Study the topics that the test will cover: contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, evidence and real property. The NCBE website provides an outline of the aspects covered in each topic. For example, the constitutional law topic includes the following subtopics: the nature of judicial review, separation of powers, relationship between federal and state systems and other subtopics. (See Resources below.)
Focus on the material that will be covered, not test-taking techniques. Several studies over the years have demonstrated that the Multistate Bar Exam measures legal knowledge and ability, not test-taking skills.
Know that questions are not designed to be arcane and tricky. Each question is reviewed in several contexts: by law practitioners for relevance, by psychometric experts for bias and by editors for wording. A 1992 survey of panelists indicated the expectation that 66% of test-takers would choose the correct answer to any given question.
Take online practice tests to prepare on several dimensions. First, gauge your time allotment needs. Studies show that 99% of test takers complete the test in the time allotted and there was negligible score improvement when the time limit was removed. Second, familiarize yourself with the wording style of the questions and answers. Finally, get an overall impression of the test to eliminate any initial reactions of fear or surprise when you start the actual test.
Purchase a positively reviewed study guide that provides special tips and techniques for the Multistate Bar Exam. For example, when to discard extreme answers, how to recognize contextual clues to the right answer and what to do with a question that completely stumps you.