Thread: Feb bar vs July bar

Originally Posted by cabartutor

Bottom Line: take the bar when you have the time and energy to give to preparation.


i took and passed CA in Feb. 07-- passing rate overall was low-- around 36% i think-- however, the rate for first time takers vs. repeat takers showed a huge difference (in favor of first timers). More repeaters in Feb.= a lower passage rate. Unfortunately people tend to study the same way the 2nd or 3rd time as the did the first. If you do what you have always done, you will get the results you always have gotten... no?

Don't play statistics, you will get more for your time...i.e. bang for your buck... by doing essays and MBE's than figuring out if the numbers will play in your favor depending on July vs. February.

I totally agree with this advice. Take a good prep course (assuming it's your first time taking a bar exam) and practice, practice, practice. Practice really does make perfect!

Hey,
Your chances of passing don't really depend on when you take the bar. It's all about your preparation and mindset. That being said, I think there are 8 differences between the two:

1) Time to prepare
Feb - Less time to prep, by about 2 weeks than July

2) People studying with you
July - More people take and you might have more of your friends

3) Summer vs. Winter studying
Spend a summer or winter indoor preparing?

4) Time off before bar prep starts
Feb - Short Holiday break
July - no or shorter break

5) Bar results
Feb - Find out day before you graduate in some states
July - Thanksgiving week

6) Pass Rate
Feb - may be lower, but only because more retakers
July - higher pass

7) Bar Dues
Feb - If you pass earlier, you have to pay full year of bar dues
July - Only have to pay half bar dues

8) Tuition
Save money if you graduate early rather than taking extra semester

If you want a more in-depth look, I wrote a full analysis of the two in my post:
Should I take the February or July Bar? | I Passed My Bar Exam

Either way, Good luck!!!
Dustin