As bar exam results season continues to roll on, I know many graduates are anxiously waiting to find out if they’ve passed the bar exam. For some, the prospect of retaking the exam in February is already weighing heavily on their minds. For others, the quick turnaround between winter graduation and the February exam may seem daunting.
I’ve heard this question countless times from students and graduates in the same situation: Is the February bar exam harder than the July exam? While it’s true that February pass rates tend to be lower, I want to reassure you—it doesn’t mean the test itself is harder.
The National Conference of Bar Examiners ensures both the February and July exams are equally challenging. What really impacts the February pass rates are external factors. Let’s dive into some key reasons why February pass rates are typically lower and, most importantly, how understanding these factors can help you prepare effectively.
One of the most significant reasons February pass rates are lower has to do with the composition of the examinee pool. The February exam tends to attract a larger number of repeat test-takers. In fact, when looking at the numbers from the most recently completed calendar year, about 66 percent of those sitting for the February 2023 bar exam across all jurisdictions were repeat takers. Compare that percentage to just five months later, when only 23 percent of July 2023 test-takers had taken the exam before.
So, why does this matter? Statistically, repeat takers have lower pass rates than first-time test-takers. In February 2023, repeat takers passed at a 43 percent rate while first-time takers passed at a 55 percent rate. Similarly, repeat takers in July 2023 passed at only a 29 percent rate, while first-time takers passed at a 74 percent rate.
Repeat takers often face unique challenges. Many are returning to the bar exam after experiencing the disappointment of not passing on their first attempt. This brings its own set of psychological burdens—stress, self-doubt, and the fear of failing again—that can impact performance. Some repeat takers may also be re-using study methods that were ineffective the first time instead of adopting fresh strategies or seeking guidance that addresses their prior weaknesses.
Additionally, some repeaters may not have as much time to dedicate to their studies the second time around, as they may have started working or taken on new responsibilities after their initial attempt.
“Repeat bar exam takers have moved on from law school. Once they have graduated and taken the bar exam one or more times, they are most likely employed or in serious pursuit of employment,” said Richard Douglas, chief operating officer at Themis Bar Review. “Further, they went back to non-bar exam life and fell out of the habit of studying or preparing for exams. It’s difficult to go back, so they may struggle to fit the proper preparation and studying back into their everyday life.”
Another key reason February bar exam pass rates are lower is that many of the people sitting for the February exam may have more distractions and responsibilities than those taking the July exam, regardless of whether they are first-time or repeat takers. While the July exam is largely taken by recent graduates who can study full-time, February takers often juggle multiple roles.
“If they’re fall semester graduates, they’re usually nontraditional law students—employed, working, family obligations, parenting, etc. These things have a tremendous impact on bar exam preparation,” said Douglas. “These students have less time and more stress than your typical first-time taker.”
The amount of dedicated study time is a strong predictor of bar exam success. Exam takers preparing for the February exam while balancing work or family obligations may simply not have the same luxury of focusing all of their time and energy on studying compared to those studying for the July exam. Full-time work, in particular, makes it difficult to spend the recommended 40–50 hours per week on bar exam preparation.
There’s also the emotional toll of balancing these responsibilities while preparing for the bar exam. Exam takers may feel guilty for not spending enough time with family or pressured by work demands, which can lead to anxiety and stress. These additional burdens can negatively affect performance on exam day.
According to Themis Bar Review’s Richard Douglas, “Timing is everything when it comes to bar exam prep, and this is especially true for the February exam. The typical 10-week bar prep schedule for the February exam starts in early December, meaning it overlaps with the major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other winter celebrations. These holidays often lead to interruptions in study schedules due to family gatherings, travel, and social events.”
For example, someone preparing for the February exam might need to pause their studies for several days or even weeks to participate in holiday activities. Many find it difficult to balance the need for dedicated study time with the pressure to attend family functions or take part in holiday traditions.
“We find that some students have a tough time getting back on track immediately after the new year. We call it the holiday hangover,” Douglas said “Our best advice to these students is to be honest and upfront with family, friends, and other loved ones that you will need to study during the holiday season this year and ask them for their full support. If you can engage family and friends in your success, it is a surefire way for someone to stay on track.”
Additionally, winter weather can present challenges, with shorter days and less daylight affecting energy levels and productivity.
If you’re preparing for the February exam, you can overcome these challenges with the right strategies. Here are some actionable steps to help you succeed:
While the February exams historically have lower pass rates, this isn’t a reflection of the exam’s difficulty. By understanding the challenges unique to the February exam and preparing strategically, you can turn these obstacles into opportunities to better position yourself to pass the exam and move forward with confidence in your legal career.
