FAQ
What is the difference between the Fifth Edition and earlier editions of the Cheat Sheets book?
In 2019, for the first time in its history, the book was almost completely rewritten, with significant changes to both substance and format. In earlier editions, each Cheat Sheet contained footnotes with tips and tricks pertaining to the Cheat Sheet topic; on the Fifth Edition, the footnotes were changed to endnotes, to eliminate the cluttered look of each chapter. Over 80% of the endnotes were also revised or updated in some way, and the majority of them were enhanced with additional direction on how to gain extra points, avoid common traps, and better understand the minds of the graders.
While earlier editions may contain some of the same Cheat Sheets as the most recent version, we consider all earlier editions to be outdated and not suitable for use.
I have a copy of the Fourth Edition of the Cheat Sheets book, and want to exchange it for a Fifth Edition copy. Can I do that?
All customers who are eligible to exchange a Fourth Edition copy for a Fifth Edition copy for free received a notice with their purchase between February and May, 2019. For shipping and exchange instructions, please contact us at admin@thebarcode.net. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we are no longer accepting any other book exchanges.
I see that the Bar Code Cheat Sheets book is for sale on other websites, but am not sure how to decipher what edition is offered, or how pricing is determined.
We are not affiliated with any of the other websites selling our textbook, and do not sell any place online other than on our company website here. We cannot guarantee the authenticity of any books for sale through other channels, other than through our bookstore partner, McGeorge School of Law. Our textbook has been priced at $139.95 since 2005, and we do not intend to raise the price with the release of the Fifth Edition, so any website offering the book for thousands of dollars is likely a scam. We also immediately discontinue the sale of earlier editions of the book as soon as a new edition is released, as we consider them to be outdated. But there are many valid marketplace websites where secondhand copies of various editions can be purchased from third parties at fair prices. We apologize for any confusion this has caused.
I am taking the Bar Exam in another state (other than California). Will The Bar Code Cheat Sheets book still help me?
Yes and no. The Cheat Sheets that cover the topics tested on your state’s exam will be helpful (for example: Torts, Evidence, Contracts, Real Property, Crimes, Criminal Procedure, Federal Civil Procedure, Corporations, Constitutional Law, Business Associations, Wills, Trusts, etc.). However, the subjects that are not covered on your state’s exam (such as Community Property) will not apply. We recommend comparing the list of Cheat Sheets on the Book page to the list of subjects tested on your state’s exam in order to make that determination on your own. In some states, the subjects are given different names. For example, in New York, the subject of Equity is similar to the California subject of Remedies. Also, please note that with only a few exceptions, the sample questions and answers provided in the book are from real California bar exams only.
If you have specific questions about how this book will help you outside of California, please call our office at (415) 997-9002.
I am a law student. Will The Bar Code Cheat Sheets book help me?
The Cheat Sheets cover subjects that are tested on the California Bar Exam and also in most American law schools. However, the sample questions and answers in the book are derived from real California bar exams and not law school exams. Nonetheless, the approach taught in a cheat sheet applies to any question covering that issue. Whether it's a bar exam question on The Equal Protection Clause or a law school exam question on The Equal Protection Clause, the approach is the same. Currently, law students (1L - 3L) make up approximately 15% of our customer base.
How long does it take for the book to ship?
It depends on where you are located. During the height of the bar preparation season (December - February and June - July), the book usually leaves our office within 1 business day of your order via Priority Mail from Sacramento, CA (it gets to most California locations within 2-3 business days, but that is not a guarantee). During the "off-season" (March - May and August - November), the book usually leaves our office within 3 business days of your order, also via Priority Mail from Sacramento, CA. If you require overnight delivery, please contact the McGeorge bookstore for UPS shipping or call us to place your order over the phone. We use Express Mail via the United States Postal Service. Our phone number is (415) 997-9002.
Do you sell digital versions of The Bar Code Cheat Sheets book?
No, unfortunately the textbook is only available in print.
Can I sell my original copy of the Cheat Sheets book once I pass?
Yes. Per U.S. copyright laws, there are no limitations on how many times the original, bound copy of the book can be sold.
I called the phone number and no one called me back. Help.
If you did not hear from us within the usual time frame (1-2 business days during the bar season and 3-5 days during the "off-season"), it is possible that we did not hear the entire phone number on your message due to a poor connection. Please call us back or send your information to us via the CONTACT page.
I sent my information to you using the CONTACT page of the website and have not heard back. What’s going on?
Check your bulk or junk mail folder for our response. During exam season (November – February), we normally respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days. It is also possible that you inadvertently entered in the wrong e-mail address. Please try again or contact us directly via phone at (415) 997-9002 or at admin@thebarcode.net.