FAQ: #4 When Should You Take The MPRE?
Hey All,
We get this question all the time and it's a great one. The first thing to consider are your future plans. If you're planning to take the bar right after a traditional May law school graduation, then you'll almost certainly want to have taken the MPRE before the July bar exam.
States differ on their rules as to whether you can be sworn in as an attoreny or sit for the bar exam before passing the MPRE. Some states will allow you to sit, but not be sworn in without a passing MPRE (and bar exam) score. Some states won't even allow you to sit if you don't have a passing MPRE score. Make sure to check with your own state's board of bar examiners website for specific state rules.
Normally we advise students take the MPRE either as a 2L or 3L. Spring of 2L year is generally an ideal time to take the bar as it gives you plenty of time to retake it if needed, or if anything comes up and stops you from sitting for the date you initially signed up for. That being said, early 3L year or even midway thru 3L year works. The real key is making sure you comply with your state's guidelines. As a pro tip, taking Professional Responsibility at your law school before taking the MPRE is also a good way to get extra studying in as that covers the same topics.
Make sure to utilize your Kaplan MPRE course as it has tons of practice exams and questions available. Let us know when you're taking (or took) the MPRE in the comments. Thanks all!
Victor