Retake NY Bar Feb 2016 or take UBE Feb 2016? Forum

[udonisandtrinity]

I failed the NY July 2015 Bar Exam.

I am considering taking two full months off to prepare for Feb. 2016. Should I just wait to take the UBE in the summer of 2016? Is it easier? You still take the MBE and MPT but instead of NY based essays, you do essays based on the MBE. You also have to watch 12 hours of online video on NY law and then take an open book exam based on NY law (open book, 50 questions, need 30 to pass).

[comet_halley]

I failed the NY July 2015 Bar Exam.

I am considering taking two full months off to prepare for Feb. 2016. Should I just wait to take the UBE in the summer of 2016? Is it easier? You still take the MBE and MPT but instead of NY based essays, you do essays based on the MBE. You also have to watch 12 hours of online video on NY law and then take an open book exam based on NY law (open book, 50 questions, need 30 to pass).

Just take UBE in a state that already adopted it.

[udonisandtrinity]

Are you saying that if I take the UBE outside of NY in FEB, I can hold onto that score and transfer it over later in 2016?

[AReasonableMan]

Are you saying that if I take the UBE outside of NY in FEB, I can hold onto that score and transfer it over later in 2016?

IDK how the policy works but if you can, I'd absolutely take this route. Over the haul of your career, you're never gonna have the time/desire to take a new bar exam. The ability to get licensed in multiple states now is kinda like being a restaurant who develops chains in various states without having to pay add'l rent.

[udonisandtrinity]

This is EXCELLENT. So you can take the UBE outside of NY in FEB 2016 and then transfer your passing score in October of 2016.

[mkr5u]

This is EXCELLENT. So you can take the UBE outside of NY in FEB 2016 and then transfer your passing score in October of 2016.

Yes. Read this page: http://www.nybarexam.org/UBE/UBE.html

[Naiya]

Hi! So are you considering the whole taking the "UBE in a different state and waiving into NY option"?

I failed the July 2015 NY bar as well and I have been going crazy trying to figure out what to do next.

[udonisandtrinity]

I am leaning towards taking the UBE. The MBE and MPT portions are the same, but instead of being tested on NY distinctions on the essay portion of the exam, you're tested on MBE subject matter plus other topics (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2 ... ment%2F183).

Six Questions, 30 minutes each. Subject matter may include any of the following:

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

In addition you must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE). The NYLE is administered four times a year and is an open book examination. You need to get 30/50 questions in order to pass.

Given all this info, plus knowing you can be admitted to multiple jurisdictions provided you have a high enough UBE score, I think I will go somewhere warm in FEB like AZ and take the UBE. It will be nice not having to memorize all those NY distinctions for several NY law topics, plus losing points on that STUPID NYMC. Plus I will have two shots to pass the NYLE in case it's super hard.

But I'm curious to know why NY has such a low UBE score (266) compared to other participating jurisdictions.

[Naiya]

So after doing some research, it does seem as though the UBE is the easier/smarter option ... but I am slightly worried about when I can waive into NY. According to BOLE, the waving provision won't be in effect until after October 1, 2016. Hmmmm....

[starryski]

i am comfortable with NY distinctions. so im sticking with feb 2015. i want to get this crap over with ASAP. im not putting my career on hold for another year.

[comet_halley]

I am leaning towards taking the UBE. The MBE and MPT portions are the same, but instead of being tested on NY distinctions on the essay portion of the exam, you're tested on MBE subject matter plus other topics (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2 ... ment%2F183).

Six Questions, 30 minutes each. Subject matter may include any of the following:

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

In addition you must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE). The NYLE is administered four times a year and is an open book examination. You need to get 30/50 questions in order to pass.

Given all this info, plus knowing you can be admitted to multiple jurisdictions provided you have a high enough UBE score, I think I will go somewhere warm in FEB like AZ and take the UBE. It will be nice not having to memorize all those NY distinctions for several NY law topics, plus losing points on that STUPID NYMC. Plus I will have two shots to pass the NYLE in case it's super hard.

But I'm curious to know why NY has such a low UBE score (266) compared to other participating jurisdictions.

Actually, it is the same as current NY bar exam. per NCBE bar instruction, NY only requires a 133 in MBE to pass the bar.

[comet_halley]

i am comfortable with NY distinctions. so im sticking with feb 2015. i want to get this crap over with ASAP. im not putting my career on hold for another year.

If you have rather high scores on essays but failed, it would be better to stick to NY bar.

But if you got a rather high grade in MBE, said greater than 133 but failed, it would be better take a UBE exam, because the MBE will have more weigh in UBE than current NY bar exam.

It all depends on your MBE goal. if you will be able to attain a score greater than 133, it would be better to take UBE rather than traditional NY bar exam.

[starryski]

i am comfortable with NY distinctions. so im sticking with feb 2015. i want to get this crap over with ASAP. im not putting my career on hold for another year.

If you have rather high scores on essays but failed, it would be better to stick to NY bar.

But if you got a rather high grade in MBE, said greater than 133 but failed, it would be better take a UBE exam, because the MBE will have more weigh in UBE than current NY bar exam.

It all depends on your MBE goal. if you will be able to attain a score greater than 133, it would be better to take UBE rather than traditional NY bar exam.

yeah i did fine on my essays. i got a 124.5 MBE, i could have passed with a 127.

[udonisandtrinity]

i am comfortable with NY distinctions. so im sticking with feb 2015. i want to get this crap over with ASAP. im not putting my career on hold for another year.

I work in compliance so no rush for me to get admitted.

[udonisandtrinity]

I am leaning towards taking the UBE. The MBE and MPT portions are the same, but instead of being tested on NY distinctions on the essay portion of the exam, you're tested on MBE subject matter plus other topics (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2 ... ment%2F183).

Six Questions, 30 minutes each. Subject matter may include any of the following:

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

In addition you must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE). The NYLE is administered four times a year and is an open book examination. You need to get 30/50 questions in order to pass.

Given all this info, plus knowing you can be admitted to multiple jurisdictions provided you have a high enough UBE score, I think I will go somewhere warm in FEB like AZ and take the UBE. It will be nice not having to memorize all those NY distinctions for several NY law topics, plus losing points on that STUPID NYMC. Plus I will have two shots to pass the NYLE in case it's super hard.

But I'm curious to know why NY has such a low UBE score (266) compared to other participating jurisdictions.

Actually, it is the same as current NY bar exam. per NCBE bar instruction, NY only requires a 133 in MBE to pass the bar.

Where are you getting this? The current NY BAR EXAM will test you on the following NY Distinctions:

(1) administrative law [effective with the February 2015 exam];
(2) business relationships, including agency, business corporations, limited liability companies,
partnerships and joint ventures;
(3) New York civil practice and procedure [effective with the February 2015 exam, Federal civil
practice and procedure will no longer be tested on the New York portion of the exam];
(4) conflict of laws;
(5) New York and federal constitutional law;
(6) contracts and contract remedies;
(7) criminal law and procedure;
(8) evidence;
(9) matrimonial and family law;
(10) professional responsibility;
(11) real property;
(12) torts and tort damages;
(13) trusts, wills and estates; and
(14) UCC Articles 2 and 9.

vs.

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

You don't need to memorize as much if you take the UBE. Plus, you're not getting dicked on that ridiculous NYMC portion of the exam. Lastly, I think NY essay graders are assholes. I know for a fact they do not closely read it. For example, in Feb 2015, I produced a thorough, quality MPT work product. I spent the full 90 minutes on it. I scored a 42~. In July 2015, I literally had twenty minutes to complete the MPT and LITERALLY put down two paragraphs of BULLSHIT. I scored a 46~!

[udonisandtrinity]

i am comfortable with NY distinctions. so im sticking with feb 2015. i want to get this crap over with ASAP. im not putting my career on hold for another year.

If you have rather high scores on essays but failed, it would be better to stick to NY bar.

But if you got a rather high grade in MBE, said greater than 133 but failed, it would be better take a UBE exam, because the MBE will have more weigh in UBE than current NY bar exam.

It all depends on your MBE goal. if you will be able to attain a score greater than 133, it would be better to take UBE rather than traditional NY bar exam.

I will take a diagnostic exam (just MBE, 200 questions) this weekend and then decide.

I take comfort knowing that there is more predictability with UBE and not having those annoying/lazy NY essay graders decide your fate.

[comet_halley]

I am leaning towards taking the UBE. The MBE and MPT portions are the same, but instead of being tested on NY distinctions on the essay portion of the exam, you're tested on MBE subject matter plus other topics (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2 ... ment%2F183).

Six Questions, 30 minutes each. Subject matter may include any of the following:

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

In addition you must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE). The NYLE is administered four times a year and is an open book examination. You need to get 30/50 questions in order to pass.

Given all this info, plus knowing you can be admitted to multiple jurisdictions provided you have a high enough UBE score, I think I will go somewhere warm in FEB like AZ and take the UBE. It will be nice not having to memorize all those NY distinctions for several NY law topics, plus losing points on that STUPID NYMC. Plus I will have two shots to pass the NYLE in case it's super hard.

But I'm curious to know why NY has such a low UBE score (266) compared to other participating jurisdictions.

Actually, it is the same as current NY bar exam. per NCBE bar instruction, NY only requires a 133 in MBE to pass the bar.

Where are you getting this? The current NY BAR EXAM will test you on the following NY Distinctions:

(1) administrative law [effective with the February 2015 exam];
(2) business relationships, including agency, business corporations, limited liability companies,
partnerships and joint ventures;
(3) New York civil practice and procedure [effective with the February 2015 exam, Federal civil
practice and procedure will no longer be tested on the New York portion of the exam];
(4) conflict of laws;
(5) New York and federal constitutional law;
(6) contracts and contract remedies;
(7) criminal law and procedure;
(8) evidence;
(9) matrimonial and family law;
(10) professional responsibility;
(11) real property;
(12) torts and tort damages;
(13) trusts, wills and estates; and
(14) UCC Articles 2 and 9.

vs.

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

You don't need to memorize as much if you take the UBE. Plus, you're not getting dicked on that ridiculous NYMC portion of the exam. Lastly, I think NY essay graders are assholes. I know for a fact they do not closely read it. For example, in Feb 2015, I produced a thorough, quality MPT work product. I spent the full 90 minutes on it. I scored a 42~. In July 2015, I literally had twenty minutes to complete the MPT and LITERALLY put down two paragraphs of BULLSHIT. I scored a 46~!

NCBE bar admission guide
http://www.ncbex.org/pubs/bar-admission ... .html#p=41

On the scale of 200, NY requires a 133 while California requires a 144.

[udonisandtrinity]

I am leaning towards taking the UBE. The MBE and MPT portions are the same, but instead of being tested on NY distinctions on the essay portion of the exam, you're tested on MBE subject matter plus other topics (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2 ... ment%2F183).

Six Questions, 30 minutes each. Subject matter may include any of the following:

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

In addition you must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE). The NYLE is administered four times a year and is an open book examination. You need to get 30/50 questions in order to pass.

Given all this info, plus knowing you can be admitted to multiple jurisdictions provided you have a high enough UBE score, I think I will go somewhere warm in FEB like AZ and take the UBE. It will be nice not having to memorize all those NY distinctions for several NY law topics, plus losing points on that STUPID NYMC. Plus I will have two shots to pass the NYLE in case it's super hard.

But I'm curious to know why NY has such a low UBE score (266) compared to other participating jurisdictions.

Actually, it is the same as current NY bar exam. per NCBE bar instruction, NY only requires a 133 in MBE to pass the bar.

Where are you getting this? The current NY BAR EXAM will test you on the following NY Distinctions:

(1) administrative law [effective with the February 2015 exam];
(2) business relationships, including agency, business corporations, limited liability companies,
partnerships and joint ventures;
(3) New York civil practice and procedure [effective with the February 2015 exam, Federal civil
practice and procedure will no longer be tested on the New York portion of the exam];
(4) conflict of laws;
(5) New York and federal constitutional law;
(6) contracts and contract remedies;
(7) criminal law and procedure;
(8) evidence;
(9) matrimonial and family law;
(10) professional responsibility;
(11) real property;
(12) torts and tort damages;
(13) trusts, wills and estates; and
(14) UCC Articles 2 and 9.

vs.

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

You don't need to memorize as much if you take the UBE. Plus, you're not getting dicked on that ridiculous NYMC portion of the exam. Lastly, I think NY essay graders are assholes. I know for a fact they do not closely read it. For example, in Feb 2015, I produced a thorough, quality MPT work product. I spent the full 90 minutes on it. I scored a 42~. In July 2015, I literally had twenty minutes to complete the MPT and LITERALLY put down two paragraphs of BULLSHIT. I scored a 46~!

NCBE bar admission guide
http://www.ncbex.org/pubs/bar-admission ... .html#p=41

On the scale of 200, NY requires a 133 while California requires a 144.

I'm asking why NY's UBE minimum passing score of 266 is lower than more than half of the participating jurisdictions.

State Passing Score First UBE Administration
Alabama 260 July 2011
Alaska 280 July 2014
Arizona 273 July 2012
Colorado 276 February 2012
Idaho 280 February 2012
Iowa 266 February 2016[13]
Kansas 266 February 2016
Minnesota 260 February 2014
Missouri 260 February 2011
Montana 270 July 2013[14]
Nebraska 270 February 2012
New Hampshire 270 February 2014
New Mexico 260 February 2016
New York 266 July 2016[15]
North Dakota 260 February 2011
Utah 270 February 2013
Vermont (proposed) 270 July 2016
Washington 270 July 2013[16]
Wyoming 270 July 2013

[comet_halley]

I am leaning towards taking the UBE. The MBE and MPT portions are the same, but instead of being tested on NY distinctions on the essay portion of the exam, you're tested on MBE subject matter plus other topics (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2 ... ment%2F183).

Six Questions, 30 minutes each. Subject matter may include any of the following:

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

In addition you must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE). The NYLE is administered four times a year and is an open book examination. You need to get 30/50 questions in order to pass.

Given all this info, plus knowing you can be admitted to multiple jurisdictions provided you have a high enough UBE score, I think I will go somewhere warm in FEB like AZ and take the UBE. It will be nice not having to memorize all those NY distinctions for several NY law topics, plus losing points on that STUPID NYMC. Plus I will have two shots to pass the NYLE in case it's super hard.

But I'm curious to know why NY has such a low UBE score (266) compared to other participating jurisdictions.

Actually, it is the same as current NY bar exam. per NCBE bar instruction, NY only requires a 133 in MBE to pass the bar.

Where are you getting this? The current NY BAR EXAM will test you on the following NY Distinctions:

(1) administrative law [effective with the February 2015 exam];
(2) business relationships, including agency, business corporations, limited liability companies,
partnerships and joint ventures;
(3) New York civil practice and procedure [effective with the February 2015 exam, Federal civil
practice and procedure will no longer be tested on the New York portion of the exam];
(4) conflict of laws;
(5) New York and federal constitutional law;
(6) contracts and contract remedies;
(7) criminal law and procedure;
(8) evidence;
(9) matrimonial and family law;
(10) professional responsibility;
(11) real property;
(12) torts and tort damages;
(13) trusts, wills and estates; and
(14) UCC Articles 2 and 9.

vs.

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

You don't need to memorize as much if you take the UBE. Plus, you're not getting dicked on that ridiculous NYMC portion of the exam. Lastly, I think NY essay graders are assholes. I know for a fact they do not closely read it. For example, in Feb 2015, I produced a thorough, quality MPT work product. I spent the full 90 minutes on it. I scored a 42~. In July 2015, I literally had twenty minutes to complete the MPT and LITERALLY put down two paragraphs of BULLSHIT. I scored a 46~!

NCBE bar admission guide
http://www.ncbex.org/pubs/bar-admission ... .html#p=41

On the scale of 200, NY requires a 133 while California requires a 144.

I'm asking why NY's UBE minimum passing score of 266 is lower than more than half of the participating jurisdictions.

State Passing Score First UBE Administration
Alabama 260 July 2011
Alaska 280 July 2014
Arizona 273 July 2012
Colorado 276 February 2012
Idaho 280 February 2012
Iowa 266 February 2016[13]
Kansas 266 February 2016
Minnesota 260 February 2014
Missouri 260 February 2011
Montana 270 July 2013[14]
Nebraska 270 February 2012
New Hampshire 270 February 2014
New Mexico 260 February 2016
New York 266 July 2016[15]
North Dakota 260 February 2011
Utah 270 February 2013
Vermont (proposed) 270 July 2016
Washington 270 July 2013[16]
Wyoming 270 July 2013

If current passing grade was scale to 400 points, it would be the same as 266.

But with the adoption of UBE, the test takers might put more efforts on MBE. The average MBE score might be higher, that would benefit the passing rate.

[udonisandtrinity]

Hi! So are you considering the whole taking the "UBE in a different state and waiving into NY option"?

I failed the July 2015 NY bar as well and I have been going crazy trying to figure out what to do next.

Do you need to get admitted as soon as possible? If so, take the Feb 2016 NY.

[vimai]

Thanks you guys for sharing the information. I know that NY is adopting the UBE in July next year but totally did not know you can take the UBE somewhere else and waive into NY. This means I can just take the Missouri Bar in February and wait until Oct 2016 to waive into NY.

[BarTaker]

Thanks you guys for sharing the information. I know that NY is adopting the UBE in July next year but totally did not know you can take the UBE somewhere else and waive into NY. This means I can just take the Missouri Bar in February and wait until Oct 2016 to waive into NY.

I guess it's correct. After my failure in July 2015, I thought about taking it in any UBE state. Any "easy" or "manageable" exam? AZ, MO, NH, WA?

[udonisandtrinity]

Thanks you guys for sharing the information. I know that NY is adopting the UBE in July next year but totally did not know you can take the UBE somewhere else and waive into NY. This means I can just take the Missouri Bar in February and wait until Oct 2016 to waive into NY.

I guess it's correct. After my failure in July 2015, I thought about taking it in any UBE state. Any "easy" or "manageable" exam? AZ, MO, NH, WA?

In order to be admitted to NY under the new UBE format, you have to score a 266. It doesn't matter which state you take the UBE. It will be graded all the same. Different states have different passing scores, but the exam itself will be the same.

Here are some considerations to take into account:

1. The UBE weighs the MBE portion of the exam at 50%, MEE at 30% and MPT at 20%. This differs from NY, which has a 40/40/10 grade score allocation. If you are weak with the MBE, take the current NY Bar Exam. If you are a great standardized test taker, then UBE is your clear choice. Also note that the MPT is at 20% so you need to spend a fair amount of time preparing for this portion of the exam.
2. Cost. You need to fly out to let's say Arizona (nice and warm), pay Arizona $700 or $800 to take the UBE, then pay to transfer the score to NY (I believe it's $250). Looking at $1,200-$1,300 (depending on airfare) vs $250.
3. NJ may adopt the UBE. Hopefully they do this soon and you can waive in just in time. You obviously have the option to waive into multiple jurisdictions provided you score high enough. I'm open to moving to AZ, CO or WA so it's nice to have this option.
4. The NY FEB Bar Exam is known to be less generous with their grading scale.
5. I believe NY will continue to make their essay questions harder and throw in plenty of curve balls to limit the number of passers. It would be their last shot to reduce the amount of passing test-takers before the UBE goes into effect.

In my opinion, I think the UBE will be more difficult because 50% of it is based on the score you get on the MBE. I am not a great standardized test taker, and given my score this past July, I'm leaning towards taking the NY Bar.

Need to also watch 12 hours worth of online video on NY Law then take a 50 question, open book multiple choice exam (need 30 to pass). It'll cost to take this exam.

[BarTaker]

Thanks you guys for sharing the information. I know that NY is adopting the UBE in July next year but totally did not know you can take the UBE somewhere else and waive into NY. This means I can just take the Missouri Bar in February and wait until Oct 2016 to waive into NY.

I guess it's correct. After my failure in July 2015, I thought about taking it in any UBE state. Any "easy" or "manageable" exam? AZ, MO, NH, WA?

In order to be admitted to NY under the new UBE format, you have to score a 266. It doesn't matter which state you take the UBE. It will be graded all the same. Different states have different passing scores, but the exam itself will be the same.

Here are some considerations to take into account:

1. The UBE weighs the MBE portion of the exam at 50%, MEE at 30% and MPT at 20%. This differs from NY, which has a 40/40/10 grade score allocation. If you are weak with MBE's, take the current NY Bar Exam. If you are a great standardized test taker, then UBE is your clear choice. Also note that the MPT is at 20% so you need to spend a fair amount of time preparing for this portion of the exam.
2. Cost. You need to fly out to let's say Arizona (nice and warm), pay Arizona $700 or $800 to take the UBE, then pay to transfer the score to NY (I believe it's $250). Looking at $1,200-$1,300 (depending on airfare) vs $250.
3. NJ may adopt the UBE. Hopefully they do this soon and you can waive in just in time. You obviously have the option to waive into multiple jurisdictions provided you score high enough. I'm open to moving to AZ, CO or WA so it's nice to have this option.
4. The NY FEB Bar Exam is known to be less generous with their grading scale.
5. I believe NY will continue to make their essay questions harder and throw in plenty of curve balls to limit the number of passers. It would be their last shot to reduce the amount of passing test-takers before the UBE goes into effect.

In my opinion, I think the UBE will be more difficult because 50% of it is based on the score you get on the MBE. I am not a great standardized test taker, and given my score this past July, this worries me.

Thanks a lot for your good analysis! I'm worried for # 4 and # 5 precisely but, like a lot of people who failed NY, my MBE was not great at all.

[Barslammer]

I am leaning towards taking the UBE. The MBE and MPT portions are the same, but instead of being tested on NY distinctions on the essay portion of the exam, you're tested on MBE subject matter plus other topics (http://www.ncbex.org/pdfviewer/?file=%2 ... ment%2F183).

Six Questions, 30 minutes each. Subject matter may include any of the following:

Business associations – Agency and partnership, corporations, limited liability companies
Conflict of laws
Constitutional law
Contracts
Criminal law and procedure
Evidence
Family law
Federal civil procedure
Real property
Torts
Trusts and estates – decedents' estates; trusts and future interests
Uniform Commercial Code – Article 3, Negotiable Instruments; Article 4 [Bank Deposits and Collections]; Article 9, Secured Transactions

In addition you must take the New York Law Course (NYLC) and take and pass an online examination, known as the New York Law Exam (NYLE). The NYLE is administered four times a year and is an open book examination. You need to get 30/50 questions in order to pass.

Given all this info, plus knowing you can be admitted to multiple jurisdictions provided you have a high enough UBE score, I think I will go somewhere warm in FEB like AZ and take the UBE. It will be nice not having to memorize all those NY distinctions for several NY law topics, plus losing points on that STUPID NYMC. Plus I will have two shots to pass the NYLE in case it's super hard.

But I'm curious to know why NY has such a low UBE score (266) compared to other participating jurisdictions.

Actually, it is the same as current NY bar exam. per NCBE bar instruction, NY only requires a 133 in MBE to pass the bar.

I have been seeing this NY magic MBE number of 133. What does this mean? There are people on here that recently passed NY with less than 133? Can someone explain?