How long should I study for the California bar?

Asked by: Mrs. Else Lind II  |  Last update: August 26, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (53 votes)

Generally, 2-3 months ahead of the bar exam is a good time to start studying. However, if you have extenuating circumstances (you are working while studying, you are a repeat taker and need to try doing things differently this time, etc.), you may want to start even earlier than that.

How long to study for the California bar exam?

Time is of the essence!

In the 10 weeks prior to the bar exam, your bar studies will require the bulk of your time and attention. Most California Law graduates spend at least 50 hours per week studying in May and June and 60 hours per week studying in July.

Is the California bar exam difficult?

Yes, the California bar exam is widely considered to be the most difficult of all state bar exams in the US. The California bar exam has a pass rate of 34%.

Is 2 months enough to study for the bar?

If you're taking the February bar, usually right after the holidays – either last week of December or the first week of January, depending on when the bar is this year. So, it really depends, but most people study for eight to ten weeks full-time, unless there's a special circumstance.

Is 7 weeks enough to study for the bar exam?

Suffolk strongly recommends that graduates take a minimum of six weeks (eight is better) to prepare for the bar examination. This period requires advance planning and preparation in terms of employment situations, vacation time, family support, and financial matters.

How I Passed the Bar Exam: My DETAILED Study Schedule

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Is 11 weeks enough to study for the bar?

While your study time, days and location are extremely flexible, passing the bar exam requires time and commitment. Plan on spending approximately 40 hours per week over 8-10 weeks studying for the bar exam.

Is the bar exam just memorization?

First, realize that rote memorization alone is not the most effective strategy for the bar exam. You need to fully understand concepts and know how to apply the law, versus just memorizing vocabulary out of context (what we call “legal trivia”).

How long does the average person study for the bar?

How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the Bar Exam? The typical recommendation is that you spend a total of roughly 400 hours studying for the bar exam. If you are studying for the recommended minimum of nine weeks, that means 40 to 50 hours per week.

Can you study for the bar in 5 weeks?

Plan on roughly 400 hours of total study time. We recommend that students studying full-time begin 8-10 weeks (40-50 hours/week) before their exam. Those with extra responsibilities (e.g., job, children, etc.) should start studying as much as 4 months out (16-25 hours/week).

How many people fail the California bar?

Among the 7,555 people who took California's July 2023 bar exam, 51.5% passed, down from 52.4% the previous year, the State Bar of California said , opens new tab on Thursday.

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam?

Kim Kardashian learned very quickly how hard bar exams can be. The California state bar is one of the most difficult states to pass, with a 40-50% pass rate. The first attempt rate, the second attempt, and after the third time, she finally passed!

Which US bar exam is the hardest?

Which bar exam is hardest? California is considered by many to be the most difficult bar exam. It has a relatively low pass rate and a relatively high minimum passing score and covers a lot of state law.

Has the California bar exam gotten easier?

Hardest Bar Exams to Pass for First-Time Takers:

California: California had a notably low pass rate for first-time takers, with only 45% passing the February 2024 exam (though 65% passed the July 2023 exam!). It has not adopted the UBE and its passing score was recently lowered to 1390.

How many times can you fail the bar exam in California?

Most states allow 2-4 attempts of the bar exam, but about 35 states, including California, New York, and Florida, don't have any limits on the number of times you can take the bar.

How many times did JFK Jr. take the bar exam?

Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from the New York University School of Law in 1989. He then failed the New York bar exam twice before passing on his third try in July 1990. After failing the exam for a second time Kennedy vowed that he would continue to take it until he was ninety-five years old or passed.

Is 295 a good bar score?

In order to pass the Uniform Bar Exam, examinees must earn a score of at least 260 on the MBE and MEE. However, a score of 280 is generally considered to be a good score, and a score of 300 to 330 (highest score on bar exam) is considered to be excellent.

How many people pass the bar first try?

California's General Bar Exam pass rate of 53.8 percent is up from last year's July pass rate of 51.5 percent, and 2022's July pass rate of 52.4 percent. Preliminary statistical analyses show that of the 8,291 applicants who completed the GBX, 67.7 percent were first-time takers.

Is 2 months enough to study for the bar exam?

You should allow yourself 9 weeks of full-time studying (40-50 hours a week). If you are studying for the bar exam amidst other commitments, you will need to accommodate for less weekly hours by starting earlier (more like 15-20 weeks of studying).

How many hours to study for CA bar?

If you want to maximize your odds of passing the first time you take it, I think 6–8 hours a day for the two months preceding the exam is a good plan. That time includes attending a top flight bar review course, such as BarBri, and following their instructions exactly.

How many hours a day do law students study?

All in all, however, law students typically spend around 30 – 40 hours per week studying. That may sound like a lot, but a good rule of thumb is that you should be studying at least two hours for every one hour of class time per week.

Is it OK to fail the bar?

Let's face it: everyone hates failing, especially such important exams. However, it might make you feel better to know you are definitely not alone if you have failed the bar exam. According to the American Bar Association, 75.79% of people pass after taking the bar exam for the first time in recent years.

How to memorize for CA bar exam?

How To Memorize For The California Bar Exam
  1. Take the material in manageable chunks. ...
  2. Know when you have to memorize California law! ...
  3. Take breaks! ...
  4. Know that memorization takes time and repetition! ...
  5. Move on to other methods of studying. ...
  6. Focus on the highly tested law. ...
  7. Utilize assistance!

Is it illegal to cheat on the bar exam?

The Impact of Cheating on the Bar Exam

ABA Model Rule 8.4 states it is professional misconduct to “engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation.” Cheating demonstrates a propensity to violate the critical duty of honesty and candor expected of lawyers.