How Hard Is The New York Bar Exam? 6 Things To Consider

How Hard Is The New York Bar Exam? 6 Things To Consider

Take it from someone who took the New York bar exam and passed on their very first try: the New York bar exam is difficult but manageable. It is important to note that how hard the New York bar exam actually is, is based on a number of somewhat unexpected factors. It certainly is possible to pass, whether that may be on your first or even your fourth try. Read on to find out how hard the New York bar is.

How Hard Is The New York Bar Exam? 6 Things To Consider

1. New York Has Adopted the Uniform Bar Exam

Let’s start with the basics. The state of New York has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam (“UBE”). Each jurisdiction chooses the minimum passing score, which currently ranges between 260 (Alabama, e.g., the lowest) and 280 (Alaska, e.g., the highest). On a scale of 260-280 of UBE passage rates, New York strikes a happy balance and requires a score of 266 to pass. One thing to consider about the NY administration of the UBE is that if you have taken the UBE in another state, you can have your score transferred to New York (if passing) and vice versa (you can transfer your score to a jurisdiction where it is passing); this is part of the UBE’s “score portability.” Click here to find out more about what topics show up on the New York administration of the Uniform Bar Exam.

In addition to being able to transfer your UBE score in and out of New York, the good thing about New York’s administration of the UBE is that there is a tremendous number of materials and tutors out there to help you pass who are very familiar with this standardized exam.

2. Preparing for the New York Bar Exam Takes Time and Financial Resources

Adding onto the substantive difficulty of the exam is the fact that many people have to leave or reduce their work commitments in order to focus on studying for the exam. Then, there is the added fact that in order to properly study for the exam, you will need certain resources such as a bar prep course or a tutor, even just pencils and pens.

When determining how hard the New York bar exam is, it is important to note fiscal and temporal limitations. Taking the bar exam is like building a house – you wouldn’t show up without a hammer and drill. Similarly, you shouldn’t show up to the New York Bar exam without having invested in your studies, both timewise and fiscally.

Pro tip: Reduce commitments and costs so you can invest in the right tools. Click here to find out how our tutors can help you pass the NY bar exam.

3. There Is No Substantial Difference Between the February and July Bar Exam

You may have heard that the winter bar exam is more difficult than the summer bar exam, or something along those lines. So, you may be asking whether it is true or not – Is one rendition of the New York bar exam more difficult than the other? The (easy) answer is no. The bar exam is not objectively easier at one point versus another. While the July exam generally has a higher overall passage rate than the February bar exam, this is likely attributed to the fact that more people are taking the bar exam for the first time during the July rendition. Click here to find out more about whether the July or February bar exam is easier.

4. Repeat Takers May Have It Harder

As noted above, the only substantial difference regarding how hard the New York bar exam is between the February and July administrations is the passage rate when considering repeat takers. Check the official New York bar exam page for statistics.

If you’re a repeat taker, check out our five essential tips for repeat UBE takers and our post on how to retake the UBE and pass!

5. The New York Bar Exam Had a Higher Pass Rate When Administered Online

In response to the covid-19 pandemic, the New York bar exam was moved to an online format. It turned out that far fewer people participated in the New York bar exam and there ended up being a noticeably higher pass rate.  The July 2019 exam having an overall pass rate of 76% and the October 2020 exam having an 84% pass rate. Note that the ABA indicated in summer 2021 that the bar exam will no longer be administered online as of 2022!

6. New York Has Additional Requirements After the UBE

In addition to the NY administration of the UBE, aspiring attorneys are required to take the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam and the New York Law Exam. You can find tips for studying for the MPRE and more information on the New York Law Exam here.

We hope that you have a clearer picture of just how hard the New York bar exam is. We here at JD Advising acknowledge the various barriers to passing the bar exam and are here to support.

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