It’s that time of year when bar exam results are either rolling in or looming on the horizon. Lisa Young, Director of Bar Studies at Seattle University School of Law, offers some solid advice for bar candidates waiting for upcoming results:

With less than a week before the release of bar results, I offer these suggestions to grads who are feeling anxious.

• The bar exam is only a test. I know this is easy for me to say when I have already passed the exam.  But, this test is only a snapshot in a lifetime filled with many rewarding and joyous occasions.
• The bar exam does not define who you are. (As stated above, the bar is only a test.)  Your intelligence and character are not judged by a standardized test taken over a two day period.  You have a lifetime to create memories, build a career, and show the world who you are.
• Focus on the things that matter most in your life. Having gratitude for the many wonderful gifts you enjoy in your life can turn a fretful time into one of reflection and personal growth.  Sit down and make a list of what matters to you most and use that list to stay centered through the days (and hours) leading up to the release of your bar results.
• Make a plan for when you receive your results. Do you want to be with your friends or loved ones?  Or, would you rather receive your results by yourself?  Either way, you should make a plan so you can be prepared when the results are released.  If your results are not favorable, you should have a support system in place to help you process your disappointment and lift your spirits.  If you pass, you will want someone with you to celebrate.  I hope all of  you will be celebrating!