For a long time, New York had its own unique bar exam that many found challenging to deal with. However, the state has recently switched to a more uniform bar exam that is already in use in 15 other states. This will hopefully streamline the process a little and make it easier to prepare for. People planning on taking the New York bar exam soon need to be aware of these important changes.
Scoring Changes
Of course, the most obvious change people will encounter is that scoring is no longer done the same way. Initially, there was a Multistate Bar Examination that counted for 40 percent, a New York Law Multiple Choice that counted for 10 percent and a written portion that counted for 50 percent of the score. This is going to change now to a written portion worth 30 percent, a Multistate Bar Examination worth 50 percent, and a Multistate Performance Test worth 20 percent.
New York Law Is Removed
New York Bar exams will no longer require people to be tested on New York Law as a separate subject. This is helpful because students do not have to memorize multiple sets of laws just to pass the bar. Instead, the test on New York state law will be held separately after a person successfully passes the bar.
Test Scheduling Alterations
Due to the changes in the test material, the New York Board of Law Examiners has started using a new schedule. People start by doing two Multistate Test Performances, then they get a small break before going into the essay portion. The following day, there will be three hours to do 100 multiple choice questions, a break of an hour and a half, and then 100 more multiple choice questions.
Reductions to Essay Subjects
Those who struggled with essays before can breathe a sigh of relief. Instead of having 22 potential essay subjects to study, the new test only has 14 essay subjects to pick from. In addition to having less essay material to study, people also have less time to do the essays. Each one of the six essays has a 30-minute time limit now. Due to the shorter time limit, students will be expected to write more concise essays.