One month ago today, we launched NCA-Tutor.com
Since then we've had over 860 unique visitors to the site in over 53 countries with over 3700 page views.
Read moreWhere to begin....?
I often get e-mails from students who feel so overwhelmed with information that they don't know where to begin the process.
The first thing everyone should do is spend at least an hour or so reading through the National Committee on Accreditions ’s website [here][1]. The rules and policies change often and so its best to get your up-to-date information directly from them.
Read moreHeadings to tell the examiner where you're heading!
Use the IRAC formula for writing out your exam answers. The NCA favours this method of writing (see my previous blog post on how to use the IRAC method).
Read moreBoilerplate answers on Administrative Law
I have worked with dozens of students who were writing administrative law for at least the second time. I found that the number one pitfall students fall for is relying on their notes blindly without understanding the material.
Read moreFake it till you become it!
I came across an excellent Ted Talk by Amy Cuddy who researched how our body language affects the way other people perceive us and more imporantly how it affects our own perception of ourselves.
The video is about 20 minutes long, but I recommend this for anyone writing exams or going into a job interview.
Make a note about those notes...
This is a tip regarding the use of notes. There are many different versions of notes floating around, particularly for administrative law. I would like to give you a few words of advice about using other peoples' notes (including my own).
Read moreLearning the foundations last!
This tip may sound counterintuitive, but you should write Foundations of Canadian Law last. Foundations is by far the trickiest exam to prepare for because the exam questions are unpredictable. Make sure you know each of the topics inside out, but more importantly is to make sure that you have read all of the required articles.
Read moreDecoding the Criminal Code
Many students have asked me to recommend a criminal code they should purchase. There are many codes out there but the best one from experience would be any code that is NOT annotated.
The reason I suggest a non-annotated code for the exam is because for many students that have failed criminal law, one of their challenges was completing the exam within the allotted time.
Read moreWhich exams should I take together? In which order should I write them?
I get this question often enough that I should write a post on it.
1) You need to keep in mind that not all of the exams are offered during each exam session. So make sure that you plan well so that you don't have to wait long to complete all your exams. All of the core subjects should be offered in every exam sitting.
Read moreGeneral Exam Tip - On Using IRAC
General Exam Tip - On using IRAC:
This is the second tip I'm posting about the IRAC formula. One of the most common pitfalls on NCA exams is that students incorrectly apply IRAC. This is how I recommend you use it.
Read moreNCA Tutor™ site has gone live
After years of working with NCA students mainly through our facebook channels, we are happy to finally launch a brand new website.
Read moreWhat's the deal with an appeal???
Many people have asked me if there's any point in appealing. Has anyone ever successfully appealed an NCA assessment or an NCA failed exam paper?
Everyone's specific situation is different! I know of several people who have successfully appealed their assessments and failed papers. I also know of several people who have unsuccessfully appealed them.
Read more