Texas (TX)
UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 75%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 84%
- 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 | Texas (TX) | New York (NY) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT). Two-day exam: Day 1 includes the MEE (6 essays, 30% weight) and MPT (2 performance tests, 20% weight); Day 2 is the MBE (200 multiple-choice questions, 50% weight). Minimum passing score is 270. | 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 | 75% | 63% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 84% | 78% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | Texas Law Course (required for admission) | 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 | Texas Board of Law Examiners, under the Texas Supreme Court | New York State Board of Law Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | The Texas Board of Law Examiners conducts character and fitness evaluations. Applicants must demonstrate good moral character and fitness, and must also pass the MPRE with a score of 85 or higher. | 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 | Texas accepts UBE score transfers of 270 or higher. Transferred scores must meet the Texas Board of Law Examiners' requirements, including completion of a Texas Law Course and passing the MPRE with a score of 85. | 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 for the UBE | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion |
Key Facts & Study Tips
Texas Key Facts
- Texas adopted the UBE in February 2021, replacing its longstanding state-specific exam format.
- Texas law school graduates achieved a first-time pass rate of over 90% on the July 2025 bar exam, a historic high.
- Texas requires a higher MPRE score (85) compared to many other jurisdictions.
- A Texas Law Course is required for admission even when transferring a UBE score from another state.
Texas Study Tips
- Texas adopted the UBE in 2021, replacing its previous state-specific exam -- study UBE-standard materials.
- The MBE is weighted at 50% of your total score, making it the single most important component to master.
- Texas requires a higher MPRE score (85) than many other states -- prepare for this separately.
- Complete the required Texas Law Course covering Texas-specific legal topics before seeking admission.
- First-time takers in Texas achieved a 90%+ pass rate from Texas law schools in July 2025 -- strong preparation pays off.
- Practice with released NCBE MEE and MPT questions and take full-length timed practice exams.
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.