Bar Exam Comparison
Massachusetts vs. New York Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the Massachusetts and New York bar exams covering format, scoring, pass rates, tested subjects, reciprocity, and more.
- Overall Pass Rate
- 76%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 85%
- Passing Score
- UBE 270
- 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 | Massachusetts (MA) | New York (NY) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam with approximately 6 hours of testing each day, administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday of February and July. | 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 270 | UBE 266 |
| Overall Pass Rate | 76% | 63% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 85% | 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 |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners | New York State Board of Law Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | Massachusetts requires a comprehensive character and fitness evaluation including a background investigation, review of financial responsibility, and disclosure of any criminal history or academic misconduct. | 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 | Massachusetts accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher earned within three years of the transfer application. Massachusetts also allows admission on motion for attorneys admitted in other jurisdictions with qualifying practice experience. | 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 | Stable | rising |
| Study Timeline | 10-12 weeks full-time preparation recommended | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Massachusetts Key Facts
- Massachusetts requires a UBE score of 270, tying it with Pennsylvania and several other states for the highest minimum passing score.
- Harvard Law School, located in Cambridge, consistently achieves near-perfect first-time bar passage rates above 95%.
- Massachusetts is home to 8 ABA-accredited law schools, giving it one of the highest concentrations of legal education programs in the country.
- The July 2024 overall pass rate of 76% was strong, reflecting the high caliber of test-takers from the state's many elite law schools.
Massachusetts Study Tips
- Massachusetts requires a 270 UBE score — one of the highest thresholds — so aim to score well above the minimum on practice exams.
- Leverage the strong academic resources available through Massachusetts' many top-tier law schools for study groups and practice materials.
- Dedicate at least 200 hours to MBE practice questions, completing and reviewing at least 2,000 practice questions before test day.
- Practice full-length timed MPT tasks to build stamina — the MPT rewards careful reading and organized legal writing.
- Create outlines for all seven MBE subjects plus the additional MEE subjects to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Do not rely solely on your law school performance — bar exam preparation requires a different skill set focused on breadth and speed.
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.