- Overall Pass Rate
- 72%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 80%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
- Overall Pass Rate
- 63%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 78%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Illinois (IL) | New York (NY) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT). MBE is 50%, MEE is 30%, MPT is 20%. Scored on a 400-point scale with a minimum passing score of 266. | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam. Day 1: written portion with MPT and MEE. Day 2: 200-question MBE in two 3-hour sessions. Additionally, New York requires completion of the NYLC and passage of the NYLE, plus 50 hours of pro bono service. |
| UBE Status | UBE | UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 266 | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 72% | 63% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 80% | 78% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | None (UBE only) | New York Law Course (NYLC) covering: NY Civil Practice and Procedure, NY Criminal Law and Procedure, NY Evidence, NY Professional Responsibility, NY Contracts, NY Real Property, NY Torts, NY Family Law, NY Trusts, Wills and Estates, NY Business Relationships, NY Administrative Law, NY Conflict of Laws |
| Essay Topics |
|
|
| Bar Admission Authority | Illinois Board of Admissions to the Bar | New York State Board of Law Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | All applicants must complete a Character and Fitness Questionnaire reviewed by the Committee on Character and Fitness for their Judicial District. Applicants with felony convictions or pending charges must receive certification before sitting for the exam. | New York requires a rigorous character and fitness evaluation conducted by one of the four Appellate Division departments, including extensive background checks, financial disclosure, and review of employment and academic history. |
| Reciprocity | As a UBE state, Illinois accepts transferred UBE scores of 266 or higher. UBE scores are portable for up to 5 years from the exam date. | New York accepts UBE score transfers of 266 or higher earned within three years. Applicants transferring a UBE score must still complete the NYLC, pass the NYLE, satisfy the MPRE requirement, and complete 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service. |
| Pass Rate Trend | rising | rising |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended for UBE states with a 266 passing score | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion |
Top Law Schools
Illinois
Key Facts & Study Tips
Illinois Key Facts
- Illinois requires a UBE score of 266, which is above the national median UBE passing score.
- The July 2024 overall pass rate rose to 72%, up 2 percentage points from 2023.
- Illinois is home to some of the nation's top law schools, including the University of Chicago (consistently top 5).
- Illinois will transition to the NextGen bar exam in February 2028.
Illinois Study Tips
- Focus heavily on the MBE since it accounts for 50% of your total score and Illinois requires a 266, which is on the higher end of UBE passing scores.
- Practice MEE essays under timed conditions, as the six 30-minute essays require efficient issue spotting and analysis.
- Dedicate time to MPT preparation since many examinees underestimate the performance test, which counts for 20% of the total score.
- Study the most commonly tested MEE subjects: Contracts, Evidence, Constitutional Law, and Real Property appear frequently.
- Take full-length practice exams to build stamina for the two-day, 12-hour testing format.
- Illinois is transitioning to the NextGen bar exam in February 2028, so plan your exam timeline accordingly.
New York Key Facts
- New York's 63% overall pass rate is misleading — it reflects the very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated test-takers. First-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- New York requires additional state-specific components beyond the UBE: the New York Law Course (NYLC), the New York Law Exam (NYLE), and 50 hours of pro bono service.
- New York is one of the largest bar exam jurisdictions in the country, with over 10,000 test-takers annually across both administrations.
- Columbia Law School and NYU School of Law are both ranked in the top 10 nationally and have first-time bar passage rates above 95%.
New York Study Tips
- New York has a lower overall pass rate (63%) partly because it attracts a very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated lawyers — first-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- Do not neglect the NYLC and NYLE requirements — you cannot be admitted without completing both, even if you pass the UBE with a high score.
- Complete your 50 hours of pro bono service early, ideally during law school, to avoid delays in your admission timeline.
- Spend the majority of your study time on MBE preparation — it accounts for half your score and is the most predictable component.
- Practice at least 3 full MPT tasks under timed conditions before exam day, as many test-takers underperform on this section.
- If you plan to transfer a UBE score from another state, remember that New York's additional requirements (NYLC, NYLE, pro bono) still apply.