Exam results are out, and you didn’t do so well. You need to rewrite. Not quite the results you hoped for, but that’s okay. As disappointing as this may be, it is far from the worst thing for you. Now it is time to collect yourself, figure out where things didn’t go the way you hoped, and be better prepared for the next time.
How Many People Really Fail the Ontario Bar Exams?
Although the LSO does not publish an official pass rate for each, or any, of the Ontario Bar Licensing Exam sittings, information is still available. The latest statistics from the LSO indicate that overall, only 71 percent of candidates were successful on their first attempt at the barrister exam, and only 69 percent of candidates were successful on their solicitor exam.1
This demonstrates that it is more common for students to write the bar exam two or three times before passing than candidates are led to believe. This is certainly more than what many people believe. Because of the great emphasis put on passing the licensing exams, it is uncommon for candidates to share this information with friends and colleagues. This contributes to the myth that “everybody passes” and artificially creates additional stress and anxiety for those that do not.
Does Failing Mean My Law Career Is Doomed?
Absolutely not. Many high achievers with outstanding careers did not pass their bar exams the first, or even the second, time that they wrote. Smart, high-achieving candidates fail the Ontario Bar Exams for no discernible reason, even after passing the bar in other provinces or countries. Some better-known examples of people who have failed the bar exam include Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Ken Dryden, and Brian Mulroney. The only effect failing has on your career is that you have a slight delay in starting practice.
Okay, so What Should I Do Now?
When you first get the bad news, it can be demoralizing. Allow yourself to feel upset, anxious, and disappointed. Taking the exams over will initially seem overwhelming, so you need to properly process your emotions before moving forward. Take the time you need to do this so you can be in a clear and positive state of mind when you get into gear for the next attempt.
Once you’ve allowed yourself enough time, move forward and create a strategy for the rewrite. The first thing you want to do is look back on your preparation and what happened during the exam. Among other things, think about how you organized your materials, consider how you supplemented your self-study (if at all), and recall if you ran out of time during the licensing exam. Figure out if you want to take the exams at the next sitting, or if you prefer to wait for a year. Also, think about taking a bar prep course to boost your knowledge and understanding of the materials, and be certain to use practice exams to work on your critical thinking and time-management skills.
I’m Ready to Rewrite, What Do I Need to Consider First?
It is important to try and identify your areas of weakness so that you can revise your study methods for your next attempt. This is easier said than done for the Ontario licensing exams, which rely heavily on strategy and time management as well as knowledge of the materials. However, there are a few common stumbling blocks for students, and chances are that you were unsuccessful for at least one of the following reasons:
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You didn’t manage your time well on the exam and spent too long on certain questions, which led you to run out of time.
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You didn’t read the LSO materials fully (or at all).
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You didn’t use practice exams, or you used ones that didn’t properly prepare you, so you weren’t ready for the challenging and complex questions of the actual licensing exams.
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Your study materials were not effectively prepared, or you didn’t spend time reviewing and practising with them. When highlighting your study materials, sometimes less is more.
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Your reading comprehension suffered under pressure, causing you to skim over important details and not fully understand what the questions were asking. You need to be highly focused when writing the licensing exams.
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You were in a poor state of mind for personal reasons, such as illness, family issues, financial issues, anxiety, or simply overwhelmed by stress.
It is also important to look after your mental health. Sometimes candidates fail their licensing exams purely due to stress and anxiety. Failing the licensing exams will bruise your confidence. It is important to be cognizant of this since a positive attitude and stress management will be important for success on your next attempt.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Support from Those Who Can Help You
Reaching out to friends, colleagues, and family is a good idea. You’ll be surprised at how many people had to take the bar exams more than once. You are not the only one. The Ontario Bar Exams are not easy. However, with some help, strategizing, and deep breathing, you can and will be successful. If it helps, reach out to us for a free consultation. We can talk about your experience, explore the things you can do differently, and discuss if any of our prep materials could be helpful to you.
1Priya Bhatia, Professional Development & Competence Division 2022 Program and Resource Report (Ontario: Law Society of Ontario, February 2023), online (pdf): https://lawsocietyontario.azureedge.net