Bar Exam Comparison
Pennsylvania vs. New York Bar Exam
A side-by-side comparison of the Pennsylvania and New York bar exams covering format, scoring, pass rates, tested subjects, reciprocity, and more.
- Overall Pass Rate
- 77%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 83%
- 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 | Pennsylvania (PA) | 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 | 77% | 63% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 83% | 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 |
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| Bar Admission Authority | Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners | New York State Board of Law Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | Pennsylvania requires a comprehensive character and fitness investigation conducted by the Board of Law Examiners, including background checks, financial review, and disclosure of criminal, academic, or professional 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 | Pennsylvania accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher. Pennsylvania also allows admission on motion for attorneys with qualifying practice experience in other jurisdictions, subject to character and fitness review. | 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 | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion |
Top Law Schools
Pennsylvania
Key Facts & Study Tips
Pennsylvania Key Facts
- Pennsylvania requires a UBE score of 270, tying it with Massachusetts and several other states for the highest minimum passing score.
- The University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School is ranked #4 nationally, making it one of the most prestigious law schools in the country.
- Pennsylvania's July 2024 overall pass rate of 77% and first-time pass rate of 83% represent strong outcomes despite the high passing score.
- Pennsylvania has 9 ABA-accredited law schools spread across Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, offering diverse options for legal education.
Pennsylvania Study Tips
- Pennsylvania's 270 passing score is the highest tier among UBE states — build in a buffer and aim for 280+ on practice exams.
- With a July 2024 first-time pass rate of 83%, strong preparation should yield a passing result for most ABA graduates.
- Dedicate significant time to MBE practice — at least 1,500-2,000 questions with thorough review of incorrect answers.
- Practice writing concise, organized MEE responses — aim to identify the key issues quickly and allocate time accordingly.
- If you plan to practice in the Philadelphia area, consider the portability of your UBE score to New Jersey (266) and New York (266).
- Take at least 2-3 full-length simulated exams under realistic timed conditions before test day.
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.