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General Bar Exam Timeline

Below is general information to guide your bar exam preparation and registration for each year you are in law school.

Please remember that every state administers its own bar exam, so you should confirm all deadlines and other relevant information with the bar exam administrative authority for the state where you plan to take the exam. Note that the bar exam application is different from the Application for Character and Fitness.

First Year

You may be able to apply for early determination of character and fitness as a law student. Doing so may result in lower registration fees.

When registering for classes, it may be advantageous to enroll in as many bar courses as possible. You should check what subjects are tested on the bar exam in the state where you plan to practice, as the subjects that are tested will vary among states.

Second Year

If you did not apply for early determination of character and fitness, there still may be time to do so.

Again, consider registering for bar courses.

Also, you should consider taking the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE). The MPRE is given each year in April, August and November. Remember, each state has different requirements for when you can take the MPRE and what score is required. Check with the bar exam administrative authority for the state where you plan to take the exam.

Third Year

In your third year you will apply for the bar exam, as well as make your application for character and fitness if you have not already done so. The deadlines for filing the bar exam application vary among states.

You should also consider registering for those bar courses you have not yet taken.

For more specific information on each of these steps towards admission to the bar, visit the Academic Resource Center in Room 1082 or on Canvas.