My bar exam was an absolute dumpster fire. Didn’t follow the MPT format at all, missed some instructions and so it probably looks all wonky. Made up 1-2 entire essays and don’t think I crushed the other 4 either; was 50/50 on two answers for most of the MBE. Talk me off a ledge. For some reason I felt good coming out of it initially but now I’ve just gotten increasingly more pessimistic.

likeuplifting
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

I never worried that I would fail the bar until I walked out of the test at which point I was 100% convinced I failed. I was sick about it for months. I ended up passing with flying colors. It wasn’t even close. You more than likely did much better than you think.

likehelpful

Seems to be a recurring pattern.

I’m in the weird in between space where I felt initially that I had done enough to pass but over time I’ve convinced myself that my errors will amount to a failure.

like

Rule #1 of taking the bar exam: stop thinking about it the second that it’s over.

Rule #2: it’s a pass/fail test. Odds are, the overwhelming majority of the tests you’ve taken in your life have not been, and your focus was on getting the highest grade possible. This ain’t that.

As someone who graded essays for the NY bar exams for several administrations (tho not sure where you took it), it’s graded on a curve and they really do want people to pass.

likehelpfulsmart

It's often a subjectivity thing; just depends on who's looking at it. Don't fret, just keep at it and don't stress too much. You can always take it again.

Recent IconRecent

You stressed? Then spend the next few months working and saving up.

If you need to retake, you’ve built a cushion; if you passed, you get to “treat yo self”

likeupliftingsmart

I was so convinced I failed the bar that I talked to my firm’s HR about it. Super normal feeling.

like

I recall them being extremely kind and reassuring and letting me know we could discuss if I actually failed, but that there was an allowance for a retake. I ended up joining a community meditation and acupuncture center and getting really into working out during the wait to manage the stress. So sorry you’re stuck in the suck right now.

like

I took both California and Texas. California doesn’t give you the score if you pass, so I don’t know how well I did. However, I walked out of both tests feeling I did okay until the next day when I started getting into my head and questioning every single thing. To the point I thought I might’ve bombed Texas and should’ve studied harder. I passed with flying colors. It’s human nature to overthink. But I am sure you did way better than you think. I know it’s easier said than done but try not to overthink it now. You’ll only poison your mind until you get the results. You went in, you did your best. I’m sure you’ll pass. If for whatever reason you don’t, it’s not the end of the world. I know many great attorneys who had to take the exam more than once. You’ve got this. We will be cheering for you and waiting for the good news in Oct/Nov.

like

I walked out completely convinced I failed. I was distraught and angry at Barbri because the exam seemed tougher than the practice tests. This was not normal for me either; I wasn’t the sort to walk out of every test thinking that way. But I passed. I don’t know if I did so comfortably or barely but I did.

like

I was so convinced I failed I began apply to and taking interviews for non-attorney jobs. I passed.

likefunny

I’m either gonna do that or crack open my bar books again 😂😂

funnylike

I literally didn’t answer one of 6 essay questions and I passed with enough score to practice in every jx.
You are fine- take a break from thinking about it.

like

See you in Feb. 2026! Make sure you are ready to start back studying in October!!!

likefunny

I mean you!

As long as you completed more than 95 percent of Barbri, you more than likely passed. Why wouldn’t you follow the mpt format? Makes me think you didn’t follow a study regiment

likehelpful

I did that at least

like

The only person I know didn’t pass was also the only one who thought she did. She then retook it in February and passed. You more likely than not passed. If not, you’ll get it done the second time around, and your firm (assuming you are joining one) will be supportive of it. Focus on enjoying your free time until you start working!

like

^sameeee.

like

A lot of people feel like this. However, why didn’t you follow the MPT format?

like

I was responsive to the format, but forgot things like headings on one, one had an excessively long intro. Kinda blanked on how to structure one of them

like

You have to be confident in knowing that you studied and did your best. We all have doubted ourselves coming out of that exam. Just have to know you did everything you could.

like

Everyone is stressed after they take it and all you can do is keep applying and supplement your income with paralegal work.

like

I did a prep program with my law school and the number one rule was if you can’t remember the rule, make it up (for the essays at least). Make it the law of the land in your essay and just back it up. No need to stress if you made up answers if you were able to complete the essay.

like

Ok that’s what I did. Completed all essays

likesmart

Having taken bars in 2 states, I am going to say the same thing everyone else is - there is nothing you can do now so try your best to put it out of your mind. Not really possible but do your best. The trick I used was to give myself "the day off." As in "today I have the day off from worrying about the Bar - I can worry to my heart's content tomorrow but today I am off." Believe it or not, it worked. (It also helps with long-term grief if anyone is ever in that horrible situation...) Best of luck to you!!!

like

It is such a waste of time and energy to worry about what you cannot change. The July 2025 bar exam is in the past. You deserve to relax and rest after an intense summer of study. Move forward with your life and deal with the results when they are released in a few months.

likehelpful

Failed twice here. Don’t borrow trouble. You only have to pass it one time. If you didn’t pass it this time, you will try again til you pass. If you quit you can’t pass ever. It’s not that hard. You can do it.

likehelpful

I had a panic attack the night before the first day, didn’t sleep at all, didn’t finish the MEE and cried for months afterwards knowing that I failed. I even had a plan for retaking before we got results back. And I passed. Solidly. You will be okay. Congratulations on finishing!

like

Thank you!

like

I was convinced I’d failed when I left the exam. I passed AND got a good grade. Not saying it happens that way for everyone, just my personal experience — but it might as well be your case so stop worrying about it for now. There’s no benefit to it.

like

Hope my case is the same. Good point

like

Related Posts

Can anyone help me for job opportunity in kpit BE computer 2022 fresher

Hi there—have an interview this Friday and it’s been a while since I’ve had one in person. What’s standard these days? Is it expected to have a trimmed down deck with your work or is it okay to walk through your site? Thanks in advance!

like

Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Continued in comments

Post Photo
like

Hi Fishes,

Looking for Back End Developer opportunities in Seattle, WA.

YoE: 11

Lol have fun

Post Photo
likefunny

Opening in Accenture for requirement analysis.. DM me if any one wants referral

Post Photo
like

Anybody just get an email from Gympass with a huge price hike?

$80 increase for Platinum
$100 increase for Diamond

ouch. I kind of suspected their model was financially unsustainable I guess I was right.

like

To the person who pisses all over the seat of the private bathroom: we know it's you. Cut it out.

like

Interviewing for an SE position and have my final demo in a few weeks. Any trailhead modules I should check out to get more prepared/confident? Thank you in advance!

Any idea what areas/roles will experience the most growth in relation to hiring based on the recent announcement?

like

Anyone knows about company Shopee. how is WLB here? what benefits it gives to employees?

like

How is Mphasis DXC Hi-tech division ?

like

What’s your favorite part of the M&A life cycle to work on and why? What about least favorite?

like

Has anyone gotten an offer from MBB and is willing to give me a case? Pls DM

like

Does anyone need a zero trust architecture environment mandated by the federal government. I can help.

like

11 likes to enable DM ! Please help

like

Could you please confirm if there is cab facility for Shollinganallur office,since I will have to WFO for 3 days in a week


Also,if cab is available,can you please share the charges for the same.

Anyone here that can give insights into hours and wlb in Deloitte Consulting (finance and performance) in Dubai? Curious to hear honest answer on how much work is expected there.

like

Does Comcast match the offer if we have a better offer from another company? Has anyone tried it? Comcast

like

Additional Posts in Law

Hi new here. Idk what my value is and if I’m getting paid an amount that reflects my hard work. I am a paralegal for a small law firm (family and immigration) w only 1 attorney. I have about 20 files or more in my rotation at a time. I work on various types of cases at once. Some are simple, others are extensive. I feel like it’s very unstructured and one of the managers micromanages. It’s like every man for himself. Take home pay is $50k. I am working on my bachelors deg. Do I get paid enough?

like

As lawyers are there ways to get paid for connecting clients?

like

Considering becoming a consultant lawyer. Any advice/tips from someone who made that move?

like

I am a new (lateral) associate at a small firm where everyone currently works from the office. When I started, I wasn’t told specific firm hours. I’ve tried to figure out when to come and go based upon when the partners arrive and leave, but their schedules are very inconsistent. The other associates don’t have helpful guidance for me. Assuming that if I ask the partners they’ll say to use my discretion, what are reasonable hours to keep?

like

Does anyone know how litigation finance works on the plaintiff side? If someone wanted to bring a lawsuit against their former employer would a general contingency arrangement with a plaintiff’s firm make sense? Or would one need to find funding and then contact a plaintiff’s firm to actually handle the case? I’m a transactional lawyer, so this is out of my wheelhouse.

like

What is the scoop on med mal defense vs. plaintiff work? Is defense more respected by other practice areas if I were to switch somewhere else later?

I applied to a position that brands itself as civil litigation and apparently the role is med mal defense. Not sure what to go by but would like to do a little research before I call them back.

like

Does anyone enjoy lender work? If so, what about it did you find appealing? I’ve somehow been saddled with all the lender work at my firm (despite never having expressed an interest in it and having no experience with it) and it’s miserable. Having said that, our other practice areas are slowing down significantly and I don’t know if I want to rock the boat. Any advice would be much appreciated!

like

Any advice on how to deal with a partner/boss who is shifting all responsibility to me with zero guidance, no mentoring, and an unwillingness to discuss the issues? (Small firm, only associate under this partner and have been working at the firm for 2 years). There are an increasing number of passive aggressive comments from the partner who expects to be completely hands off once the case lands on my desk. Wants me to figure it all out despite cases being from different areas of law.

like

Transactional associate. Lateraled 6 months ago and one of the biggest pain points has been my new firm’s inclination to “hop on a call”, which of course requires every single stakeholder to join. The end result being every call has 25 people on it and nothing actually gets done because no one wants to ask a question that could come off as silly. It’s destroying my ability to get anything done during the day. It’s a complete performance and it drives me nuts.

like

If I was interested in looking for a job outside of law that was more consulting oriented, what kind of recruiter would I use?

like

I don’t want to make partner, and I want to stay in big law for 2-3 years, do you suggest I just do the bare minimum for hours or should I still be doing as much work as possible?

like

How do you wind down after a rough day?

like

Any insight into Barnes and Thornburg, especially in Minneapolis? Culture? Hours requirement? Comp???

like

I have an interview at a firm that focuses on criminal defense. I currently work in ID and have years of previous PD experience. I’ve never worked in private criminal defense. What questions should I ask in the interview? What should be looking at to evaluate whether it is a good practice?

As a junior, how do you deal with the anxiety that the advice you provide to a partner based on your research (that is being sent to client without much supervision) could be wrong or incomplete?

likehelpful

Any thoughts/opinions on Hogan Lovells and their Capital Markets practice (especially any insight into the culture, associate-partner relations, quality of work, work/life balance, etc.)?

like

I am looking for the post made by the junior associate with the voicemail from the female partner on a Friday night telling her how stupid she is. I didn’t bookmark the voicemail and I wanted to show it to a colleague to show her there are worse bosses than ours. Lol. It was circulating a couple of months ago. I believe it was a New York firm.

like

What is everyone’s: (1) billable hours this year; (2) practice group; (3) year; and (4) size of law firm?

like

How do you recommend dealing with a partner senior to you trying to do anything possible to push you out, force you to quit, or get you fired for years? Owner knows my abilities and likes me (contd)

like

For associates who have lateraled in the last 6 months or so, what made you decide to move? Has your situation improved since moving? I’m a transactional mid-level & I’ve interviewed with some great firms recently. I’m struggling to get excited though…it just seems like no matter where I go I’ll be overworked & under appreciated. Hoping there are some positive stories out there to give me hope. Haha

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal