How to Pass the UBE with a Good Score in 2025

Last updated 05 June 2025

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It’s actually possible to pass the bar exam on your first try.
I know, I know… that sounds hard to believe. But we’ve talked to students who did it, and after digging into their stories, one thing became clear; it’s not about being a genius, it’s about being smart with how you study.

In this guide, I’m going to share some of the smartest strategies law students are using to pass the bar exam. At PasingGrades, we’ve done the homework for you. We interviewed professors, analyzed Reddit and Quora threads, and pulled together insights that reveal the hack to passing the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE).

This isn’t just for folks gearing up to take the bar after law school. Whether you're a 1L prepping for the FYLSE, or someone just trying to stay ahead, this guide will give you a clear, practical roadmap.

But before we dive into strategy, let’s get on the same page about what the UBE actually is.

The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is a two-day standardized test created by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). It’s designed to assess your legal knowledge and skills, and it's used in multiple states across the U.S.

The UBE includes three major components:

MBE – Multistate Bar Exam (multiple-choice)
MEE – Multistate Essay Exam
MPT – Multistate Performance Test

To pass the UBE, you’ll need to study smart across all three.

Now, before we dig into those smart strategies, a little motivation can go a long way.

Did you know some of the most successful and famous people in America failed the bar exam? Yep. They failed but didn’t give up. And they still built incredible careers.

Take a minute to scroll through this list. Let it remind you that failure is just a detour but not the end. Then we’ll jump into the real stuff: how you can pass the UBE with a good score in 2025.

10 Famous People Who Failed the Bar Exam (And Still Crushed It in Life)

Failing the bar exam is more common than people think. And while it’s not something to celebrate or aim for, it’s important to be aware of it and to be prepared for the possibility of failure too. Because here’s the truth: failing an exam doesn’t mean you’ve failed at life.

In fact, some of the most successful people in America sat for the bar exam and failed. But they didn’t stop there. They got back up, kept going, and carved out powerful legacies.

Here are 10 famous names who failed the bar but still made it big.

Michelle Obama
The former First Lady and Harvard Law grad didn’t pass the Illinois bar the first time. That didn’t stop her from becoming one of the most influential women in the world.
Kamala Harris
Before becoming Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris failed the California bar exam on her first try. She later passed—and went on to make history.
John F. Kennedy, Jr.
He failed the New York bar exam not once, but twice. Passed on the third try. Moral of the story? Keep going.
Hillary Clinton
Hillary failed the DC bar exam the first time around. She passed the Arkansas bar later and kept going—to the Senate, the Secretary of State’s office, and nearly the White House.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
FDR, after studying at Harvard and Columbia Law, failed the New York bar. He still became President. Not once. Not twice. But four times.
Pete Wilson
The former Governor of California failed the state bar exam three times. Passed it on his fourth. Later led the entire state.
Jerry Brown
Another California governor who didn’t get it right the first time. Jerry Brown failed the bar, then served two terms—twice.
Ed Koch
The iconic New York City mayor failed the bar before running the Big Apple. Sometimes the biggest comebacks happen after the biggest setbacks.
Richard Daley
Chicago’s longtime mayor? Also failed the bar exam. Didn’t stop him from running the city like a boss.
Antonio Villaraigosa
The former mayor of Los Angeles had his own bar exam struggles. Still made it to the top of one of the most influential cities in the world.

Takeaway?

One failed exam doesn’t mean failure in life. Everyone’s path is different. If they can bounce back and build legacies, so can you. Keep going.

Understanding the Mindset: Bar Prep Without Burnout

The bar exam is a test of minimum competency, not perfection. It should never force you to sacrifice essential self-care, fun, or sleep. Stressing yourself to the point of burnout is counterproductive; smarter, not harder, preparation is key.

A Realistic Profile: Who This Strategy Works For

This approach is designed for the average law student—someone who graduated from a top-20 law school without prestigious honors, law review experience, or extensive internships. The goal is to pass with a score that enables admission to practice in any U.S. jurisdiction, without obsessing over every single practice question or essay.

Key Components of the UBE Study Plan

1. Starting Late, Starting Smart

It’s okay to take a short break after graduation. Beginning focused study around June 2—roughly six weeks before the exam—is feasible if you use your time efficiently.

Begin with watching bar prep videos at accelerated speed (2x is effective), especially on subjects where your knowledge is weak (e.g., Contracts, Secured Transactions). Fill in outlines and handouts to reinforce concepts.

2. Practice Questions: Quality Over Quantity

Practice questions (PQs) are essential, but you don’t need to complete thousands. Completing about 1,900 PQs—including a mix from your bar prep provider and other reputable sources—is a solid target.

Prioritize questions from your main prep course (e.g., Themis), as they tend to be harder and make the actual exam feel easier by comparison. Track your mistakes in categories:

Careless mistakes (e.g., misreading questions)
Challenging questions
“Hell” questions (rare or confusing ones)

Focus on correcting careless and challenging errors. Save the “hell” questions for last, and don’t stress over them if they remain difficult.

Instead of doing full mock exams at once, break them into manageable chunks to avoid burnout.

3. Essay and MPT Preparation: Focus on Structure and Rules

Start working on essays and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT) after July 4. Instead of writing full essays daily, read prompts and jot down bullet-point answers, then study model answers to understand the IRAC structure and rule applications.

For essays:

Prioritize mastering rules and IRAC format over trying to capture every factual nuance.
Mark poorly performed essays for a second review.
Rewriting rules by hand can significantly improve retention.

For the MPT:

Expect objective memos as common formats.
Carefully read the task and the accompanying library of statutes and cases.
Take notes on relevant statutes, cases, and their application.
Use a CRAC (Conclusion, Rule, Application, Conclusion) structure, tying rules explicitly to facts.
Include a general introduction and conclusion.

4. Smart Habits During Prep and Exam

Review practice questions during downtime, such as waiting in lines.
Use UWorld or other question banks as a stress-relief tool, for example, doing 15–20 questions before bed.
Maintain self-care: exercise, cook, socialize, and rest.
Pack thoughtfully for exam days: ID, pencils, erasers, snacks, water, earplugs, and any medications.
Sleep as much as possible before the exam; short naps during breaks can help.

Common Concerns Addressed

Is 1,900 PQs enough? Yes, if combined with detailed review and understanding of errors.
Is essay prep necessary? Yes, but focus on understanding the format and rules rather than quantity.
How to handle unpredictable essay topics? Essays are graded subjectively. Focus on the rule-based IRAC method to maximize scoring potential.
Is more always better? Not necessarily. Excessive study can lead to burnout and lower performance on exam day.
Comparisons and stress: Avoid social media or forum comparisons. Scores vary, and passing is what counts.

Logistics and Exam Day Tips

Book travel and lodging early to avoid last-minute stress.
Accept support from family and friends if offered, but also trust your own ability to manage the process.
Review exam instructions carefully; small oversights (like thinking the MBE is computer-based when it’s not) can cause avoidable stress.
Bring quiet snacks and plan for limited lunch time.
Choose a calm, low-stress location if possible, rather than a hectic city.

Final Thoughts: Passing the Bar Without Losing Yourself

Passing the UBE with a good score is achievable without sacrificing your mental health or quality of life. The focus should be on strategic preparation—targeted studying, quality practice, and self-care. Remember, the exam tests readiness to practice law, not perfection.

Everyone’s journey is unique, but following a balanced, thoughtful approach can lead to success without burnout. Prioritize understanding over volume, practice over panic, and well-being over worry. Passing the bar is a milestone, not a mountain, and with the right strategy, it can be a manageable and even rewarding experience.