Plan with intention, not perfection.
Create a weekly study schedule that blocks time for each subject and includes built-in buffers. Treat it as a guide, not a rigid contract—adjust as needed while keeping your overall goals in sight.
Use active study blocks.
Follow a structured technique like 50–10 cycles (50 minutes of focused work, 10-minute break) or 90–20 cycles for longer sessions. During the work period, eliminate all non-study tasks and commit to one objective only (e.g., “Finish 15 MBE questions and review them”). You may consider using a Pomodoro timer for this.
Prioritize practice over passive review.
Schedule your most mentally demanding tasks—MBE sets, MEE or MPT practice—for the times of day when you are most alert. Save lighter tasks (outlining, flashcards, re-reading) for energy dips.
Track your progress, not just your hours.
At the end of each day, write down what you accomplished and where you struggled. Use this to adjust the next day’s plan so you’re focusing on what matters most.
Limit digital distractions.
Put your phone in another room, use website blockers like Cold Turkey or JOMO, or study in a distraction-free environment. Even brief interruptions can derail comprehension during bar prep.
Protect your energy.
Schedule regular breaks, meals, and sleep as seriously as study time. Short walks, stretching, or a few minutes of mindful breathing can reset your focus and reduce stress.
Practice exam-day pacing early.
When doing full sets of MBE, MEE, or MPT practice, simulate real timing. Getting familiar with the pressure of the clock helps reduce exam-day anxiety and sharpens decision-making.
Four Thousand Weeks
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Solving the Procrastination Puzzle
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Effortless
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Eat That Frog!, Fourth Edition
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Deep Work
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Cold Turkey
A powerful blocker tool that lets you block specific websites or apps. It has a “Locked Mode” (you really can’t override it), making it ideal when you need deep, no-cheat focus.
Freedom
Lets you block websites or apps across multiple devices, set recurring schedules, and even completely disable internet access temporarily. Great for cross-device study sessions.
JOMO
JOMO helps you build better screen-time habits by blocking distracting apps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac according to rules you set (scheduled blocks, daily limits, strict/locked modes, and one-tap breaks). Useful for bar students who want to enforce focused study sessions (e.g., “Study Time” or “Deep Work” blocks), track reclaimed screen time, and create routines like “Digital Sunrise” or “Sleep Guardian” to protect study energy and sleep
Forest
Gamifies your focus: you plant a virtual tree and it grows the longer you stay off your phone. If you leave the app, the tree dies. Helps build focused study habits.
Pomofocus
A web-based Pomodoro timer (work/break intervals) that is simple, customizable, and helps you chunk study time in manageable sessions.
Studious
Lets you input your class or study schedule; silences your phone during those times. Also tracks assignments and exam dates so you don’t forget deadlines.
Habitica
Turns your task list into a game: you “level up” by completing real-life tasks (like study goals), which can be motivating for long-term study routines.