Bar Application
It's the second to last week! I almost can't believe how fast this final quarter has passed.
I plan on taking the bar exam in New York and Massachusetts. For those reading, this application process probably seems far into the future. But I would recommend for anyone who does plan on taking the bar, sign up to be a BarBri or Kaplan PMBR representative. The reps get to take the bar class for free. Looking back, I wish I had done that because I would have saved myself more than $2700. That's how much it cost to sign up for the New York barbri class. That's not including the amount that I have to pay for books for Massachusetts.
It may seem self-evident, (but I remember when I was a ignorant 1L who knew nothing), BarBri is separate from the bar exam.
The Bar exam is administered by the board of examiners. You take the exam in the state where you plan on practicing. Many people choose to take two exams. This is possible for MA, NY, CT, and RI. I don't know about the other states, but I imagine it's difficult with a state like California.
Otherwise, even before you can take the bar exam you have to apply to take the bar exam. For NY, it's fifteen minutes online. For MA, it's a bit more of an ordeal with requirements for recommendations and employment history from when you were 18. I've heard RI is even more difficult, requiring even your traffic violations.
Still, for incoming 1Ls applying for the bar is very far off. But it's a good idea to keep in mind what you'll need.