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Bar Admission
State-Specific Bar Exam Information
Subject Matter and Multistate Exams (MBE, MEE, MPT, & MPRE)
Click here for the spreadsheet Basic Information on All States' Bar Exams, which summarizes the components of each state's exam, the passing MPRE score, the availability of prior essay questions, and reciprocity information.
Most states' bar exams are a combination of state-prepared questions and multistate tests. Although most states test a common core of subjects, each has individual requirements: for example, water law is tested in Wyoming, bankruptcy in Vermont, and administrative law in Washington. See the State-Specific Bar Exam Information at the top of this page. University of Idaho students should also consult the Guide to UI Law Bar Classes by State.
Sample questions and subject matter outlines for all multistate tests are provided by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). The three NCBE multistate tests are
Most states also require passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Test (MPRE).
Application Deadlines
All states administer the bar exam in July; most also give the exam in February. Some require applications as early as 6 1/2 months before the bar exam. While many states allow late applications, late fees can be steep. See a chart showing each state's application deadlines and late fees.
Character and Fitness
Filling out bar applications can be challenging, as admissions authorities want extensive documentation of your background, character, and fitness. In most states, the major concerns in terms of character and fitness are criminal or unethical conduct, financial irresponsibility, substance abuse, and mental health issues. If any of these factors are in your past, talk with licensing authorities, start gathering appropriate documentation at least six months before the application deadline, and file your application as soon as possible. Most states do not allow applicants to sit for the bar exam until all character and fitness issues are resolved.
Registration
Largely to allow for an early evaluation of character and fitness, 11 states require law students to register for the bar well before applying to take the bar examination. Seven of these require registration during 1L year, one as early as 60 days after starting law school. Hefty fees may be added to your bar application fee if you don't register on time. Check for your state's registration requirement.
Online Bar Essay Questions
Twenty-three states now post prior essay, performance, or short answer questions online. Fifteen of these also post either model answers or representative good applicant answers online. State essay exams are also available for purchase in another fifteen states. Only five states (Illinois, Kansas, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Wyoming) do not release prior state essay questions. All remaining jurisdictions use only multistate exams, and prior MBE, MPT, and MEE questions and answers are available both online and for purchase from the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
Bar Review Courses
Be an informed consumer when choosing between the many commercial bar review courses available. Click the link for a list of commercial bar review courses.
Reciprocity
Several jurisdictions offer reciprocal bar admission to practicing lawyers in good standing from selected other jurisdictions, or admission on motion to actively practicing members of the bar from any U.S. jurisdiction. For reciprocity information, see the spreadsheet Basic Information on All States' Bar Exams, see the State-Specific Bar Exam Information at the top of this page, and consult the NCBE's Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admissions Requirements and each state bar.
Idaho recently expanded the number of jurisdictions with which it has reciprocity agreements. Subject to change, Idaho's reciprocal jurisdictions are:
Paying for Bar Review and the Bar Exam
Be financially and psychologically prepared for heavy expenses during the bar review period. Common expenses include
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bar application fees (up to $800 depending on the jurisdiction, plus late fees of up to $1,000)
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bar review course fees (up to $4,000 depending on the jurisdiction and type of course)
- moving expenses (for those who move between graduation and the bar exam)
- living expenses
- travel and housing expenses to take the bar exam.
Bar loans
Some lenders offer bar loans to third-year law students or recent law graduates, especially those with co-signers or good credit histories. Unfortunately, a number of lenders have stopped providing bar loans due to the economic downturn. Among the remaining lenders are Sallie Mae, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, and CitiBank. Graduate Leverage offers free comparisons of bar loan providers. Investigate loans carefully, especially for fees: terms and conditions vary widely.
Do not limit yourself to specifically named "bar loans" or to national lenders: investigate also the possibility of personal or secured loans from local or home banks. Secured loans using a certificate of deposit as collateral are a relatively safe, low-cost loan that many bar applicants can pursue.
Bar exam scholarships
Several organizations give bar review scholarships to help cover the costs associated with preparing for the bar exam. See the External Scholarships page for more information.
The Patent Bar
Applicants with a scientific or technical background who pass the patent bar exam of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office can be admitted to practice as a patent attorney or patent agent. Find out more about the patent bar exam.
© Nancy Luebbert 2012
Last updated 2012-02-21
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