Does failing the MPRE mean that I will fail the bar exam?

Does failing the MPRE mean that I will fail the bar exam?

Many students who failed the MPRE are worried that failing the MPRE means that they will necessarily have to take the bar exam more than once. Do not worry – that is not the case! Here, we tell you why.

Does failing the MPRE mean that I will fail the bar exam?

Here are a few reasons that failing the MPRE does not mean will you fail the bar exam:

1. It happens often!

There are plenty of students who fail the MPRE and then go on to pass the bar exam the first time they take it. (In fact, we have had several students who struggled to pass the MPRE but did not struggle to pass the bar exam!)

We also have students who have already passed the bar exam on their first try, and the MPRE is their last hurdle to becoming licensed.

So, if you failed the MPRE, it does not mean you will fail the bar exam!

2. The MPRE is a difficult test.

The MPRE is a difficult test and the questions are arguably even more difficult than the bar exam given that it is hard to test ethics in a multiple-choice format.  Students struggle with the style of questions as well as the substance.

While the bar exam has more material, it is tested in a more intuitive way. And you may be used to answering the types of questions that appear on the bar exam. After all, you have been answering the same types of questions and dissecting the same issues for three years in law school!

3. Many students don’t put their “best foot forward” for the MPRE.

Some students slack off when it comes to the MPRE. It has a reputation for being a test you do not have to study much for. Further, there is not the same stigma/penalty to failing the MPRE, so students do not always take it as seriously. Some students take the MPRE on a whim without even taking the appropriate ethics class at their law school first.

So, you may have failed the MPRE simply because you were not putting in your full effort. Just make sure to put your full effort in when you study for the bar exam! You most likely will, as is explained next . . .

4. You will take the bar exam more seriously!

Some students who fail the MPRE use it as a wake-up call for the bar exam and take the bar exam super seriously right off the bat. This is another reason why failing the MPRE does not mean you will fail the bar exam. In fact, it may even make you study harder and better for the bar exam!

Note to those who struggle with the MPRE:

If you really struggle with standardized tests, such as the MPRE, we recommend you seek help sooner rather than later. The MPRE is a standardized test and if you find yourself trying hard and not being able to pass it, it may indicate that you need help with multiple-choice strategies or study strategies that will help you on the bar exam.

So, while failing the MPRE does not mean you will fail the bar exam, it can indicate where your strengths and weaknesses lie. Make sure not to ignore this when you approach the bar exam. On the contrary, use it to your benefit!

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