California Bar, he remains committed to helping others navigate their own bar exam journeys.
All content for The Bar Exam Drills Podcast is the property of The Bar Exam Drills Podcast and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
In this inspiring episode, Allen Williams II shares his journey to passing the California Bar Exam after previous attempts. A USC undergrad with master's degrees in public diplomacy and gerontology, Allen graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2022 while balancing multiple leadership roles and community commitments.
Allen candidly discusses the challenges he faced during bar preparation while working full-time in litigation. He describes the emotional rollercoaster of studying after previous disappointments, the technical difficulties during the exam itself, and the nerve-wracking wait for results. Despite moments of doubt, Allen maintained a growth mindset and refused to quit, stating "I don't care how many times I have to sit for this exam. We are going to pass."
His success strategy combined several key elements: focusing intensely on MBE practice through Bar Exam Drills, working with a private tutor to address specific knowledge gaps, creating flashcards for rule memorization, and maintaining honest self-assessment about weak areas. Allen emphasizes the importance of drilling questions repeatedly, especially those previously answered incorrectly, to build cumulative knowledge.
Throughout his preparation, Allen prioritized mental health by meeting weekly with a therapist and incorporating breaks into his rigorous schedule. He surrounded himself with supportive people who understood the gravity of the exam and created space for his emotions during the difficult process.
For future bar candidates, Allen offers practical advice: practice closed-book essays to test actual knowledge, use licensed NCBE questions, focus on weak areas rather than avoiding them, model answers after official examples, and don't neglect the performance test. He emphasizes that most failed candidates are closer to passing than they realize and just need to identify and fix specific weaknesses.
Allen's story is one of perseverance, strategic preparation, and maintaining perspective through an extraordinarily challenging process. Now successfully admitted to the California Bar, he remains committed to helping others navigate their own bar exam journeys.
Bar Study Motivation Podcast - Ep 023 - Raquel Penalver Bartolome
The Bar Exam Drills Podcast
23 minutes 44 seconds
7 months ago
Bar Study Motivation Podcast - Ep 023 - Raquel Penalver Bartolome
Are you preparing for the bar exam and searching for real, actionable motivation? In this episode of the Bar Study Motivation Podcast, we sit down with Raquel Penalver Bartolome, a recent bar exam passer and bankruptcy attorney-to discuss the highs, lows, and lessons learned on her journey to bar exam success.
Raquel opens up about her emotional reaction to getting her results, the mental resilience required after failing the first time, and the importance of creating a personalized study plan. She shares how listening to her own needs, rather than blindly following generic bar prep schedules, made all the difference. Raquel also talks about the power of support from family and friends, managing anxiety during the waiting period, and the critical role of discipline-not just in studying, but in daily routines.
In this episode, you’ll hear Raquel’s honest account of failing and coming back stronger, how she used targeted review and repetition to master multiple choice questions, the importance of mental preparation and self-awareness, tips for organizing essays to maximize points, and why support networks and intentionality matter more than following a rigid program. She also offers advice for anyone gearing up for the next bar exam: trust yourself, review your mistakes, and keep moving forward.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or just want practical advice from someone who’s been there, this conversation is for you. Raquel’s story proves that passing the bar is as much about mindset and strategy as it is about hard work.
Every step forward counts. Whether you’re studying for your first attempt or coming back after a setback, you’re not alone on this journey.
Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and practical bar study strategies. Have questions for Raquel or want to connect? Drop them in the comments or reach out for more info.
Ready to get motivated? Hit play and let Raquel’s journey inspire your own bar exam success!
The Bar Exam Drills Podcast
In this inspiring episode, Allen Williams II shares his journey to passing the California Bar Exam after previous attempts. A USC undergrad with master's degrees in public diplomacy and gerontology, Allen graduated from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2022 while balancing multiple leadership roles and community commitments.
Allen candidly discusses the challenges he faced during bar preparation while working full-time in litigation. He describes the emotional rollercoaster of studying after previous disappointments, the technical difficulties during the exam itself, and the nerve-wracking wait for results. Despite moments of doubt, Allen maintained a growth mindset and refused to quit, stating "I don't care how many times I have to sit for this exam. We are going to pass."
His success strategy combined several key elements: focusing intensely on MBE practice through Bar Exam Drills, working with a private tutor to address specific knowledge gaps, creating flashcards for rule memorization, and maintaining honest self-assessment about weak areas. Allen emphasizes the importance of drilling questions repeatedly, especially those previously answered incorrectly, to build cumulative knowledge.
Throughout his preparation, Allen prioritized mental health by meeting weekly with a therapist and incorporating breaks into his rigorous schedule. He surrounded himself with supportive people who understood the gravity of the exam and created space for his emotions during the difficult process.
For future bar candidates, Allen offers practical advice: practice closed-book essays to test actual knowledge, use licensed NCBE questions, focus on weak areas rather than avoiding them, model answers after official examples, and don't neglect the performance test. He emphasizes that most failed candidates are closer to passing than they realize and just need to identify and fix specific weaknesses.
Allen's story is one of perseverance, strategic preparation, and maintaining perspective through an extraordinarily challenging process. Now successfully admitted to the California Bar, he remains committed to helping others navigate their own bar exam journeys.
