Bar Exam Success Stories
Over 4,600 BarMax students have rated their experience "Excellent." Repeat takers, first-time passers, working parents, and foreign-trained attorneys. Find a story that looks like yours, then watch them tell it themselves.
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BarMax gives you everything you need to pass.
BarMax was a huge reason that I passed the February 2025 California Bar Exam. I liked that I could take the course at my own pace without getting bogged down with endless videos. The one-on-one tutoring (my assigned tutor was Melissa) was essential for honing my essay strategy and my overall study strategy. Start early, get BarMax, meet with your tutor, and I'm sure you'll do fine.
May 9, 2025
I’m proud to say I passed the exam on my first try!
I am a Law Office Study Program (LOSP) student and I used BarMax FYLSE to prepare for the October 2024 Baby Bar. I’m proud to say I passed the exam on my first try! As an LOSP student, I needed a bar prep program that wouldn’t expire after a few months. I wanted something I could use throughout my four-year journey to the bar exam.
I am a Law Office Study Program (LOSP) student and I used BarMax FYLSE to prepare for the October 2024 Baby Bar. I’m proud to say I passed the exam on my first try! As an LOSP student, I needed a bar prep program that wouldn’t expire after a few months. I wanted something I could use throughout my four-year journey to the bar exam. BarMax was the perfect solution as it offers lifetime access until you pass the bar. The mobile app was super convenient and easy to use. I listened to lectures in the car on the way to work and practiced MBE questions anytime I had a free moment. If I was waiting in line at the grocery, I was on my BarMax app practicing MBE questions. Waiting for the doctor? I was on the app practicing MBE questions. The app makes it easy to study anywhere you are. I am now preparing for the California State Bar and will purchase the BarMax CA program. I highly recommend BarMax!
Mar 25, 2025
Passed the CA Bar Exam in July 2025.
I have been attempting to pass the CA Bar exam with many attempts and have been unsuccessful in the past, but I am persistent to keep trying, studying, and passing with BarMax.
I have been attempting to pass the CA Bar exam with many attempts and have been unsuccessful in the past, but I am persistent to keep trying, studying, and passing with BarMax. It requires time management and organization skills the most, I believe, and lots of practice, which is why I am trusting in the best feedback of professors and experienced legal professionals to help me finally pass and move forward. It is my final hurdle to moving forward and I plan to focus more and just do the work.
Feb 22, 2025
The California outlines book is great. The lectures are terrific. The Flashcards really help!
Nov 19, 2024
The lectures cover focused areas instead of just a Matrix download of all topics.
I failed the CA Bar before because I was overwhelmed with another bar prep service. I feel much more confident this time around.
Jun 9, 2024
I PASSED THE BAR!!!
BarMax simplified the approach needed to get over the hump. I had taken the California Bar Exam twice before I found BarMax. I was failing the bar my more than 100 points. I took the BarMax course for my third bar attempt and scored a 1377. I was so mad! But I only needed to improve less than 1%.
BarMax simplified the approach needed to get over the hump. I had taken the California Bar Exam twice before I found BarMax. I was failing the bar my more than 100 points. I took the BarMax course for my third bar attempt and scored a 1377. I was so mad! But I only needed to improve less than 1%. So I buckled down for the fourth round and added Melissa, my BarMax tutor. Melissa worked with me to improve my issue spotting, IRAC writing, and PT outlining. I took the bar in July 2023 and during the examination, I knew I passed. I was so confident in my issue spotting, essay writing, timing, PT performance, and MBEs, all thanks to the preparation provided Melissa and the BarMax program. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!I have now completed all requirements to practice law in the state of California!
Nov 30, 2023
If you need a tutor, you need Melissa Allsteadt. If failed the July 2022 Cal Bar and passed the Feb 2023 Cal Bar. I do give thanks to Jesus Christ for giving me the knowledge to pass the bar. And one of the biggest tools that he gave me was Barmax but specifically Melissa. Melissa is straight forward and show told me everything that was wrong with my prior preparation and corrected my mistakes.
If you need a tutor, you need Melissa Allsteadt. If failed the July 2022 Cal Bar and passed the Feb 2023 Cal Bar. I do give thanks to Jesus Christ for giving me the knowledge to pass the bar. And one of the biggest tools that he gave me was Barmax but specifically Melissa. Melissa is straight forward and show told me everything that was wrong with my prior preparation and corrected my mistakes. Melissa is the most knowledgeable person out there. She can answer and explain anything!!!!I am telling you this right now that combining Barmax with Melissa is the best way to pass the bar these are the tools that God gave us.
May 8, 2023
As a person who has been out of law school for 18 years, it was important to have a complete bar review program offered at BarMax. The "office hour" lectures were amazing, and the coaching and tutoring provided Jennifer Carr was invaluable in getting a passing score on the February 2023 California Bar Exam. Thank you to Jennifer Carr and BarMax.
May 8, 2023
I took the California Bar Exam multiple times. BarMax allowed me to have another chance without paying for the program again. My first time, I used BarMax. The second time, I tried Barbri and got overwhelmed with all the materials. I went back to my BarMax materials, utilized all the tools available, and passed. My favorite tool with BarMax was the MBE practice.
I took the California Bar Exam multiple times. BarMax allowed me to have another chance without paying for the program again. My first time, I used BarMax. The second time, I tried Barbri and got overwhelmed with all the materials. I went back to my BarMax materials, utilized all the tools available, and passed. My favorite tool with BarMax was the MBE practice. I did every question, some multiple times. Being able to see the scores broken down into sections within the subjects allowed me to see my problem areas and focus on those issues. Thank you BarMax for sticking with me and giving me the time I needed to finally pass!
Nov 12, 2022
You may hear a lot about BarMax being the Best. I can truly say BarMax is the Best. I had experience with other bar preps. Without BarMax, however, I would not have passed the California Bar Exam. I took the attorney exam, and the materials saved me time while I was studying, working full-time and raising a family.
You may hear a lot about BarMax being the Best. I can truly say BarMax is the Best. I had experience with other bar preps. Without BarMax, however, I would not have passed the California Bar Exam. I took the attorney exam, and the materials saved me time while I was studying, working full-time and raising a family. The online progress exam kept me on track and helped me to review what I needed to pass. I used BarMax along with reviewing the California Essay Questions that are published online. It paid off big time. Thank you so much!!!
Nov 11, 2022
BarMax gave me everything I needed to pass the CA Bar, for way less than the competition. You can listen to lectures on the go, and you get real essay answers from many years of exams. No better way for a busy person like me to learn. Highly recommend!
Jun 22, 2022
Barmax helped me pass the February 2022 California Bar Exam. I had previously taken the exam four times using Kaplan and Adapitbar as bar resources. Barmax synthesized the required information into a manageable size which allowed me to study efficiently.
Barmax helped me pass the February 2022 California Bar Exam. I had previously taken the exam four times using Kaplan and Adapitbar as bar resources. Barmax synthesized the required information into a manageable size which allowed me to study efficiently. The tech at times felt clunky, and some of the lectures need to be rerecorded to adjust to changing law, but overall I think this course is a great value, and obviously many thanks for helping me pass. Cheers.
May 9, 2022
I used TestMax for both the UBE and California Bar Exam. I passed both exams on my first attempt. I am very thankful for the excellent lectures and unlimited access to essays. I highly recommend BarMax/TestMax to all bar students.
May 9, 2022
I bought testmax because it was online and flexible and I could do it at my own pace. I also got the lectures and notes as well as practice MBE forever. I hadn’t practiced law in 5 years and had only practiced in Australia, so I had a big task ahead of me. BarMax is a very practical program that clearly can get you over the line as I passed first time.
I bought testmax because it was online and flexible and I could do it at my own pace. I also got the lectures and notes as well as practice MBE forever. I hadn’t practiced law in 5 years and had only practiced in Australia, so I had a big task ahead of me. BarMax is a very practical program that clearly can get you over the line as I passed first time. I bought ten tutoring sessions and Jen was my tutor. She was great. Highly recommend this program as a solution to the almost Kafkaesque experience of taking the California bar!
May 9, 2022
BarMax offered a comprehensive package of study materials! I found the office hours to be very helpful. I also had Jennifer Carr as a tutor and she was absolutely amazing! She went above and beyond to make sure I understood how to attack MBE questions. She also helped me improve my strategy for the California PT. I would highly recommend BarMax and Jennifer Carr as a tutor!
Dec 18, 2021
The material is well written and doesn't contain unnecessary content, the office hours are extremely helpful as well as the practice essay grading the tutors! BarMax helped me pass the California July 2021 exam. Thank you.
Nov 29, 2021
The MBE questions were real! The law was concise, to the point, and what you needed to know in order to actually score high in your MBE portion of the bar exam. After multiple tries, I finally passed the CA Bar! Thank you.
Nov 19, 2021
I LOVE Barmax! From the lectures to the outlines to the flash cards to the MBEs! And speaking of the MBEs, I love the way they are broken down subtopic. Makes it SO much easier to not only hone in on problem areas, but also reinforce your knowledge of the sub-topics. And unlike some competitors, Barmax allows continued access of it if you do not pass the Bar, without having to purchase it again.
I LOVE Barmax! From the lectures to the outlines to the flash cards to the MBEs! And speaking of the MBEs, I love the way they are broken down subtopic. Makes it SO much easier to not only hone in on problem areas, but also reinforce your knowledge of the sub-topics. And unlike some competitors, Barmax allows continued access of it if you do not pass the Bar, without having to purchase it again. I could go on and on. I passed the July 2021 California Bar, and Barmax was an invaluable tool that helped me!
Nov 15, 2021
This bar prep program is the Best! It helped me passed the FYLSE and it has all the components you will need: outlines, videos, tutors, graded essays and its a fraction of the costs of the other high priced bar prep programs..So I highly recommend this program to all studying for the FYLSE.
This bar prep program is the Best! It helped me passed the FYLSE and it has all the components you will need: outlines, videos, tutors, graded essays and its a fraction of the costs of the other high priced bar prep programs..So I highly recommend this program to all studying for the FYLSE. Ans since I passed the babar, I went on and purchased the the more comprehensive session, which they easily upgraded, so costs there also..
Aug 12, 2021
BarMax helped me pass the CA BAR! I struggled with the MBEs and was able to master multiple choice thanks to the 1500+ real, past bar multiple choice problems BarMax provided. Although I focused my studies on MBE practice, BarMax kept me on track with my essay and PT practice.
BarMax helped me pass the CA BAR! I struggled with the MBEs and was able to master multiple choice thanks to the 1500+ real, past bar multiple choice problems BarMax provided. Although I focused my studies on MBE practice, BarMax kept me on track with my essay and PT practice. Matt was extremely helpful in getting me set up with the program, creating my schedule, and also was available via phone call and text throughout and after bar prep. Also, the program I went with included an MPRE prep course! Highly recommend this entire program!
May 17, 2021
I took a course for the California bar exam. The material (outline) was relatively concise and well-organized. It juxtaposed CA laws and federal laws with different colors, which not only made study time-efficient but also was significantly helpful given the CA bar exam often requires a comparison between those two.
I took a course for the California bar exam. The material (outline) was relatively concise and well-organized. It juxtaposed CA laws and federal laws with different colors, which not only made study time-efficient but also was significantly helpful given the CA bar exam often requires a comparison between those two. Regarding support tutors, they replied to questions in a timely manner each time with detailed explanations. The course provided everything I needed to pass the exam.
May 15, 2021
I passed, so of course it's 5 stars! I'm a retaker, 5 years out of law school, and I passed the California Bar with BarMax. This course is great for self-motivated test takers. They provide a study schedule for you to follow without the Damocletian progress trackers that ramp up your anxiety.
I passed, so of course it's 5 stars! I'm a retaker, 5 years out of law school, and I passed the California Bar with BarMax. This course is great for self-motivated test takers. They provide a study schedule for you to follow without the Damocletian progress trackers that ramp up your anxiety. They offer guidance with enough flexibility to adapt your study plan to your own needs (like working part-time in the morning and studying in the afternoon). The best part is you can purchase the course at any time and get immediate access to the materials. Since it had been 5 years since I'd studied any law, I knew I wanted to start early. My BarMax rep gave me the great idea of going through the course once just listening to all the lectures as a refresher. Then, when the traditional start time came around, I went through the course a second time following their study schedule with essays and everything else. That flexibility is a game changer!HIGHLIGHTS:The essay graders are top notch. The turn around is quick and the feedback is truly helpful. Even if you're comfortable with your essay writing, I'd suggest submitting a few practice essays for the feedback.The MBE questions are ALL from previous bars. This is another game changer. As my practice scores got better and better I was confident that that success would transfer to the exam because I was using actual bar questions to practice.The staff are great! I didn't opt for the one on one tutoring, but I was still able to ask the occasional question via the chat feature on the website/app. I usually got an answer in a day or two and the response was always helpful and friendly. I really felt like everyone at BarMax was invested in me passing the bar.CAVEAT:There is a feature to the program that allows you to ask a question related to a specific MBE question. The response time for requests using this feature is too slow to be relied on. When you consider the sheer number of questions they receive across the 1000+ MBE questions they have, it makes sense. However, on most occasions, the question I had, had already been asked and answered previous exam takers so the feature is still helpful. On the rare occasion my question had not already been asked, I asked it with the understanding that the answer will likely be for future test takers. And again, when I needed an answer sooner I just used the chat feature.All in all, I would recommend this course for anyone who has the motivation to pass, but has no idea where to start. They'll get you started and, if you need it, help you along the way.
May 14, 2021
Couldn't have passed without BarMax!. As a foreign attorney, taking the California bar exam was one of the hardest but I couldn't have made it without the help of BarMax! The course outline and tutoring are exemplary but most of all, the cost is so reasonable. I would recommend BarMax to any first timer or foreign attorney. Thank you BarMax and the BarMax team!
May 12, 2021
As someone who has only held her California bar license for 3 years, I knew I needed help studying for the Nevada bar exam. I used BarMax to pass the California bar and I wanted the same result. When I first inquired, I was informed that my tutor not only went to Boyd but also had both CA and NV licenses.
As someone who has only held her California bar license for 3 years, I knew I needed help studying for the Nevada bar exam. I used BarMax to pass the California bar and I wanted the same result. When I first inquired, I was informed that my tutor not only went to Boyd but also had both CA and NV licenses. As a student, we're always told "You have to think like a lawyer." However, as an attorney, Jen told me "You have to think like an applicant." The idea that the bar exam is a closed universe and the universe is limited per state helped me to stay within the 4 corners of what the exam was asking. Every time I kept diverging from the essay, Jen reminded me of what the essay was asking. The office hours also really help because it lets you feel less isolated, especially for a remote bar exam where you're really in your own head. The bar exam is a marathon, not a sprint. I only had about 8 weeks to prepare but I got it done and I passed. I can't recommend Bar Max enough, whether it is CA or NV.
May 12, 2021
BarMax made all the difference for me. I passed the February 2021 California Bar!!!! BarMax is affordable, the lectures and materials do not bog you down with too much information that you will not be able to memorize. The “office hours” are free and extremely helpful. I appreciate the BarMax team.
May 11, 2021
Complete program without overwhelming. I took 13 years off after law school before attempting the CA bar for the first time in Feb 2021. I decided to use the COVID shut down to take the exam, but had forgotten 90% of what I learned in school!
Complete program without overwhelming. I took 13 years off after law school before attempting the CA bar for the first time in Feb 2021. I decided to use the COVID shut down to take the exam, but had forgotten 90% of what I learned in school! Dealing with two young kids on 1/2 day zoom homeschool, and juggling a business that was severely impacted by the closures, I was still able to pass as a first time taker using ONLY THE MATERIALS IN THIS PROGRAM. I could listen to the online lectures on the go, explore the nuances of complex issues using the printed outline. I crafted effective and organized essays using their roadmaps, a brand new tool that gives you a essay template for major essay issues you can apply to slay a complex issue. By far the most helpful add on. Because Barmax uses only real bar questions, I was comfortable and familiar with what I faced on the MBE portion. IF I COULD PASS USING THIS COURSE, ANYONE COULD, I literally went into the program remembering nothing!! Follow their recommended study technique and enjoy the success it brings you. I only wish I had this program during law school. Good luck on your exam!
May 10, 2021
I signed up for BarMax for its MBE program at the recommendation of a friend after multiple unsuccessful attempts at the California Bar Exam.BarMax has not disappointed me. Compared to the MBE program of other review courses, the biggest distinguishing factor is that they force students to figure out why a correct answer is correct.
I signed up for BarMax for its MBE program at the recommendation of a friend after multiple unsuccessful attempts at the California Bar Exam.BarMax has not disappointed me. Compared to the MBE program of other review courses, the biggest distinguishing factor is that they force students to figure out why a correct answer is correct. This feature may appear frustrating in the beginning but it proved to be critical to my success at my most recent try at the California Bar Exam. asking questions to challenge the correct answers given, students gain a deeper understanding of the law.I also like the interfaces of the MBE program, which allows students to quickly jump to any particular question.I highly recommend the MBE program of BarMax.
May 8, 2021
I passed the February 2021 CA Bar Exam. I'm a repeat taker of the CA bar exam, and I finally passed this test with the help of BarMax!! Jen from the BarMax team, I believe, was the key to my success on this exam. I'm so thankful for the BarMax program and the amazing tutors and support from the BarMax team! BarMax has all of the tools to pass the CA bar.
May 7, 2021
I used this program to first pass the DC Bar Exam, and then again to pass the California Bar. The whole process from start to finish was amazing and could not ask for anything more. The feedback on my essays I believe pushed me over the edge and allowed me to pass even in the middle of a pandemic along with taking the bar remotely.
I used this program to first pass the DC Bar Exam, and then again to pass the California Bar. The whole process from start to finish was amazing and could not ask for anything more. The feedback on my essays I believe pushed me over the edge and allowed me to pass even in the middle of a pandemic along with taking the bar remotely. Thank you TestMax, i highly recommend your program to both UBE and California Bar Exam applicants.
Jan 16, 2021
BarMax is Amazing!. I would recommend BarMax to anyone taking the California Bar Exam. Why? (1) BarMax has real MBE questions from past exams with quality explanations for why an answer it right or wrong. When you take the actual MBE, you will feel prepared and you will feel familiar with the questions.
BarMax is Amazing!. I would recommend BarMax to anyone taking the California Bar Exam. Why? (1) BarMax has real MBE questions from past exams with quality explanations for why an answer it right or wrong. When you take the actual MBE, you will feel prepared and you will feel familiar with the questions. Think about it, why review exam like questions if you can just review real questions from old exams. (2) Bar Max gives you released essay questions organized by subject or year and released performance test questions. Again, when you get to the exam, you will feel prepared and you will feel familiar with the questions. (3) The lecture and outlines are concise. Burn out while studying for the Bar Exam is real, and you want to make the most of your time. Good luck studying for the Bar Exam!
May 12, 2020
I am a practicing attorney for 25 years in California, but was very concerned about my ability to pass the bar in Colorado noting how long it had been since I was in law school. I had not studied the majority of the subjects for years. BarMax focused on the black letter law and elements that I needed to know, without bogging down on minutia.
I am a practicing attorney for 25 years in California, but was very concerned about my ability to pass the bar in Colorado noting how long it had been since I was in law school. I had not studied the majority of the subjects for years. BarMax focused on the black letter law and elements that I needed to know, without bogging down on minutia. The outlines contain the pertinent information in an easily readable and memorable way. I am so pleased to have passed CO on the first shot! Thank you BarMax!
Apr 10, 2020
I was a repeat bar taker. After being unsuccessful, I decided to go with a different bar prep program for the July 2019 California Bar Exam. I researched several test prep companies before deciding on Barmax; and honestly, Barmax was the BEST CHOICE. Barmax did not overload me with content like my previous program did.
I was a repeat bar taker. After being unsuccessful, I decided to go with a different bar prep program for the July 2019 California Bar Exam. I researched several test prep companies before deciding on Barmax; and honestly, Barmax was the BEST CHOICE. Barmax did not overload me with content like my previous program did. Instead, Barmax boiled down the information necessary for the test, and conveyed it to me in a clear, concise, and convenient manner. When it came the to take the bar, I felt adequately prepared and confident about what I knew. On November 15th, my name appeared on the pass list. Thank you, Barmax.
Nov 18, 2019
CA FYLSE. Passed my FYLSE.....Barmax.
Nov 12, 2019
I passed 2019 Feb CA Bar with BAR Max. Essay grading helped me a lot. Through the comments of different graders I could set up a passing model to use on the exam.
May 21, 2019
I purchased this program when it was first available partially based upon the promise it was a one-time fee and I could use it until I passed the California Bar Exam.
I purchased this program when it was first available partially based upon the promise it was a one-time fee and I could use it until I passed the California Bar Exam. Through no fault of BarMax, I just haven't been able to take the time off to study and take the exam.I still intend to take the exam, and it is a huge comfort to me that unlike the other major bar review courses, I don't have to repay for the course. That, in addition to the fact that the course if always updated for free.Thank you BarMax, for keeping the dream alive!!!
Jan 12, 2019
Best review experience for myself a repeat taker of CA bar. Format condensed and insightful for a solid preparation.
Jan 9, 2019
I am a foreign jurisdiction attorney and never attended any US law school, so I needed a bar review that (1) would make me understand the black letter law easier and faster. Moreover, I was a full time employee who could not afford to be off work to do a full time bar review.
I am a foreign jurisdiction attorney and never attended any US law school, so I needed a bar review that (1) would make me understand the black letter law easier and faster. Moreover, I was a full time employee who could not afford to be off work to do a full time bar review. So, I also needed one that is (2) portable so I can review on my down time at work (and anywhere and anytime that would allow me to do so.)Barmax satisfied those bar review needs of mine. I can honestly say that without Barmax, I would not have passed the California February 2017 bar exam.
Aug 13, 2018
I was first attracted to BarMax the price. I was further attracted to it because it was new (like my non-traditional law school) and seemed very innovative.St. Francis School of Law is one of the newer California distance schools, beginning operations in 2011.
I was first attracted to BarMax the price. I was further attracted to it because it was new (like my non-traditional law school) and seemed very innovative.St. Francis School of Law is one of the newer California distance schools, beginning operations in 2011. I finished 4 years in December 2017 and passed the February 2018 administration of the California Bar Exam.Regardless of my motivation, BarMax helped me pass the California bar on first attempt and I am absolutely sold on this system.BarMax lectures were well-delivered and as entertaining as such material can ordinarily be. Outlines were complete and helpful. The MBE questions were extensive and well-organized. I recommend BarMax to anyone!
Jun 11, 2018
Passed the CA Bar on my first try!. I'm not a top student or test-taker. I am a busy, working attorney. Bar Max gave me everything I needed in a streamlined, easy to use anywhere package. It had everything I needed to pass the CA bar exam. I agree with some of the critiques--slow customer service, some inconsistencies and gaps in the materials, some less-than-compelling presentations.
Passed the CA Bar on my first try!. I'm not a top student or test-taker. I am a busy, working attorney. Bar Max gave me everything I needed in a streamlined, easy to use anywhere package. It had everything I needed to pass the CA bar exam. I agree with some of the critiques--slow customer service, some inconsistencies and gaps in the materials, some less-than-compelling presentations. But those don't take away from the effectiveness and ease of use of Bar Max, or its great price and overall value.
May 31, 2018
The highest-rated bar review in the App Store.
4.8
out of 5
based on 3.7k user ratings.
Simply the best
Leilawno
Great app, easy to use, and fair price. I consider this app the reason I passed the CA bar.
BarMax was a life saver.
Timothyf31
Not only did I pass the bar, but I scored in the top 10 percent. I genuinely give BarMax a lot of credit for making ths possible. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.
Great Substantive Bar Review
Bad.hair.spray
Materials are clearly top notch and very user friendly. Obviously the value of not having to carry around physical books goes without saying.
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