On National Mario Day, Remember to Pace Yourself for the Long Track

It’s-a Me, National Mario Day!

Every year on March 10, gamers and pop culture fans around the world celebrate National Mario Day, a tribute to one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. But why March 10? The reasoning is simple: when you write the date as Mar. 10, it resembles the name “MARIO.” It’s a clever nod to the beloved plumber-turned-hero who has been a staple in gaming for more than four decades.

Mario first appeared in Donkey Kong (1981) as “Jumpman,” but it was Super Mario Bros. (1985) that cemented him as a cultural icon. Since then, he has appeared in over 200 games, spanning multiple genres and generations. Among these, Mario Kart remains one of the most popular franchises, bringing fast-paced, unpredictable racing fun to players of all ages.

If you’ve ever played Mario Kart, you know that success isn’t just about speed—it’s about pacing, strategy, and endurance. That’s why it serves as the perfect analogy for bar prep. Too fast, and you risk burning out. Too slow, and you’ll fall behind. And no matter how well-prepared you think you are, unexpected obstacles—your own version of banana peels and blue shells—can throw you off course. In honor of National Mario Day, let’s take a lap around the track and explore how bar exam preparation is just like a Mario Kart race—and how you can stay on course to cross that finish line as a licensed attorney.

Lap 1: The Opening Stretch—Learning the Track (Early Bar Prep)

At the start of every Mario Kart race, the screen flashes "3…2…1…GO!" and the race is on. Everyone accelerates at full speed, eager to take the lead, but what happens next can vary. Some racers misjudge the first turn and crash into a wall, while others get hit by a rogue green shell before they even get going. The early part of the race is chaotic, as players learn the track, adjust to the controls, and navigate their way forward.

The first few weeks of bar prep feel much the same way. You’re hit with an overwhelming amount of material: multiple-choice practice, essay writing, performance tests, and study schedules that seem impossible to follow. Some students try to memorize everything immediately, only to find themselves exhausted within days. Others struggle to get started, feeling paralyzed by the sheer volume of information.

The key to handling this first lap is not to floor it right away. Your goal isn’t to master every single rule in the first week. Instead, focus on building a strong foundation, gradually increasing your speed as you gain confidence. Just like in Mario Kart, understanding the track is crucial. That means familiarizing yourself with the format of the bar exam, reviewing past essay questions, and getting comfortable with the types of multiple-choice questions that will appear on test day.

One of the biggest mistakes students make at this stage is comparing themselves to others. In Mario Kart, some players take an early lead, but that doesn’t mean they’ll win the race. The same applies to bar prep. Some students may seem far ahead, rattling off legal doctrines as if they were born knowing them, but success isn’t determined by how quickly you start—it’s about how well you sustain your pace throughout the race.

Lap 2: The Mid-Race Grind—Finding Your Groove (Peak Bar Prep)

As the race continues, the track becomes more familiar, and the real test of endurance begins. The field spreads out as racers settle into their pace. Some maintain a steady rhythm, while others make costly mistakes—driving off-course, getting hit by obstacles, or struggling to keep up with the competition. The middle of the race is where strategy matters most.

In bar prep, this phase typically happens around weeks four to six, when the initial energy starts to fade, and the grind sets in. The first few weeks were about learning the track, but now, you have to execute your strategy consistently. Many students experience a plateau during this period, where their scores on practice tests aren’t improving as quickly as they hoped. This can lead to frustration and self-doubt, much like a Mario Kart racer who finds themselves stuck in the middle of the pack, unable to gain ground.

This is the time to stay consistent. In Mario Kart, using small boosts at the right moments—like well-timed mushrooms—can make a huge difference. The same applies to bar prep. Instead of cramming, focus on steady improvement with daily practice. Work through MBE questions, refine your essay writing, and actively review explanations to strengthen your understanding.

Equally important is using your resources wisely. Just as Mario Kart power-ups like red shells and lightning bolts can help you gain an advantage, your bar prep resources—professor feedback, study groups, and bar review courses—can give you an edge. However, power-ups won’t help if used at the wrong time, and the same is true for study tools. Simply watching lectures passively won’t get you where you need to be. Engage actively by summarizing key concepts, taking practice tests, and adjusting your strategy as needed.

Mistakes are inevitable, but what matters is how quickly you recover. In Mario Kart, getting hit by a blue shell can be frustrating, but experienced players don’t dwell on it—they regain control and keep moving forward. Similarly, in bar prep, if you have a bad practice test or struggle with certain topics, don’t let it derail you. Adjust, refocus, and keep going.

Lap 3: The Final Stretch—Pushing to the Finish (Last Weeks of Bar Prep)

By the time the final lap begins, the pressure is at its peak. This is where racers must hold their nerves, avoid last-minute mistakes, and push through fatigue to reach the finish line. Every decision matters, and even the smallest misstep can be costly.

In bar prep, the last two weeks before the exam feel just as intense. At this point, you can’t afford to panic or change your approach drastically. It’s time to fine-tune your weak areas, focus on full-length timed practice exams, and build mental endurance. The key is simulating the real test experience—just like how Mario Kart racers practice time trials to perfect their speed on specific tracks.

Confidence plays a huge role in this phase. Just as top Mario Kart players visualize their victory, you need to mentally rehearse success on the bar exam. Picture yourself sitting down, reading the questions, and answering with clarity. Imagine yourself crossing the finish line as a future lawyer.

Final Thoughts: Be the Mario of Your Bar Exam Journey!

Winning in Mario Kart isn’t about luck—it’s about strategy, endurance, and adaptability. The same is true for bar prep. Some students burn out too early, some fall behind, and some get distracted by things outside their control. But those who pace themselves, remain consistent, and adapt to challenges are the ones who succeed.

So, as we celebrate National Mario Day, remember that bar prep is a race, not a sprint. Stay focused, keep a steady pace, and don’t let the obstacles throw you off course. The finish line is closer than you think. It’s-a you… future lawyer!