When University of Tulsa law student Kaylee Lewis was preparing to take the Uniform Bar Examination, she received support through the College of Law’s Academic Support Center. While the center assists students throughout their law school experience, the bar exam preparation sessions are often identified as incredibly beneficial.
“Hearing firsthand advice from students who passed the last cycle of the exam was immensely valuable to me because I cataloged their tips and tricks to formulate a study plan for myself,” Lewis said. “I also appreciated the topic-specific sessions, especially for areas I found more challenging. Professor (David) Tarrien was particularly effective at breaking down complex material into digestible, memorable pieces.”
Tarrien said the bar prep course is required for third-year students and incorporates essay writing and multiple-choice questions based on topic areas that will appear on the exam. “The goal is that they familiarize themselves with the patterns that are part and parcel of the test as put forth by the National Council of Bar Exams, so that they’re primed going in,” he said.
The course started two years ago, and since then, test-takers have seen success.
Tarrien said the course forces students to go outside their comfort zone and experience a simulation of the bar exam. “That, in and of itself, prepares them and familiarizes them with it,” he said. “They feel more in control of the environment and the process, and they’re more confident going into the exam.”
The support doesn’t stop there. After graduation, new law alumni are invited to participate in Friday sessions to continue their prep work.
Last summer, 67% of UTulsa Law students sat in on at least three voluntary sessions. Among UTulsa Law alumni, the February 2025 overall pass rate for first-time test-takers was 71%, but that figure shot up to 91% for those who visited academic support at least three times and attended at least three prep sessions.
Lewis recommends students simulate full exam sessions as part of their preparation.
“The sessions emphasized the importance of building mental stamina and becoming familiar with the exam’s structure,” said Lewis, who graduated in December 2024 and took the exam in February 2025. “During each topic-related session, we participated in practice essays or multiple-choice questions focused on that topic. These were incredibly helpful because I was able to identify and address my testing weaknesses early in the study process.”
Cheyenne Barnard said she decided to take part in the Friday bar exam sessions for two reasons: “First, I wanted to participate in a program that would give me some additional guidance and foundation on which to pass the bar exam. Second, I needed a break from isolated studying, and the bar exam sessions gave me the outlet to socialize with some of my peers,” said Barnard, who received her J.D. in May 2023.
Tarrien said the College of Law is creating a culture around the prep course, so students will learn to expect when they participate. As the new NextGen bar exam is approaching, the anticipated changes to the examination that will begin in 2027 are already being integrated into the curriculum. Every student will be prepared and have a justified expectation of success as they head into their bar exam.
“They know that it’s there. They know that the institution is there to support them,” he said. “And thanks to the results, they’re becoming increasingly aware about the course’s effectiveness, and they’re leaning in.”