The path to success: 2024 Bar Topnotchers share their secrets to acing the law licensure exam

Jet Ryan Nicolas (Top 5)

UP law graduate Jet Ryan Nicolas placed fifth in the Bar Exams with his review period taking around three months or less. While he said his time frame is "not the best thing" to emulate, he emphasized that the quality of the review is more important than the length.

"Time is important, yes, because you need adequate days to be able to study most, if not all, of the bar coverage. But what you do with that time is more important. So if you have more than 3 months, that is sufficient time, as long as it’s spent well," he told PhilSTAR L!fe. 

He went on to say that it's important to know your own study pace and keep at it the way you're comfortable.

"It doesn’t matter that many of your friends and blockmates are already far ahead in covering the bar coverage. It doesn’t matter that they already started their 'second read' while you’re still stuck three subjects behind while still on the 'first read.'"

"You’re the best judge of your own studying styles," he added, while noting that he read, without highlighting or taking down notes, around 15 pages of a book or reviewer an hour. 

"Using that pace, I was able to calculate that despite starting late, I will be able to finish the coverage (and I did only just!)." 

Mental and emotional well-being is often overlooked in the hustle of exam prep, but for Nicolas, it was a key element in his success.

"Free time and rest periods are important. Even with limited time, I still slept around seven to eight hours a day! Plus, I kept my Saturdays and Sundays free from any studying (but in the last week I didn’t follow this anymore)." 

Nicolas, who earned a rating of 84.2650%, also incorporated mindfulness and meditation into his study routine. He said that quality studying and reviewing includes quality rest and relaxation to retain what one has just read.

"There's no point in overexerting yourself since it will just lead to not retaining the words you had just studied." 

Ultimately, Nicolas urged future bar takers to study smartly and avoid being overwhelmed by the different review materials.

"Per bar subject, choose only one reviewer, material, or book—ideally something you're already familiar with. It's easy to get drowned with the myriad of options so committing to one material will help you silence the noise," he told L!fe.

Nicolas concluded, "So study smart and believe in yourself!" 

Maria Lovelyn Joyce Quebrar (Top 6)

Studying wisely was also lauded by Maria Lovelyn Joyce Quebrar, who ranked 6th at this year's Bar Examination with a rating of 84.0600%. 

"As a working student, I have less time dedicated to studying compared to other law students. However, I maximize my time by ensuring that whenever I read a particular material, I understand it after just one read. Also, find yourself a good support system, preferably family and friends who are willing to help you with your studies and other bar needs," she said, a

Quebrar added that it was also essential to analyze first what your weakest and strongest subjects are while planning for your bar calendar accordingly. 

"I tried my best to follow this, but failed to do so because you really can’t predict the exact amount of time you’ll spend on each subject. However, I made sure to study everything in the bar syllabus."

Just like others, Quebrar also emphasizes the importance of a support system.

"I had mental and emotional support from my family, partner, and friends. Without them, I am not sure if I would have the mental stability to remain focused and do well in the bar exam."

The pressure during the preparations for the Bar exam can be overwhelming, leading to anxiety, sleepless nights, and self-doubt. In these moments of uncertainty, many turn to their faith, finding strength in the Lord to navigate the emotional and intellectual hurdles of bar exam preparation, just like Quebrar did.

"I relied on the Lord. I just kept on praying. During the times that I felt like giving up, I go to church or attend online mass. Knowing that the Lord is there to guide and help me keeps me grounded and calm." 

Paolo Antonio Gerpacio (Top 11)

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University's (AdMU) Paolo Antonio Gerpacio emerged 11th in the list of 2024 Top Bar passers. He gained an 83.4550% rate. 

For him, thinking of his reviewer as a story makes it easier to understand and remember.

"I prepared for the exams by making my own reviewers and reading all commentaries. Actually, a lot of it is based on what I learned in law school from my professors," he said to L!fe. 
 
"I try, as much as possible, to understand the different provisions of law and not just memorize or know what the law says. I tend to think of what I read as a story so that it is easier to understand and remember."

For Gerpacio, the secret to passing the bar is "unwavering determination to be come a lawyer.

"Although the bar may seem overwhelming, I think it is important to take it one at a time and stay focused on your goal," he said. 

Therese Bianca Garcia (Top 15)

Relying on the Lord during the bar exam isn’t just about seeking divine intervention to pass; it’s about trusting in God’s plan, finding peace in His guidance, and approaching the exam with a sense of spiritual purpose. This is how Therese Bianca Garcia of AdMU ranked 15th in the latest Bar Examinations with an 83.0900% rating. 

According to her, reminding herself "over and over again that God has been faithful" to see her throughout the last few years in law school helped Garcia ace the exam. 

"I was shocked when I found out that I placed 15th in the Bar exams. I truly did not see this coming given that I did not graduate with honors nor was I even among the top of my batch. This is all through God’s grace and unwavering love," she said. 

Garcia added, "The Bar exam is not too difficult for Him." 

She similarly noted that getting enough rest is equally important as studying. 

"I remember that I used to study around eight to 10 hours a day, 6 days a week. I try my best to make sure Sunday is for the Lord and to spend time with my family, friends, and my boyfriend, Allayne." 

Regarding bar exam preparations, Garcia used materials that she was already familiar with.

"I believe the review for the bar starts from your first day in law school. I focused on making sure I covered the syllabus cover to cover. I also made a study schedule that I can diligently follow in order to pace myself well." (With reports from Nick Garcia)