Congratulations, you're preparing to take the bar exam!
As a law school graduate, you will typically apply for bar admission through a state board of bar examiners. Each state determines its own criteria regarding eligibility to sit for its bar exam. For comprehensive information about a particular state's bar exam requirements, you should refer to the various charts in the ABA's National Conference of Bar Examiners' Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements.
We've provided information about the application for admission you will complete prior to sitting for the exam. If you're curious, we have information about the exam itself and what to expect. Finally, our FAQs inform you about the law school's role in completing your character and fitness certification, sending your transcripts, and verifying your employment if you worked here when you were student.
Many of you, however, will take the exam in our home state of Maryland. To get started on this journey, Maryland provides a helpful checklist that outlines the entire admissions process, which culminates when you take the oath in the Court of Appeals of Maryland and officially become a member of the Maryland bar.
Bar Study Loans are offered by multiple private lenders. Here are some FAQs regarding Bar Study Loans.
In addition to taking the bar exam, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the Maryland bar. You are encouraged to review Maryland Rule 19-203 which explains how the character review process works.
If you have questions about bar preparation courses, Lisa Sparks (Practitioner in Residence and Special Assistant to the Dean for Bar Readiness) is available to speak with you about considerations that may affect your choice. She is also available to discuss bar study strategies generally. Please contact Professor Sparks if you would like to make an appointment.
Good luck!