How to Evaluate Bar Exam Results

In the prior two posts in this series, we looked at what to do when you first learn you failed the bar exam and how to evaluate your bar exam process to look for any areas in which you may improve.

In this final post in the series, we will discuss what to do when you receive a copy of your unsuccessful bar exam results from your state’s board of bar examiners.

First, determine which section(s) were your strongest, and which your weakest. This will help determine how you should allocate your study and practice time for the next bar exam.

For example, if you did exceptionally well on your essays, then you can probably reduce the number of practice essays you do for the next bar exam. Just do enough practice essays to avoid a drop off in your essay-response skills.

Then, identify your weaker areas and determine how weak they are. If you just missed a passing MBE score by two points, then you obviously did well, but not quite well enough. Additional practice questions and perhaps a more in-depth knowledge of the black letter law should be enough.

But, if you got a raw MBE score of, say, 95, then it is clear you need to do a lot to improve that score. You may even need to completely re-design your MBE approach.

Second, compare your scores to the percentage each section is valued. Prioritize your studies as a function of the value of each section and your results on each section on the prior bar exam.

For instance, in Oregon, the MBE counts for half of your grade, while the essays count for 25% and the PT section for 25%. It won’t matter if you got a near perfect score on the PT and essay portions if your MBE responses are well below average.

So, lets say you are in Oregon and you got an average MBE score, a 90th percentile PT score and a 70th percentile essay score. I would suggest that you spend the majority of your studies (50-60%) on MBE questions and memorizing black letter law that is the basis of the MBE questions, then the next largest chunk (25-35%) on essay practice, and finally, just do a few practice PTs to keep in shape.

Third, if you have any very strong areas and very weak areas, try to figure out why this is.

For example, was the way you learned the MBE totally ineffective for you? Should you try a different MBE prep program or read a book about the MBE?

Or, maybe you did very well on the MBE. What do you think made the difference? Can you transfer that technique to increase your essay scores?

If your essay scores were low, do you need to practice more? Do you need to get additional feedback from a tutor or mentor? Maybe you should take a supplemental essay course?

There is no easy answer, but if you take the time to consider these questions, it will help your preparation for a successful repeat bar exam.

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I hope you found this three-part series useful. If you missed the prior posts, you can see the first post here and the second post here.

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