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
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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!

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^sameeee.

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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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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!!!

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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!

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Thank you!

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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.

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Hope my case is the same. Good point

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