I failed the UBE twice and I was close to passing each time. What should I do?
I failed the UBE twice and I was close to passing each time. What should I do?
If you failed the UBE twice and you were close to passing each time, you are probably wondering what it takes to get the extra few points you need to pass!
First, we want to start by saying that we are sorry you are in this position. We know it is frustrating, to say the least. We also find it is quite common.
We specialize in helping repeat takers boost their score and all too often we are helping repeat takers who are very close to passing (and who have been for more than one exam!). Here, we have five tips for you if you find yourself in this position.
I failed the UBE twice and I was close to passing each time. What should I do?
Below are five tips you may find helpful.
1. Change your approach.
In other words, don’t do the same thing twice and expect a different result.
After you take the time to grieve (again), it is time to think of what you are going to do to change your approach. Sometimes you are in a bar exam “rut” and this is the reason you have failed twice. You tell yourself you are close to passing and you don’t significantly change your approach.
Think of both big and little things to change. For example:
- Consider how long you study for each day/each week. Maybe you need to dedicate more time to studying.
- Consider where you study. Maybe the library is better than your house.
- Consider your study conditions. Put away your cell phone, for example!
- Consider your practice questions. Were you doing enough practice essays and MPTs? Many repeat takers worry about the MBE and put essays and PTs off, especially without having someone to hand them into or keep them accountable.
- Consider your mental and physical health. Maybe you need to add in time to sleep, meditate, and exercise.
- Consider bar exam private tutoring. Even if you don’t need a full-out private tutor, a private tutor can help keep you accountable, find your strengths and weaknesses, and serve as a coach!
(We also have a Uniform Bar Exam course that is perfect for repeat takers. We help repeat takers pass the bar exam every single administration!)
2. …But preserve what “works” for you.
There are some things that may work well for you. For example, maybe you get up early and study because you are a morning person. Keep doing that! You don’t need to change everything in order to pass the bar exam. You just need to change whatever is not working in your favor.
3. Aim for a 300.
We actually had two students (one of them was a second-time taker and one was a third-time taker) in our Uniform Bar Exam course increase their UBE scores 40-50+ points and score in the 300-range! (They have passing scores in every single UBE state now!).
We tell students to aim for a 300. That way, if you fall even 20 points short, your score is still passing in every jurisdiction. So change your mindset! Instead of saying “I am only a few points away” tell yourself “I am going to increase my score 50 points”. Then, who cares if you fall short? So long as you get that passing score, that is all that matters. And if you study like you need to improve your score 50 points, you are much more likely to get the few points you need and to pass!
4. Read our guide on what to do if you failed the Uniform Bar Exam.
We have a stellar guide that walks through what you should do if you failed the Uniform Bar Exam. It is very helpful (and it is free!). It will break down some things you should consider as you prepare for the next bar exam. It will help you evaluate your score and thoughtfully change your approach.
5. Congratulate yourself on your score.
This sounds silly. But even if you fell short of the points you needed, be proud of the points you have earned. Each one reflects your hard work and dedication. You just need a few more to get past that “cut score”. And you can definitely do it. Thousands of repeat takers pass every single administration!
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