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Improved Bar Passage Rates in States with Lowered Cut Scores

Several states that reduced the minimum passing score for the bar exam in 2023 saw improvements in their February 2024 bar passage rates. Here’s a breakdown of the changes and their impact on test-takers:

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Idaho

  • Pass Rate Increase: Jumped to 54% from 36% in February 2023.
  • Cut Score Reduction: Lowered from 272 to 270.

Pennsylvania

  • Pass Rate Increase: Rose to 48% from 44% in February 2024.
  • Cut Score Reduction: Decreased from 272 to 270.

Arizona

  • Pass Rate Increase: Climbed to 46% from 41% in February 2023.
  • Cut Score Reduction: Dropped three points from 273 to 270.

Utah

  • Pass Rate Increase: Reached 66% compared to 65% in February 2023.
  • Cut Score Reduction: Decreased by 10 points from 270 to 260.

However, Alaska, which also lowered its passing score in February 2023, experienced a decrease in its pass rate from 75% to 42% in February 2024.

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Exam Administration Details

  • Total Test-Takers: 19,496 in February 2024.
  • Top States for Pass Rates: Utah and Virginia led with 66%, followed by North Dakota and Montana with 61% and 60%, respectively.
  • Lowest Pass Rates: Alabama had the lowest pass rate at 32%, with Maine, Maryland, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Connecticut following closely.

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National Mean Scores

  • Multistate Bar Examination (MBE): Increased to 131.8 from 131.1 in February 2023 but still lower than the February 2020 level of 132.6.
  • Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE): Averaged 97.1 in March 2024, up from 94.9 in March 2023.
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