Bar Exam Score Range: What You Need to Know

If you’re deep into bar prep (or even just starting to look ahead), you’ve probably heard people talk about raw scores, scaled scores, written scores, and the all-important passing score. But what do those numbers actually mean?

And, with state pass rates having such a massive range (anywhere from 32% to 88% in 2024), how does your state affect that score range?

Understanding the bar exam score range can give you a serious advantage. When you know how your performance is calculated and how close you are to your jurisdiction’s passing score, you can study smarter, not harder.

So, let’s walk through everything you need to know, from how scores are calculated to what counts as a “good” score.

Key Takeaways

• Total Score Out of 400: In Uniform Bar Exam states, your final score ranges from 0 to 400 and includes results from the MBE, MEE, and MPT.
• Passing Scores Vary: Most jurisdictions require a minimum score between 260 and 280, depending on the state.
• MBE Scaled Score Matters: Your multiple-choice score is scaled and makes up 50% of your total score—don’t overlook it.
• Written Sections Add Up: The MEE and MPT together make up the other 50% of your score, so balanced prep is key.
• Use Your Score Report: Whether you pass or not, your score report can help you understand what worked and where you can improve.

How the Bar Exam Is Scored (And Why It’s Not Straightforward)

Here’s the deal: the bar exam isn’t scored like a college test. It’s made up of several parts, and each section is weighted differently depending on what state you’re in. If you’re in one of the Uniform Bar Exam states, your total score will be out of 400.

That 400-point score comes from three major sections:

• Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) – 50%
• Multistate Essay Exam (MEE) – 30%
• Multistate Performance Test (MPT) – 20%

You’ll take all three over two days. But while you’ll finish the exam in 48 hours, your actual score is the result of multiple steps behind the scenes.

Raw Score vs. Scaled Score: What’s the Difference?

This is where things can get confusing, so let’s break it down.

Your raw score is the number of questions you answer correctly—no curves, no adjustments. This is mainly used in the MBE, which includes 200 multiple-choice questions. For example, if you answer 130 correctly, that’s your raw MBE score.

But here’s the catch: not all bar exams are exactly the same. Some are slightly harder than others, depending on the year. So your raw score is converted into a scaled score, which adjusts for difficulty. This ensures fairness across different test dates.

Your MBE scaled score can range from about 40 to 200. Most students end up somewhere between 120 and 140.

For the written sections—the MEE and MPT—you’re graded on your responses by bar examiners, and then your scores are also scaled. This way, everyone is judged evenly, no matter who’s grading or what kind of test questions they got.

What’s a Passing Score?

In Uniform Bar Exam states, passing scores range from 260 to 280 out of 400. Though it isn’t calculated the same way, this would be roughly equivalent to 65% to 70%, or a D or C-.

That’s your UBE score, and it includes:

• Your MBE scaled score
• Your MEE and MPT scores combined (often called your “written score”)

Here’s a quick look at how it breaks down in different states:

• 260: Lowest passing score (used in states like Minnesota and Missouri)
• 266: Middle passing score (used in states like Connecticut, Illinois, and New York)
• 270: Highest and most common passing score (used in states like Texas and New Jersey)

Your jurisdiction’s minimum passing score is set by its own bar examiners, so it’s important to double-check the requirements where you’re planning to sit for the exam—or where you might want to transfer your score.

What’s a “Good” Score vs. a “Bad” Score?

If you’re aiming for a score that opens more doors—or just trying to gauge how close you are—here’s a basic guide:

• 300-330: This is an excellent score, putting you in the 90th percentile or higher.
• 280: This is considered a strong score. You’ll meet the passing standard in every UBE jurisdiction and be competitive for score transfers.
• 270–279: Solid. You’ll pass in most jurisdictions, and you’re only a few points away from the highest bar states.
• 260–269: Passing in many states but may not be transferable to higher-scoring jurisdictions.
• Below 260: Unfortunately, this won’t get you licensed anywhere. But don’t panic. Many test-takers retake the bar, refine their strategy, and pass on their next attempt.

One thing I like to remind folks: a passing score is a passing score. No one sees your exact number once you’re licensed. Whether you pass by 1 point or 100, you’ll still get the same result—bar admission.

How Your Written Score Is Calculated

Now let’s talk about the essays and the Multistate Performance Test (MPT).

Each essay on the Multistate Essay Exam is graded on a scale—typically 1 to 6 or 0 to 10, depending on your jurisdiction. Your total essay score is then scaled to match the MBE’s scoring system so both sections carry equal weight in the final calculation.

The Multistate Performance Test is scored the same way. You’ll complete two lawyering tasks—like drafting a memo or client letter—and those are also graded and scaled.

When combined, your MEE + MPT scores make up your “written score,” which accounts for 50% of your total UBE score (30% MEE + 20% MPT).

Reading Your Score Report

Once results are released, you’ll get a score report that breaks down:

• Your MBE scaled score
• Your written score (MEE + MPT)
• Your total UBE score

Some states may also include your percentile rank, showing how you performed compared to other bar takers.

If you didn’t pass, your report is an essential tool. It shows you where you lost points, and which section needs more attention the next time around. For example, some test-takers crush the MBE but struggle with MPT scores—or vice versa.

Tips for Maximizing Your Score

If you’re still prepping, here are a few tips I’d offer based on how scores are structured:

• Don’t Ignore the MPT: It may be “only” 20% of your total, but those points add up fast—and it’s not about memorization, it’s about time management and structure.
• Balance Your Prep: Since the MBE and written components each make up 50% of your total, make sure you’re giving both equal attention.
• Track Practice Scores: Many prep courses give you scaled estimates. These aren’t perfect, but they can help you monitor progress toward your target passing score.
• Review the Feedback: If you’ve taken the exam before, your score report can guide your study plan. Focus on weak areas to push your UBE score over the line.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the bar exam score range isn’t just about knowing what numbers to aim for—it’s about feeling confident in your prep and knowing what every hour of study is working toward.

Whether you’re shooting for a 330 or just hoping to cross that 260 threshold, knowing how each section plays into your total score can help you make smarter decisions along the way.

So as you study, keep your eyes on the score—but don’t forget: this exam isn’t just about numbers. It’s about proving you’re ready to take that next step and practice law.

And you’re absolutely capable of doing that. Keep going—you’ve got this.

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