Sunday, September 30, 2012

Repeat Bar Exam Takers: The Myths and Reality of Passing

Most law graduates are under the false impression that the more times you take a state bar exam the greater your changes are to passing

In fact, it is just the opposite. The more times you sit for a state bar, you increase your chances of being unsuccessful.

The statistical proof is clear and convincing that repeat takers continuously do poorer on the bar exam than first time takers. Here are the hard facts:

The Pennsylvania July 2011 bar results indicate that the first time takers passed at an 85%. The second time takers pass rate was 27%, the third time taker pass rate was 39% and the fourth time takers were 15%.

For the California July 2011 bar, the first time takers passed at 69% and all repeat takers passed at 18%.

In Massachusetts, for the February 2012 bar results, first time takers passed at a 72% rate, second time takers passed at a 58%, third time takers passed at a 33% rate, fourth time takers passed at a 0% rate and 5th time takers or more passed at a 10% rate.

These statistical repeat taker numbers are a clear representation that repeat takers, on an average, only pass the bar exam at about a 33% rate. Obtaining a bar exam tutor should be the number one goal for all repeat takers.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: The MBE or Essays, When You Fail the Bar

What happens if you only pass one section of the bar but fail the overall bar? Should you sit for that section that you failed or do you take the entire bar exam over again? I think it depends on which section you passed. I will use Florida as my test case. In this possible scenario, say you pass the Florida section but fail the MBE. Should you take the Florida section again to get carry-over points for your MBE score?

I think it depends on what your MBE score is. I usually tell my students that you have to stay competitive in the MBE and let your extra points on the Florida section pull you over the top. It is my experience that many of the students who pass the bar, do not pass the MBE or only have a 1-5 point pass on the MBE. That is why I think doing well on the Florida essays for those extra overage points can help you pass the overall bar, even if you do not pass the MBE.

First, evaluate your scores. Were there subjects that you were just horrible in or were you pretty consistent on each subject? If you were awful in real property, you may, by concentrating on that subject, be able to push your scores up. Next, start to re-read your outline book, starting from your weakest subject to your best subject. Then you must again practice, practice, practice. I think commercial review courses will not help at this point. You have learned the most you will learn in your first go around. Listening to 4 hour multistate lectures will not help you.

I also believe that once you fail the bar that you would better spend your money on a private tutor, if a repeater is to spend any more money in the process. It is expensive, but working one on one with a qualified (and I mean qualified) tutor will push you over the finish line. To me, no price is too much to get you to your goal and start your life as a lawyer. A private tutor can help with the subject material, motivate you and keep up your confidence.

Evaluate your essay scores. Did you pass the essays with a large margin? If you did, it’s an easier decision to make – you obviously write well and 3 more essays won’t freak you out. I think that if you sharpen up your writing with some more practice essays, you could get maybe another 5-10 points to bring over to your MBE scores. If you passed with only points to spare, you may not be able to pass another 3 more essays. That’s the pros and cons of your situation. You must make the decision for yourself. Of course, it is easier to concentrate on only one section of the bar and if you think you can pull it up over 7+ points then go for the MBE alone. But you want to make sure that your second attempt is your last attempt. So do anything and everything to make that happen.

Don’t do anything rash or rush your decision making. But I would start reviewing the multistate subjects pretty much immediately. Don’t despair, don’t be depressed, but do get busy.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Friday, September 28, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: Kentucky and Connecticut have Released its Results

The Kentucky Bar Exam Results for July 2012, as well as the Connecticut Bar Exam Results for July 2012 are out. The exam numbers of the successful applicants for Kentucky are on its website now. The names of the successful applicants for Connecticut are on its website now.

Congratulations to all those who passed.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: Kentucky and Connecticut Bar Exam Results to Be Released Today

Kentucky and Connecticut’s bar exam results for July 2012 are scheduled to come out on today, September 28th. Kentucky will come out later today, with the exam numbers posted to its website.

Good luck to those waiting in Kentucky and Connecticut today.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

July 2012 Florida Bar Exam Results: The New Tested Subjects for the Florida Bar Exam

Last week we discussed the new tested subjects on the Florida bar exam for February 2013. The main concern for the students I talked to was Article 3 and Article 9 of the UCC. Unfortunately, many students did not take the two subjects during law school and must learn it anew. Additionally, the repeat bar taker did not learn the subject through their bar review course and are now facing the prospect that they will have to learn the two subjects, along with prepping to take the Florida bar exam again.

We will discuss the subjects in more depth at a later date, but if you can’t answer these questions, then you will have to take time to learn the subject matter.

For Article 3 ask yourself: What is a negotiable instrument? What are the types of negotiable instruments? What are the requirements of the instrument? What are the demands for payment and to whom?

For Article 9, What is the scope of Article 9? How do you create a secured interest? What is an attachment? How do you perfect the attachment? Who gets priority?

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: Essay Writing for the Bar Exam and Repeat Takers

Essay writing is a crucial skill that you must master in order to pass the bar exam. For those persons who have failed the bar exam and are repeat takers, you have to examine how you have answered your essays and look for ways to improve your performance.

Essay writing is a skill that you must master in order to pass the bar exam. For those persons who have failed the bar exam and are repeat takers, you have to examine how you have answered your essays and look for ways to improve your performance.

Always, write for an uninformed audience. For example, assume your audience knows nothing about the law. The bar examiners look for how well you know the substantive knowledge and how well you apply it.

You want to be able to show you can communicate the law, through your essay, in an organized fashion. If you are poorly organized, the examiner will find it hard to follow your train of thought or to give you much needed points. Your writing skills do matter as does spelling and grammar and using legal terminology.

Practice Time Management

Practice Writing

Keep sentences short and concise


Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: Indiana has Released its Results

Indiana Bar Exam Results for July 2012 are out. The Bar Examiners have released the results for the July 2012 Indiana Bar Exam. The names of the successful applicants are on its website now.

Congratulations to all those who passed.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have
difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: Indiana to come out today, Kentucky and Connecticut to come out on Friday

Indiana Bar Exam Results for July 2012 is set to come out this morning.

Kentucky and Connecticut’s bar exam results for July 2012 is scheduled to come out on Friday, September 28th.

Good luck to those waiting in Indiana today.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Monday, September 24, 2012

July 2012 Florida Bar Exam Results: Repeat Florida Bar Exam Takers: A Structured Plan for Success

Florida repeat bar exam takers should be very concerned with their ability to pass the Florida Bar Exam for a second, third or multiple times.

As we have shown through our blog, the repeat bar exam taker numbers are substantially lower than first time takers. Absent a very structured study bar exam plan, many of the repeat bar exam takers will repeatedly fail the bar until they just give up on their dream of becoming a lawyer. As a law professor, I know too many students in this heart-breaking category. They are devastated with their failure beyond comprehension. They are literally paralyzed with indecision, depression and uncertainty about their career and, more importantly, they question their own ability to pass the bar.

My advice is to start with a very intensive structured plan. Obtain a tutor and, more importantly, believe you will pass. Above all else, do not prepare for the exam as you did the first time. You have to change your approach with a structured plan for success.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: Students from Law School in Puerto Rico

We know that there are many students who graduate from law schools in Puerto Rico who sit for the Florida bar exam. Passing the Florida, bar exam is hard enough, especially when English may be your second language or the subject matter has yet to be learned. Your biggest challenge is passing the bar exam.

Bar Professors have worked with many law students and lawyers educated in Puerto Rico and the major issue we find is in writing skills. The students know the law, they just don’t know how to articulate it in written form. As we know, quality writing skills are imperative to passing any bar exam.

For those students coming from Puerto Rico, you must start early. You cannot expect to learn the law, practice your writing skills and hone your analytical skills in only two months. Start at least six months ahead of the bar exam.

Bar Professors will be holding a bar review workshop in Puerto Rico in the coming months. Please email us for more information.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: Why Do Law Students Fail the Florida Bar Exam; How Can I Pass?

Most law students fail the Florida Bar Exam for three major reasons:

1. They revert back to bad writing habits developed in law school.

Under the pressures of the bar exam, many students revert back to bad habits. These bad habits allowed them to graduate from law school, but will be the kiss of death on the bar. Some of the bad habits include, not organizing your answer, no line by line analysis and not answering the call of the question.

2. Poor Preparation and Time Management.

Many law students start their bar preparation entirely too late, leaving most in a rush mode. For the upcoming February 2013 bar, your preparation should start no later than October 15, 2012. You should allow yourself 5 to 6 hours per day for studying. But more importantly, studying correctly is the key. You need to write and answer many essays and MBE questions. Your answers must be evaluated by a private tutor.

3. They don’t really believe that they will pass

You must have a belief that you will pass. Get rid of all negative thoughts, people and things. You must truly believe that you will pass. You must say this every single day prior to the bar and you must have the confidence to succeed.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Friday, September 21, 2012

The Bar Exam Results for July 2012: Oregon Bar Exam Results Have Been Released

The Oregon bar exam results have come out today, with a 73 % pass rate. Congratulations to all those who have passed. The Oregon Board of Bar Examiners has listed the names of the successful applicants.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: Florida’s New Essay Subjects for Repeat Bar Takers for the February 2013 Bar Exam

Now that the Florida bar exam results for July 2012 have come out, the repeat taker must gear up for taking the Florida bar exam again in February. But, the repeat bar taker has another obstacle to overcome in February 2013. The Florida Bar Examiners have clarified some subjects and added a couple more subjects for Florida repeat takers to get ready for. These new changes will make the Florida bar exam exceedingly challenging for those repeat bar exam takers. Instead of looking at past exams for predictions on the testing subjects, no one can forecast how these changes will affect the Florida portion of the exam.

First, of concern, is that Florida has left the option open that they will test 3 different subjects, instead of the usual two. Changes to subject matters tested on the bar exam include adding Articles 3 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code to the list of subject matters. In addition to recommendations from the commission and board, the court approved adding the area of “delinquency” to criminal law, and adding the area of “dependency” to family law.

Here is the new rule:

Part A will consist of 6 one-hour segments. One segment will include the subject of Florida Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and the Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2.330, 2.420, 2.505 and 2.515. The remaining 5 segments, each of which will include no more than 3 subjects, will be selected from the following subjects including their equitable aspects:

(a) Florida constitutional law;

(b) federal constitutional law;

(c) business entities;

(d) wills and administration of estates;

(e) trusts;

(f) real property;

(g) evidence;

(h) torts;

(i) criminal law, constitutional criminal procedure, and juvenile delinquency;

(j) contracts;

(k) Articles 3 and 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code;

(l) family law and dependency;

(m) Chapter 4, Rules of Professional Conduct of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar;

(n) Chapter 5, Rules Regulating Trust Accounts of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar; and

(o) professionalism.

How will this change the face of the Florida bar exam?

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: Missouri, Nebraska, Maine, Arkansas, Utah are all out, Oregon to come out on Friday

Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas, Maine and Utah have all released their bar exam results for July 2012. Missouri released their results and statistics yesterday. The bar exam results for first time takers was 92.75%, while 2nd time takers’ results were 60% and 3rd time takers pass rates were 38.4%. Missouri’s overall pass rate was 90.35%. Missouri is a clear example of how the repeat takers results go down the more times a bar exam repeater takes the bar exam.

Utah has a list of the pass/fail results by exam number. Maine has posted a pass list by exam number.

Oregon will come out tomorrow, on the 21st.

Congratulations to all of those who have passed the July 2012 bar exam.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: Important Advice for Repeat Florida Bar Takers

We have been talking with students all day yesterday. The questions we’ve been asked more frequently is “what should I do if I was unsuccessful on the Florida Bar Exam?” First, let the shock of failing the bar subside with a few days of reflection. Clearly, this may be one of your greatest disappointments, but don’t let it control or define who you are. You can pass the bar exam in February 2013. Get right back up and say, “I will pass in February 2013.”

Ok, now let’s start. Do not repeat the same class, study plan or approach you used the last time. It did not work. Coming close on the bar is good only in horse shoes. One size does not fit all. Hard work and having a study plan and study strategy will pay off. Say to yourself, “I will be a lawyer.”

You want to get the bar exam behind you and start your new life as a lawyer. Don’t dither or waste time with the “what ifs”. Stay focused and true to your goal to pass.

Obtaining a Bar Professors Florida bar exam tutor will help you pass. Many students who are repeat bar takers need a bar exam coach to help them improve their writing and analytical skills so they can properly navigate through the Florida bar exam. Remember, the Florida bar exam is unique and more difficult to pass than other jurisdictions. This structured, personalized program is the key to passing the bar for repeat takers.

Above all, never give up.

Bar Professors provide Florida bar tutors for repeat bar takers, California bar tutors, New York bar tutors and MBE tutors. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

We can help you succeed.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

July 2012 Florida Bar Exam Results by Law School

Here are the results of the July 2012 Florida Bar Exam by Law School:

University of Florida College of Law - 91.2%
Florida State University College of Law - 89.2%
Stetson University College of Law - 88.9%
Barry University School of Law - 81.7%
University of Miami School of Law - 81.6%
Nova Southeastern University College of Law - 80.6%
Florida International University College of Law - 80.3%
Ave Maria School of Law - 75.3%
Florida Coastal School of Law - 75.2%
St. Thomas University College of Law - 71.4 %
Florida A&M University College of Law - 68.1%


Bar Professors provide Florida bar tutors for repeat bar takers, California bar tutors, New York bar tutors and MBE tutors. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

We can help you succeed.

Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: The Overall Pass Rate is 74.6%

The overall pass rate for the Florida July 2012 bar exam was 74.6% for all applicants and law schools, which includes out of state law schools as well.

Please come back to the site for Florida law schools pass rates.

Bar Professors provide Florida bar tutors for repeat bar takers, California bar tutors, New York bar tutors and MBE tutors. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

We can help you succeed.

The July 2012 Florida Bar Exam Results Are Up

The July 2012 Florida bar exam results are now up.

Congratulations to those passing the bar and a job well done.

To those who failed, keep your chin up; you can pass the next time. Have a good cry and get back to business.

We will put the Florida law schools pass rates up as soon as we get it.

Bar Professors provide Florida bar tutors for repeat bar takers, California bar tutors, New York bar tutors and MBE tutors. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012 and the Florida Law Schools Pass Rates Will Be Released Today

Florida’s bar exam results for July 2012 will be released today, September 18, 2012. Bar Professors will post the results when it comes out. The pass rate for the Florida law schools will be posted when they come out.

Good luck to all those waiting for your results today.

Bar Professors provide Florida bar tutors for repeat bar takers, California bar tutors, New York bar tutors and MBE tutors. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Monday, September 17, 2012

The July 2012 Florida Bar Exam Results: The Bar Exam Results from Florida Comes Out Tomorrow

The wait is almost over, tomorrow is the day for bar exam results coming out of Florida. The Florida bar exam results for July 2012 will be released on September 18, 2012. The results come out in the morning, around 10 am, give or take. This will be a day of joy for some and difficulty for others. For those who pass, enjoy this exciting and great accomplishment. Go out and party with family and friends. You deserve it.

For those who were unsuccessful, do not feel dejected. Have a good cry and start thinking about the next bar exam. Get right back up and say, “I will pass in February 2013.” Hard work and having a study plan and study strategy will pay off. Say to yourself, “I will be a lawyer.”

The Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012 will be posted on this site on September 18, 2012. We will also post the pass rates by Florida law schools tomorrow. Come back to this site for full Florida bar exam results on Tuesday. It should be interesting. Good luck to those who are waiting.

Bar Professors provide Florida bar tutors for repeat bar takers, California bar tutors, New York bar tutors and MBE tutors. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: Second Guessing Yourself

I know the Florida takers are going crazy this weekend. Tuesday will be such a big day for you. This is your day of reckoning. Did you study hard enough, not enough, did you do enough to pass? Those thoughts will consume you this weekend. It will be hard, but try to relax; it is out of your control right now. There are no more second thoughts for you.

Tuesday will be a day of joy for some and hardship for others. For those who pass, enjoy this exciting and great accomplishment. You deserve all the praise from your friends and family for your hard work and sacrifice.

For those who were unsuccessful, do not feel dejected. Start gearing up for the February 2012 bar now. Get right back up and say, “I will pass in February 2013.” Hard work will pay off, but you have to study with a strategy in place. Do not do what you did last time. It is not working for you. Bar review courses are one size fits all, but you will need another way to study that fits your needs. Determine how you can get the most for your studies so that you can pass in February. Never give up.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

The Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: The Long Weekend Wait

The Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012 will come out on Tuesday, September 18th. For those who have asked me, the Florida bar exam results will not come out earlier than Tuesday. There is no magical time it comes out, although the results usually come out around 10 am. The results came out around 9 am one year, another year, around noon – so anywhere around 9:30 to 12 noon is your window to keep hitting the refresh button.

Florida releases the numbers, not the names of the applicants and the site reveals just pass or fail of both Part A (the Florida section) and Part B (the MBE section) and the overall pass or fail. When you look up your number there will be 4 columns: your number, pass, pass, pass. The last pass is your ticket for your law license. You can fail a section of the Florida bar, and with enough carry over points, you can pass overall. So you will see some scores, like fail, pass, pass or pass, fail, pass. That’s ok, because that applicant has passed the Florida bar exam. Look at the final column and you’ll know whether you passed or failed.

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners also releases the passing rate of the law schools, too, later in the afternoon. The Florida Board of Bar Examiners releases the passing rate of the law school to the law school first. Later that day, the Florida bar examiners then releases the passing rate of the law schools to the public. Florida only releases the first time taker rate and not the repeat takers rate, and not the overall pass rate. It’s unfortunate that Florida does not practice full transparency, because I have seen quite a few law schools who try to fudge the overall rate and the repeat taker rate to something higher than what it really is – then tell their students who have failed, that all they need to do is keep taking it and they will eventually pass. I have seen students taking the exam 6, 8, 10 times. We know you need a bar tutor to help you get over the finish line.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or email us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Friday, September 14, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: Iowa Results Have Been Released

The Iowa bar exam results have come out today, with a 90.3% pass rate. Congratulations to all those who have passed. The Iowa Board of Bar Examiners have listed the names of the successful applicants.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Idaho bar exam results are out, Iowa to come out tomorrow


The Idaho bar exam results have come out today, with a 80.3% pass rate.

Congratulations to all those who have passed.

Iowa will come out tomorrow. Good luck to those waiting for results.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

New Mexico bar exam results for July 2012 Have Been Released, Idaho to come out today

New Mexico has posted their bar exam results for July 2012. The overall pass rate is 84% and the first time taker pass rate is 89%. Congratulations to all those who passed.

Idaho is due to come out today. Iowa is due out tommorrow.

Good luck to all applicants.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.
Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: The MBE and the Florida Bar Exam

To pass the MBE outright in the State of Florida, you must make a scaled score of 136. This generally means that you would need a raw score of at least 124 or so.

However, most of my students who passed the Florida Bar, never received the magic numbers of 136, but scored high enough on the essay portion to pass the bar exam.

To pass the Florida bar, you must receive a combined score of 272 on the Florida bar for both the essay and the MBE portions of the bar exam. Carry over points from the essay will determine, for many, their passing score. For example, if you only get 132 scaled points for the MBE and 140 for the essays, you will still pass the Florida bar exam, with a combined score of 172. That is why the essays can help you pass the Florida bar exam.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Oklahoma Bar Exam Statistics by Law School for July 2012 Are Out

The Oklahoma bar exam statistics by law school for July 212 are now out. Let's see how the law schools did:

The overall total of takers were 399, with a first time pass rate of 84% and the repeat taker rate at 29%. for an overall pass rate of 81%

OU had an 87% first time pass rate and the repeat taker rate was 100% for an overall pass rate of 87% pass rate.

OCU had an 77% first time pass rate and the repeat taker rate was 25%, for an overall pass rate of 74%

TU had an 89% first time pass rate and the repeat taker rate was 0%, for an overall pass rate of 83%

Other schools had an 88% first time pass rate and the repeat taker rate was 33%, for an overall pass rate of 79%

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

July 2012 Bar Exam Results: West Virginia, Iowa, Idaho, New Mexico, Colorado and Florida

West Virginia mailed their bar results out on September 6th and posted the pass/fail seat numbers on their website. 167 out of 220 passed the West Virginia bar exam for a pass rate of 76%. Congratulations to those West Virginia applicants who passed.

Idaho and Iowa are due to come out on Sept. 13th.

New Mexico and Colorado are due to come out any day now.

Florida is due to come out one week from today – on Sept. 18th. For those who are asking about the time when Florida results come out, it is usually in the mornings – around 10 am.

Good luck to all – I know the next few days are going to be tough for the students whose states are coming out soon. Try not to get to anxiety-ridden. It is out of your control right now and there is nothing you can do to make your day come faster for your results. Keep yourself busy and try not to obsess over the results – you’ll just make yourself crazy with anxiety. Just remember what I wrote in an earlier blog. Think positively, but also run through your mind what you might need to put in place if the worst happens and you do not pass.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for repeat bar exam takers who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Monday, September 10, 2012

The Florida Bar Exam Results for July 2012: The Grading

The Florida bar exam results for July 2012 are coming out next week – about 8 days. I know the applicants are anxiously waiting for September 18th to roll around. Here is the way the grading is done in Florida.

Grading the Florida Bar Exam

The MBE & Florida sections are weighted equally on the Florida Bar Exam. This is called the “overall method”. (Rule 4-25(a)). A combined weighted score of 136 is required to pass the Florida Bar Exam. It doesn’t matter if your score in one section or the other is below the 136 – it’s the average score that matters. So basically you can fail the FL or the MBE section and still pass the FL bar exam if your overall score is at least 136.

If you fail one section of the bar and choose to re-take only that one section in the next examination, you must score the 136 points or higher on that section. The Florida Board of Bar Examiners calls this the “individual method”. (Rule 4-25(b)). Your chances of passing are slightly lower than re-taking the entire bar again.

If an applicant attains a passing scaled score on only 1 part and elects to take the overall method of the General Bar Examination as described above, the previous passing status will not be replaced by a failing status if the applicant fails to achieve a passing score on a subsequent submission effort. (Rule 4-25.1).

Each examination paper produced by an applicant on the General Bar Examination will be separately graded. The scores of each section of Part A will be converted to a common scale by a recognized statistical procedure so that each section is equally weighted. The sum of the converted section scores is the total score for Part A. All total scores attained by the applicants on Part A are converted to the same distribution as their Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) scaled scores. MBE scores (Part B) are the scaled scores on the MBE provided by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Scaled scores are used in order to ensure that the standard of measurement of competence from examination to examination is not affected by the difficulty of the particular test or the ability of that particular group as distinguished from the general population of applicants. Rule 4-26.1

On the Florida portion of the bar, each essay is worth 100 points for a 300 point total. The multiple choice questions are worth 100 points total, so each question is approximately 1 point each. There are usually 10 experimental questions. The average essay score is around 40 points, requiring you to get your remaining points on the multiple choice questions.

Depending on the difficulty of the essay question and the average grade, the Board of Bar Examiners may adjust your score either downward or upward. There is a school of thought that a bar taker should hope for a difficult question so that the average grade is lower – thereby requiring the Bar Examiners to adjust upward. If the essay is an easy one, usually the average score is higher, thus requiring a downward adjustment. The Board does not adjust the multiple choice questions – there are what they are and the point totals do not change.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York bar exams. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The Failure Rate of the California Baby Bar

The next round of testing for the California baby bar is now only 6 weeks away. The test will be given on October 23, 2012.

As you know, it is crucial that you pass the California Baby Bar as soon as possible and within the allotted three times or you will have to retake your law school classes.
The statistics for the California First Year Law Students’ Examination are very telling. Although the California bar examiners have not yet posted June’s results, let’s look at the October 2011 results. October 2011 is reflective of what October 2012 will look like. Let’s look at the categories and the overall statistics:

For those students from unaccredited correspondence schools: the percentage of passing is 20%

Distance learning schools: the percentage of passing is 24%

Unaccredited fixed faculty: the percentage of passing is 11%

CA schools approved by the ABA: the percentage of passing is 21%

CA accredited but not approved by the ABA: the percentage of passing is 9.5%

Total percentage of passing is 19%

I have included in this article the percentage rate of passing for both first time takers and repeat takers.

As you can see, the percentage rate of failure is an astounding 81% with only 19% passing. You read that right – the statistics are pretty incredible and it personally makes me wonder why the schools are not working with the students and making all efforts to help the students pass the exam. Yes, we can go back and forth about the quality of the students, but I do put the blame squarely on the schools that take tuition from students and allow scores like this for their student body.

A student who wants to be a lawyer should have every opportunity of success.

Students need to ask themselves if they really want to be a lawyer and what it will take to become one. The first hurdle must be accomplished – you must pass the California Baby Bar Examination. You need to reflect on what it will take to get over this obstacle.

Secondly, a student needs to pass the CFYLSE as soon possible so that you do not have to retake classes. That is why it is important that you get a bar tutor to help you pass the California FYLSE. Bar Professors can help you pass the California Baby Bar. We also can help law students attending Non-ABA approved law schools. We offer year round tutorials in the subjects tested on the California baby bar.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

The Bar Exam Results for July 2012: Should You Appeal Your Bar Exam Score if You Failed the July 2012 Bar Exam?

We know how disappointed you are when you look up your name or number on the state’s bar exam results page and find that you did not succeed on the July 2012 bar exam. Then, you must wait until you receive the fail letter detailing your bar exam scores. While you wait for the letter, look up your state’s procedure for review or appeal. For example, in North Carolina, the state bar examiners make you wait for approximately a month before you are allowed to review your essays.

Once you receive your fail letter, look at the details of your bar exam score. What do they say and what do they mean? You can find your scores, the average scores, and how close you were to passing. Look at each essay score. What was your score for each essay and what was the mean score? Which subjects did you do well on and which essays did you do well on? Is there a pattern? Did you do well on others and not so well on the rest or was the overall pattern one of poor scores. Move over to the MPT , if your jurisdictions has one or two. What were those scores like? Can you discern a pattern in your essays and MPT? Did you write well or poorly?

Finally, go over to the MBE score, where the score is broken out by subjects. Again, you need to examine each score and note your strongest subjects and your weak sections.
You need to know the mean score of all sections.. The scores are also adjusted upwards and downwards depending on how hard the essays/the MBE were. This is where you can see whether you have the probability of success on appeal. Are you close enough to maybe squeeze out a point or two?

Even if you don’t appeal the score or there are no means to appeal in your state, if you can review your essays, do so. It’s a humbling procedure, but you can see where you may have gone wrong, where you could have done better or to see how the examiners in your state grade the essays. You may have thought you put the entire rule down, but when you review your essays, you may see that you didn’t complete the rule, or write a complete conclusion, or see some other place where you missed valuable points.

This self reflection will enable you to think about your mistakes and correct them for the February 2013 bar exam.

The fail letter will tell the student how to review your scores or make an appeal.
The appeals process normally is not successful, but if you are close, it is worth a try to see if you can get a point or two more to be successful.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE, Florida, California and New York. You can find us at http://barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Oklahoma Bar Exam Results for July 2012 Have Been Released

The Oklahoma bar exam results for July 2012 have now been released. A total of 399 took the exam; 323 passed; with a pass rate of 81%.

The names of the successful applicants are posted on the state's website.

Congratulations to those who passed.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE. You can find us at http://.barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, follow us on twitter @BarProfessors or mail us at pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Oklahoma Bar Exam Results for July 2012 Will Be Released Today

Oklahoma's bar exam results will be released today, September 7, 2012. Bar Professors will post the results when it comes out.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE. You can find us at www.barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, or twitter @BarProfessors.or pass@barprofessors.com.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

MBE Bar Exam for July 2012: The Scaled Score

Except for a couple of jurisdictions, all of us have to sit for the MBE portion of the bar exam. As we wait for our bar exam results to come through for July 2012, we search through bar exam discussions wondering what the scaled points will be. How many scaled points will there be this time around? Will it push me over the top so that I can pass the bar exam? So, we look at the early release jurisdictions, like Kansas, North Carolina, Florida and hope that someone will tell us what the scaled points will be once that students get their written scores.

Why are the scaled points important? It may be a difference between passing and failing the MBE and, perhaps, the entire state bar.

What is a scaled score versus a raw MBE score?

A raw score is the actual score you received on the MBE. For example, you answered 120 questions correctly out of 200. 120 would be your raw score. Your scaled score are points that are given to your raw scale, based on the difficulty of the exam and how your fellow bar takers scored. For example, your raw score is 120. Your scaled score can have 15 points added and your actual score can end up to be 135.
Generally, you will receive between 10 and 18 additional points to your raw scale.

Let’s see what the July 2012 scaled score points will be.

Bar Professors provide private bar exam tutors for students who have difficulty with the MBE. You can find us at www.barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, or twitter @BarProfessors.or pass@barprofessors.com.
Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Passing the Florida, California or New York Bar Exam when English is your Second Language

Passing the Florida, California or State bar exam is hard enough, especially when English is your second language. For those students who are foreign educated attorneys looking to take New York or California or for those law students who have struggled through law school, you now face your biggest challenge: passing the bar exam.

Bar Professors have worked with many foreign educated lawyers and the major issue we find is in writing skills. The students know the law, they just don’t know how to articulate it in written form. As we know, quality writing skills are imperative to passing any bar exam.

For those Foreign Educated Lawyers waiting to sit for the California bar exam or New York bar exam, you must start early. You cannot expect to learn the law, practice your writing skills and hone your analytical skills in only two months. Start at least six months ahead of the bar exam.

Here are some things you can do to help you be successful on the Bar Exam:

• Start by obtaining a private tutor to critique and aid in practicing writing essays. Many ESL or EFL have trouble organizing essays because of the difference in language structure - you will need to work hard on solving this potential problem.

• Practice writing one essay per day and have the essay evaluated.

• Follow all suggestions from your bar exam tutor.

• Memorize the state law, including all exceptions.

• As for the MBE, do as many questions as possible.

Foreign educated lawyers must start to study now for the February bar exam.
BarProfessors provide private tutorials for ESL and EFL students and repeat bar takers. Send all inquiries to pass@barprofessors.com.

You can find us at www.barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, or twitter @BarProfessors.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Bar ExamTutors: The Florida July 2012 Bar Exam Results

The Florida bar exam results will be released in two weeks, on Steptember 18, 2012. Bar Professors wish all applicants the best results on the exam.

However, if you were not successful, obtaining a bar professors Florida bar exam tutor will help you pass. Many students who are repeat bar takers need a bar exam coach to help them improve their writing and anayltical skills to properly navigate through the Florida bar exam. Remember, the Florida bar exam is unique and more difficult to pass than other jurisdictions. Obtaining a bar professor Florida bar tutor is a must.

You can find us at www.barprofessors.com, like us on facebook at BarProfessors, or twitter @BarProfessors.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Monday, September 3, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results – The Waiting Begins

It is September 3rd, do you know when your bar exam results will be released? Starting this month, many state bars will release their bar exam results. North Carolina was the first state to release its results and Kansas followed shortly thereafter. Some of the states with early bar results in September are Arkansas, Indiana, Oklahoma, Idaho, New Mexico, Iowa, Oregon and Florida.

Idaho will be coming out on September 13th. Oregon will release its results on September 21st.

Florida’s bar exam results will be released on September 18th – a little over two weeks away.

I know that many students are starting to feel anxious about their scores. I have had some students ask me if they should start studying because they think they did not pass the exam. I tell my students to wait for the bar results to come out before you start to study for the next cycle. However, I tell my students, while you are waiting for the bar results, figure out a plan if your worst scenario does comes true.

No matter how much you prepare for the results or constantly think about passing or failing the bar exam, it is very unnerving to go to your state’s website and look up your information and see you future flash before your eyes. You see that you have passed the exam, your worries about passing are over and you are ready to begin your career.

It is quite a shock to see that you have failed the exam. You go from disbelief to disappointment to despair. You panic, you cry, you shout, you get advice from people who have never even sat for an exam, you wonder if you should try again, you wonder if your career is over before you even started.

That is why a clear plan is necessary as you wait for the results. What should you do now if you do fail the exam? Have a plan in place before the emotions of getting your results overwhelm you.

My students know I am a big advocate for getting a private tutor. Here are my reasons for getting a private tutor:

Almost everyone taking the bar exam spent this summer listening to a bar review program. You listened to the lectures, you read the outlines, you wrote the essays, and you practiced your MBE. And you still failed. That is why a new approach is necessary.

Everyone should know this undeniable fact – students who repeat the bar exam have a significantly less chance of passing on every attempt. Your best chance of passing the bar exam is your first attempt. That is why it is time to change your approach and make sure you pass on your next attempt.

Do not retake your bar review course. Bar review courses are one size fits all. You did that, already and it did not help you pass. You do not need that now – you need individual help that you cannot get through a bar review course.

You need to work with a private bar tutor, who will diagnose your weaknesses and work on building those weaknesses to a level where you have a chance to pass the bar. You’ve already learned the substantive law through your bar review class, so the reason you failed is probably because of the lack of writing skills, lack of analytical skills, lack of strategy and the lack of practice. Working one-on-one with a private bar tutor will help you focus on the ways to pass.

Invest in your career now and you will be glad you did, as you start working to make your dreams come true.

You can find us at www.barprofessors.com, on facebook at BarProfessors, or twitter @BarProfessors.

Bar Professors can help you succeed.

Sunday, September 2, 2012

Kansas Bar Exam Results for July 2012 are Out

Kansas released their bar exam results, by examinee number, for July 2012,. You can go to their website and see the pass/fail list. Congratulations to those who passed.

You can find us at www.barprofessors.com, on facebook at BarProfessors, or twitter @BarProfessors.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

July 2012 Bar Exam Results for North Carolina Have Been Released

The North Carolina Bar Exam results for July 2012 were mailed on August 24th. Congratulations to those who passed. The North Carolina Bar Examiners have the pass/fail list up for review on their website. You can see the names of those who have passed.

If you failed the North Carolina Bar Exam, you have an opportunity to review your essays scores, starting on September 24th. Our advice is to review your scores so you know how you can improve your performance for February.

You can find us at www.barprofessors.com, on facebook at BarProfessors, or twitter @BarProfessors.