It’s Okay That You Failed the Bar, Here’s What to Do Next

“What If I Don’t Pass the Bar Exam the First Time?”

Take a breath—seriously. Let that question sit with you for a second. If your stomach just dropped, you’re not alone. Fear of failure is a quiet companion for just about every law school grad. And when it comes to the bar, the stakes feel sky-high. But here’s the truth: not passing on your first try doesn’t define you. In fact, it puts you in good company.

Let me introduce you to a former Admit Advantage client—we’ll call her Nina. Nina graduated from a top law school, had a rock-solid internship, and still didn’t pass the bar on her first go. She was devastated. Embarrassed. Questioning everything. But she didn’t give up. She regrouped, got real about what wasn’t working, and built a new study plan that worked for her—not some cookie-cutter model. The second time, she passed. Today? She’s thriving at a firm that values her persistence more than her perfect test score.

If you’re reading this because you’re worried—or you’ve already seen that “not passed” screen—this article is for you. We’re not here to sugarcoat the journey, but to walk through it with you. Step by step, we’ll tackle the emotions, the logistics, and the mindset shift that turns a setback into a setup for long-term success. Let’s bring a little clarity—and a whole lot of hope—to what comes next.

Understanding the Bar Exam: Structure, Frequency, and Stakes 

The bar exam isn’t just a test—it’s the gateway to becoming a licensed attorney in the U.S. But let’s break it down so it feels a little less intimidating and a lot more manageable.

At its core, the bar exam is designed to assess whether you have the legal knowledge and reasoning skills to practice law safely and competently. Most jurisdictions use the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE), developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). The UBE includes three parts: the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE), a multiple-choice section; the Multistate Essay Examination (MEE); and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT), which simulates real-life legal tasks.

But not every state uses the UBE. For instance, California and Florida administer their own state-specific exams, which still include an MBE portion but feature unique essays and performance tasks that reflect local law. Texas, once independent, transitioned to the UBE in 2021. So where you plan to practice really matters.

Timing-wise, the bar is offered just twice a year—every February and July. Miss one, and the next shot is months away. That adds pressure, yes, but it also means you have the chance to plan and prep with intention.

Now, the stakes: passing the bar means you can apply for admission to your state’s bar and start practicing law. Not passing? It means a delay—but not a derailment. It’s a setback, not a statement about your worth or potential. Plenty of successful lawyers didn’t pass the first time around. What matters most is how you regroup, learn, and come back stronger. This is a high-stakes moment, but it’s not the whole story. You’ve still got the pen—and you’re the one writing the next chapter.

How Many Times Can You Take the Bar Exam?

When it comes to retaking the bar exam, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule—because this isn’t governed at the federal level. Each state sets its own policy on how many times you can sit for the exam. That means your ability to retake it depends entirely on where you plan to practice.

Here’s the good news first: many states don’t cap the number of attempts. Places like California, New York, and the District of Columbia allow unlimited tries. That’s right—no arbitrary ceiling standing between you and your license. You can keep going as long as you’re willing to put in the work. These jurisdictions recognize that persistence is often as important as performance.

But in some states, the rules come with conditions or caps. Take Texas, for example. You can take the exam five times—after that, you’ll need special permission to try again. South Carolina also limits applicants to three attempts before requiring extra review and approval from the state’s Board of Law Examiners. New Hampshire allows four attempts before imposing additional application requirements.

Then there are jurisdictions that fall somewhere in the middle. Some don’t set hard limits but expect you to demonstrate progress or complete supplemental education after a few failed attempts. Others may impose “cooling-off” periods before you can reapply.

If you’re worried this might apply to you, don’t panic—get informed. Knowing your state’s specific retake policy early on can help you create a long-term plan. You might even decide to transfer your UBE score to a more flexible jurisdiction, if applicable.

Ultimately, remember this: limits on attempts aren’t about punishment. They’re about ensuring readiness—and sometimes, readiness takes time. The key isn’t how many times it takes you to pass. It’s that you do. Every retake is another opportunity to sharpen your skills, strengthen your strategy, and show your future clients the resilience that will make you a standout attorney.

Spotlight: Texas, California, and Other Key States

Let’s take a closer look at how bar exam retake policies play out in a few key states, starting with two of the biggest: Texas and California.

Texas: Structure with Scrutiny
In Texas, there’s technically no absolute cap on bar exam attempts—but things do get more complicated after your fifth try. Once you’ve taken the Texas bar five times, the Board of Law Examiners steps in. They’ll evaluate whether you’ve made meaningful progress, and they may require additional documentation, remedial coursework, or proof of improved preparation strategies before greenlighting another attempt. The message is clear: persistence is respected, but you’ve got to show growth. It’s not a “no,” it’s a “show me you’re ready.”

California: High Bar, No Limit
California is a different story entirely. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the bar exam here—and that’s a good thing, because the California bar is notoriously tough. With some of the lowest pass rates in the country (often hovering around 40–50%), many test-takers need more than one attempt to cross the finish line. The state recognizes this and offers broad access to repeat testing. The trade-off? A rigorous exam and a long road, but one you’re welcome to travel as many times as it takes.

Quick Glance at Other Key States:

  • New York: Unlimited attempts. It’s a UBE jurisdiction, so flexibility is baked in. Retakers are common and fully supported.
  • Georgia: Allows up to three attempts. After that, you’ll need to petition the Board for further tries and may have to show proof of extra study or bar prep courses.
  • Florida: No official cap, but each attempt requires a fresh application, and your file may face additional scrutiny if attempts stack up.
  • Illinois: No limit. Like New York, it follows the UBE and has a supportive infrastructure for repeat takers.
  • Washington: Also a UBE state with no cap on attempts—welcoming those willing to keep working at it.

These state-by-state differences highlight one essential truth: failing the bar doesn’t lock you out. But where you plan to practice does shape your path forward. Know the rules, own your strategy, and keep your eyes on the goal.

What Happens If You Fail?

First things first: if you didn’t pass, it’s okay to feel disappointed. Let that emotion in—but don’t let it take over. You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not the first future attorney to stumble on this step. Some of the most respected, high-powered lawyers you know or admire didn’t pass on their first try. They didn’t quit. They recalibrated—and so can you.

Once you’ve caught your breath, it’s time to move forward with purpose. Start with your score report. It’s more than just a formality—it’s a roadmap. Where did you struggle? Were your essay scores off? Did the MBE trip you up? Pinpointing the trouble areas helps you focus your energy where it matters most. Maybe your prep method wasn’t aligned with your learning style. Maybe you burned out before test day. These aren’t failures of character—they’re signals about what needs to shift.

This is also where Admit Advantage can step in. We work one-on-one with test takers and re-takers to develop tailored study strategies that actually work. No cookie-cutter approaches here—just smart, strategic support from people who’ve been in your shoes and know what it takes to get across the finish line. From rebuilding your confidence to refining your study schedule, we’re with you every step of the way.

Remember: failing the bar exam is a moment, not a verdict. It doesn’t define your future—it refines it. What you do next is what counts. And we’re here to make sure your next step is a powerful one.

Beyond the Bar: What It Means to Persevere

Plenty of big names didn’t pass the bar exam on their first try. President John F. Kennedy didn’t make the cut. Neither did Hillary Clinton or Vice President Kamala Harris (yep, California’s bar got her too). And Joe Biden? Failed the Delaware bar before eventually becoming a senator—and, well, you know the rest.

Resilience isn’t optional in this profession—it’s the foundation. Let me tell you about Malik, a former Admit Advantage client. After two failed attempts, Malik was ready to walk away. But instead, he took a breath, got clear on his gaps, and changed everything—his study habits, his mindset, even his daily routine. Third try? He passed. Today, he’s a passionate public defender, doing work that lights him up every single day.

Perseverance doesn’t just get you to the finish line—it shapes who you are when you cross it. Keep showing up. You’re building the kind of strength no test can measure.

Next Steps and Call to Action

Ready to tackle the bar with a smarter plan? Whether it’s your first try or your next, you don’t have to go it alone. Take charge of your prep with support that’s built around you—your learning style, your schedule, and your goals. At Admit Advantage, we’ve helped countless future attorneys bounce back stronger and pass with confidence. Let’s do the same for you.

Schedule your free consultation today and start building a plan that works. You’ve got what it takes—now let’s make sure your prep strategy does too. We’re here and ready when you are.