Q: Do I need a tutor for the bar exam?

Q: How does tutoring work?

Q: Does tutoring include a substantive review of the law?

Q: Can I use a tutor instead of a bar preparation course?

Q: Why hire Ms. Kipiniak rather than a bar course's tutor?

Q: How much does a tutor cost?

Q: How often do I meet with the tutor?

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

Q: Do I need a tutor for the bar exam?

A: For most students taking the examination for the first time, a bar preparation course is sufficient. Nonetheless, many first time takers benefit from one on one review. Most students using a tutor have had prior difficulty passing the examination.

Q: How does tutoring work?

A: A program is tailored to each individual's needs. The emphasis is on practicing essays, MPTs and MBE multiple choice questions, so that a student is able to develop techniques to accurately answer questions and score the points necessary to achieve a passing grade.

Prior to a session, students are assigned a number of essays and/or multiple choice questions to prepare. Essays are faxed no less than 48 hours before the session, and the essays are marked and graded so that the student is able to see first hand where they are gaining and losing points. Multiple choice questions are reviewed one on one, and the student is taken through questions incorrectly answered, in order to determine why errors are being made and points lost.

Q: Does tutoring include a substantive review of the law?

A: Ms. Kipiniak is well acquainted with the state and common law rules covered in the examination. In reviewing practice essays and multiple choice questions, points of law unclear to the student are identified, reviewed and clarified. Any subject tested on the examination can be reviewed, in further detail, at the student’s request.

Q: Can I use a tutor instead of a bar preparation course?

A: For a first time taker, a bar examination preparation course is invaluable. The materials provided alone give the student a succinct synopsis of the areas potentially covered in the exam. For students re-taking the exam a tutor can be used as a supplement or an alternative to a course. It depends on the student. For individuals who have the discipline to work effectively on their own, a tutor can be an effective substitute for a course. For students who need a more structured environment, re-taking a prep course is a good idea regardless of whether a tutor is used.

Q: Why hire Ms. Kipiniak rather than a bar course's tutor?

A: When you hire Ms. Kipiniak you know who you are working with. An experienced tutor and attorney who has helped hundreds of students pass the bar exam. When working with one of the other programs, you have no guarantee as to who your tutor will be or the extent of their knowledge or experience. Further, if a course and its methods could not help you pass before, why would you trust their tutors to do the same job?

Q: How much does a tutor cost?

A: Rates are competitive:

Weekdays (8:30-4:30):
        $225 per hour.
Weekends and evenings:
        $275 per hour.

There is no additional charge for time spent reviewing and marking assigned essays.

Payment is expected at the end of each in person session, and is requested in advance for telephone appointments.

Q: How often do I meet with the tutor?

A: There is no minimum or maximum time required. The number of hours spent depends on an individual’s needs and the amount of time the student wants to spend.

A student can come for a single session or regularly until the exam. Most students meet once a week for a block of two hours. One hour may be sufficient if assistance is only required for essay writing. For students who feel they need more time it is not uncommon to schedule blocks of three hours, or to meet for sessions more than once a week.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: Each student is permitted to cancel a session once without penalty. Subsequent cancellations are billed fully if made less than 24 hours in advance. Half the fee is charged if the cancellation is made 24 to 48 hours in advance. There is no charge for cancellations made more than 48 hours before an appointment.

Last minute cancellations mean that Ms. Kipiniak is unable to use that time for other students in need of assistance. Your consideration is appreciated.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

A: Ms Kipiniak can be reached by e-mail at mkipiniak@msn.com or by phone at 718-624-2058