This is my first time posting on Reddit. After receiving my Bar Exam results, I felt called to share my journey and to thank Jesus for everything He has done in my life.
This was my fourth attempt at the bar exam. Although my score was not high enough to pass in my home state, I finally achieved a score that allows me to transfer to other jurisdictions and begin practicing and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
Each attempt was brutal and came with its own set of challenges in my personal life. The only reason I was able to sit for the exam this last time was because of Jesus carrying me through it.
My first attempt was like many others. I had just graduated from law school and naively believed I could pass the bar like any other test. I used a big bar prep program, but the exam humbled me quickly with a low score of 242. Still determined, I reapplied right away.
During my second attempt, I switched to another bar prep program. Around the same time I submitted my application, my mom became very sick she suffered multiple brain aneurysms. I stayed by her side through treatments, severe side effects, and frequent seizures. By God’s grace, she eventually recovered after a long and difficult battle. However, when I received my results, my score had dropped even lower from the 240s to 220s.
My third attempt was the hardest and most painful. I used the same program from my second attempt. During that year, my mom was murdered. Two months later, I received my results and had scored even lower than my second attempt. I have never experienced that level of pain in my life, and I spiraled afterward.
Fast forward to today, I received a score of 263.
This time, I changed my approach and stepped away from the traditional big bar prep programs. I found a study style that worked better for me, and it truly made all the difference. I also worked with tutors, whose guidance helped me stay focused and intentional in my preparation. While my score wasn’t enough to pass in my home state, it is enough to transfer, and I will finally be able to be sworn in and begin practicing law.
I know, without a doubt, that I would not have made it here without Christ. He has blessed me in so many ways especially through the people He placed in my life. Meeting my wife and receiving her constant encouragement to keep going, even when I wanted to give up, meant everything.
Because of Him, and because of the people He surrounded me with, I now have the opportunity to practice law and make my mom and my family proud.
To anyone preparing for the next bar exam. I’m rooting for you. Truly. Don’t give up, even when it feels impossible. Your path may look different, and it may take longer than you expected, but it is still worth it.
And if anyone has recommendations on where I can transfer my UBE score, I’d really appreciate your input. Thank you all so much.