Why do more people fail the February bar?
Asked by: Dr. Paolo Jenkins | Last update: November 5, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (56 votes)
Many test-takers no longer have that luxury when studying and preparing for the February exam. Many individuals have to work, raise families, and deal with other external circumstances all while studying for the February exam. Fewer test-takers vigorously preparing for the exam means a lower pass rate.
Why is the February bar pass rate so low?
The bar exam is given twice a year in February and July, with the February administration drawing a higher proportion of takers who have already failed the test once, which results in lower overall pass rates than July, since repeat test takers are more likely to fail the exam.
Is the February bar exam easier than July?
Many graduates are fearful of the February exam because, in most jurisdictions, February pass rates tend to be lower than July pass rates overall. But there are several reasons for this discrepancy – reasons that aren't at all related to the difficulty of the examination.
Why do most people fail the bar?
Overstudying, understudying, studying the wrong things, getting sick or panicked on test day…things happen. Just look at all of the famous people who've failed the bar exam! (My personal favorite being Kathleen Sullivan, who failed in California, shortly after stepping down as dean of Stanford Law.
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 To Do If You Failed The Bar Exam - Advantages Of Being A Repeat Taker
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 10 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. During the few weeks of bar prep, treat your studies like you would treat a new, important job.
Why do smart people fail the bar?
Some students practice too many questions (that is, they go overboard practicing when they do not know the law — see #2 above). But others practice too few because they are waiting to “perfect” their knowledge of the law before trying out any questions. Both are strategies that may cause failure.
What are the hardest states to pass the bar in?
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 it normal to fail the bar the first time?
According to the American Bar Association, 75.79% of people pass after taking the bar exam for the first time in recent years. That averages out to two out of every ten people failing the exam the first time they take it.
Which state has easiest bar exam?
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.
Why do repeat bar takers fail?
Failing To Make A Plan
After previously taking the Bar Exam, many repeat test-takers don't feel the need to create and adhere to a plan. This is a huge mistake! You need to create a plan to tackle the exam and help you stay motivated and focused during the process.
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.
How many times can you fail the bar USA?
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.
Is the bar exam getting harder?
Recently, California has had some terrifying pass rates. This includes a February 2020 overall pass rate of only 26.8 percent. In years prior, the pass rates were slightly better, but not by much. For example, the February 2018 overall pass rate was 27.3 percent.
Is the NCLEX harder than the bar exam?
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%.
Which state does not require bar exam?
Forty-one jurisdictions have adopted the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE), which is composed entirely of NCBE-created components. In every U.S. jurisdiction except Wisconsin, Oregon, and Washington, all those seeking admission to the bar must pass a bar examination.
Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar?
No, Kim Kardashian has not passed not the California General Bar exam but successfully passed the baby bar in 2021. She cleared it in her fourth attempt. Her journey illustrates the many challenges and frustrations that she has gone through in order to achieve this career in the legal field.
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”).
What percentage of lawyers never pass the bar?
Wondering how test-takers are doing as a whole? According to the most recent data released by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE®), in 2021, of the 64,833 total persons taking the bar exam, 39,873 passed, which is an overall pass rate of 60% (down 1%from the previous year).
How do you know if you failed the bar?
A passing score for the bar exam is the equivalent of somewhere between 65% and 75%. In most jurisdictions, you need around a 266/400, which is 66.5%. That number also is the scaled score (read about how to interpret bar exam score reports here), meaning you can score lower than the 66.5% and still pass.
What is barbri baseline?
Bar Review Baseline is a free experience from BARBRI that will completely change the way you study for the bar. If you'll be taking a 2024 bar exam that administers the MBE (all except Louisiana), you're invited. BARBRI Bar Review enrollment not required to participate.
How many hours a day is bar prep?
Even if you took every Saturday off for those two months, that only equates to roughly 7.5 hours per day. Another way to think of Bar Exam preparation is to think of it as a full-time job. If you're working and studying, the 400-hour goal still applies, however, it is recommended you study for 4-5 months.
How many times can you take the bar exam?
In California, there is no strict limit to the number of times a candidate can take the bar exam. In other words, if you don't succeed on your first try, you can retake the exam in the subsequent session, and so on.