Navigating the bar application process can feel as daunting as the exam itself. Small errors, careless omissions, and honest misunderstandings can lead to costly and unnecessary delays—or, even worse, being denied the opportunity to sit for the bar exam.
Through almost two decades of preparing students and graduates for the bar exam at three different law schools, I’ve sadly seen my fair share of instances where bar exam applicants experienced issues that could have been easily avoided.
So, let me dive into some common application pitfalls, share some real-life cautionary tales, and provide actionable tips to help you avoid these problems when applying to and taking the bar exam.
Missing key deadlines for submitting documents, updating information, or making payments is one of the most frequent application pitfalls. These oversights can delay your application review or, in some cases, render you ineligible for the current exam cycle.
Many applicants underestimate the volume and specificity of documents required for the bar application. Missing items, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, or law school verification forms, can lead to delays and may put the application on hold until all documents are received.
For example, one applicant’s application was rejected because they forgot to submit a transcript from a law school they had attended prior to the one they graduated from. This oversight was discovered only a week before the application deadline, leaving them unable to provide the required information in time.
Tommy Sangchompuphen, director of bar preparation and an associate professor of academic success at the University of Dayton School of Law, offers tips on how to avoid common bar application and exam mistakes.
Character and fitness disclosures are a critical, sensitive part of the bar application, requiring complete transparency. Omissions or inconsistencies—particularly between your bar application and law school application—can lead to serious complications. Failing to report even minor infractions may also result in added scrutiny.
Financial responsibility is a critical expectation for lawyers, especially since they may handle client funds. Payment issues—such as using the wrong payment method, missing deadlines, or even bouncing checks—can lead to more than just delays. They may raise concerns about financial reliability. Such issues can reflect poorly on your application and potentially impact your exam eligibility.
Misunderstanding or overlooking exam-day instructions is a frequent issue. Some applicants miss important details about required materials or identification. For instance, in one jurisdiction, examinees must bring specific items to the proctor’s table when requesting a restroom break. Failure to comply with this policy led to one examinee being barred from returning for the remainder of the exam.
Exam day stress can lead even the most prepared candidates to forget essential items such as photo identification, admission tickets, or other necessary materials. The consequences can include delays, confusion, or even disqualification from entering the exam room.
With many jurisdictions allowing candidates to upload their answers within a day or two after the exam, it can be tempting to assume this task is flexible. However, missing the upload deadline can lead to disqualification or even require retaking the exam. Some candidates mistakenly believe their exam software will automatically upload answers, leading to unfortunate oversights.
Many jurisdictions enforce strict file format requirements, and submitting files in an incorrect format—like uploading a resume as a Word document instead of a PDF or submitting a passport photo as a PDF instead of a JPEG—can result in application rejections. (And, yes, both scenarios have happened in one jurisdiction!)
Many jurisdictions require candidates to complete a mock exam to test compatibility with the exam software. Failing to complete the mock exam correctly may mean handwriting all essays and performance tests on exam day—a daunting six hours of writing!
Time management is crucial during the bar exam, yet many bar exam takers inadvertently spend too long on one section, leaving themselves rushing to complete others. This can lead to incomplete answers and lost points. For example, UBE jurisdictions usually provide both Multistate Performance Tests at once, giving examinees a single 3-hour block to complete both. One examinee didn’t realize there would be no reminder to switch MPTs during the testing block and, as a result, spent nearly 2.5 hours on one MPT alone.
This process is as much a test of your organizational skills and attention to detail as your legal knowledge. With nearly 20 years of experience in bar preparation, I have witnessed these stories firsthand—reminders that small mistakes can lead to significant setbacks. By planning proactively, keeping meticulous records, and rigorously following all guidelines, you can avoid these pitfalls and stay confidently on the path to admission.
