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What are the Best Tips for Completing a Bar Exam Application?

K. Gierok
K. Gierok

Completing a bar exam application can be a very difficult process, so to achieve optimal results, it is important to keep a few basic guidelines in mind. First, individuals should choose the location in which to take the bar exam. Once this decision has been made, the appropriate application form should be obtained; often, applications can be found online. Applicants should read the application carefully in order to determine exactly which documents are required. Once the application has been filled out, it should be reviewed for spelling or other errors. In most cases, it is also necessary to pay an application fee.

One of the most important tips to keep in mind when completing a bar exam application is where the exam should be taken. Many different countries have versions of a bar exam, and in some cases, exams are given regionally; in the United States, for example, it's administered by state. Typically, bar exams vary quite a bit between locations, in both difficulty of the exam and in price. For some people, the choice of where to take the bar exam is simple, as they wish to take it in the location in which they currently reside, but for others, the choice is more difficult. Exam pass rates, lawyer incomes, and business requirements may significantly affect the decision making process when choosing where to take the bar exam.

Most bar exams require test takers to answer questions on more than 15 legal sub-specialties.
Most bar exams require test takers to answer questions on more than 15 legal sub-specialties.

Once the decision has been made regarding where the bar exam will be taken, it is important to obtain a copy of the actual application for the exam. Many jurisdictions make the form available on the Internet, although it may be possible to obtain one in person. Applicants should review the application carefully in order to determine when, exactly, the application must be completed and submitted.

Another important tip for completing a bar exam application is to gather all necessary documents well ahead of time. This includes transcripts from both law school and college, letters of recommendation, and in some cases, a criminal background check. Applicants should read the requirements for the particular region that is being applied for in order to achieve the best results. While most jurisdictions require that these documents be official, and therefore notarized, some accept unofficial transcripts.

When filling out the bar exam application, applicants should work slowly, paying close attention to each question that is being asked. Once the application has been completed, it should be reviewed for any spelling errors. If an error has been made, applicants should use whiteout to carefully remove the mistake, and neatly write over the whiteout with ink of the same color that was used previously.

In most cases, a bar exam application is not considered complete until any fees are paid. Depending on the location, it may be possible to pay bar exam application fee by check or credit card. This fee may vary quite a bit depending on where the applicant is applying, so it is important to confirm that the correct amount is paid.

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    • Most bar exams require test takers to answer questions on more than 15 legal sub-specialties.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Most bar exams require test takers to answer questions on more than 15 legal sub-specialties.