Is the February bar more difficult?
Asked by: Travis Hessel | Last update: October 6, 2025Score: 5/5 (37 votes)
While it's true that February pass rates tend to be lower, I want to reassure you—it doesn't mean the test itself is harder. The National Conference of Bar Examiners ensures both the February and July exams are equally challenging.
Is it harder to pass the February bar?
If you've heard the theory that the February bar exam is more difficult because it applies a tighter grading curve – you're not the only one. This is a common misconception that often freaks out future examinees. In reality, each exam is calibrated and statistically adjusted for difficulty.
Which bar exam is the hardest?
Is The California Bar Exam Hard? 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%.
When should I start studying for February bar?
Typically, we recommend students start studying in December. This is especially the case: if you work full time or have other full-time obligations.
What's the easiest bar exam to pass?
Overall, Utah is the easiest bar exam to pass. This is true whether you are a first-time taker or repeat taker! In July 2023, Utah had a 94% pass rate for first time takers and a 73% pass rate for repeat takers. It also has the lowest UBE cut score of 260.
February Bar Exam - Advantages and Disadvantages
Is Canadian bar exam easy?
The bar exam is a comprehensive and highly challenging exam that will require you to study extensively. This article is all about preparing for the bar exam. We will explore the different pathways students may take before writing the bar, and what you can do to be ready to succeed when it is your time to write.
Do most people fail the bar exam the first time?
Notably, the most substantial disparity occurred in July 2022, with 36 percent of CALS graduates successfully passing the bar exam as first-time applicants, while only 13 percent of graduates from unaccredited schools achieved the same outcome.
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).
Can you study for the bar in 6 weeks?
Suffolk strongly recommends that graduates take a minimum of six weeks (eight is better) to prepare for the bar examination.
Is barbri early start worth it?
BARBRI Early Start helps you build a solid foundation that will stay with you throughout the bar exam. Simply put, people who start early have a better chance of passing the bar.
Is the bar harder than the CPA?
The CPA Exam. You've heard the horror stories: It's derailed the careers of promising professionals. It's definitely harder than the BAR exam and maybe even some medical board exams. And it's nearly impossible to pass once you're a working professional.
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!
Is the bar harder than the Nclex?
The Bar Exam is often considered more challenging than the NCLEX due to its comprehensive coverage of intricate legal subjects and a lower average pass rate of around 60%.
How hard is it to pass the bar in Canada?
You'll be surprised at how many intelligent, accomplished people you know and respect had to take the bar exams more than once. The Ontario Bar Exams might not have the same notorious reputation as the New York Bar, but they are not easy.
What bar exams are 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.
How many times can you fail the bar exam in Canada?
Candidates have three attempts to successfully complete each licensing examination within their licensing term. The licensing examinations are self-study. Candidates are provided with study materials that support all competencies on the licensing examinations.
How many hours a day should you study for the bar?
In general, we recommend you treat studying for the bar exam as if it was a full-time job. So if you study 9-5, five days a week (assuming you are studying efficiently!), you should be on track to pass the bar exam!
Can you study for the bar while working full-time?
It is completely possible to have a full-time job and study for the bar exam. But you have to know when to turn it off for the night. Studying for the bar exam is about being honest with yourself on what works for you and what doesn't, what areas you really know, and which ones you need to spend more time on.
How many times fail bar exam?
You're in luck! There is no limit to the number of times you can take the bar exam in the state of California.
How long should bar exam essays be?
General Length. While there is no magic length, generally the highest scoring essays are about one page in length. This is an appropriate amount of space to draft an issue statement, rule paragraph, analysis, and conclusion.
How to study for the bar early?
- Review subjects that you learned during your 1L year. ...
- Take classes that will help you pass the bar exam. ...
- Practice skills that will help you during bar review. ...
- Take a bar review course.
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.
What is the pass rate for the bar exam in Canada?
The latest statistics from the LSO indicate that overall, only 71 percent of candidates were successful on their first attempt at the barrister exam, and only 69 percent of candidates were successful on their solicitor exam.
What law school has the lowest bar pass rate?
- Thomas Jefferson School of Law: 25 percent.
- University of San Francisco: 33 percent.
- University of La Verne: 34 percent.
- Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law: 39 percent.
- Inter-American: 43 percent.
- Appalachian School of Law: 44 percent.