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.

Find your story.

Filter by score improvements, repeat attempts, or study style to see students like you.

SD
Sandy Durst
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Switched Courses · UBE
BETTER THAN ANY OTHER!!
I didn't pass the first time, using BARBRI. These outlines are SO CONDENSED and yet hit all the right specific notes to get the answers right. I LOVE the analytic options. THANK YOU BARMAX! Im using them for the UBE now, but also used it for the LSAT.
MB
Marissa Bergado
5 Stars
California · Repeat Taker · Tutoring
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.
AW
Allen Wan
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Switched Courses · UBE
I just passed the July NY Bar by 1 point and have Barmax to thank for it.
I have been out of law school for 15 years and failed three times (only close once) and super glad I used Barmax and not Barbri again. Barmax has everything you really need to succeed for one price -- focused 2 and 3 month study schedules to follow, all the real MBE questions ever released, great short and focused archived online lectures and 10 free essay submissions.
JC
Jacques Chappell
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Score Jump
I would recommend BarMax to anyone who has taken time off since studying or who needs convenience or flexibility.
I can’t thank BarMax enough! I am a repeat taker after multiple tries and purchased Barmax to assist with my studying for the February and July 2024 exams after taking 4 years away from studying or sitting for an exam. I work a full time job, run a business and have a 3 year old, which impacted how and when I could study!
JP
Justin Pittenger
4 Stars
California · Course · Repeat Taker
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.
SM
Shannon Masington
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Tutoring
Tutoring with Whitney Shirley changed my life!!!
I failed the bar twice prior to studying with Whitney but after our sessions I was able to jump 30+ points from my last exam and score high enough to pass in any jurisdiction. Whitney truly puts together a study plan that is suited towards YOUR learning style. She provides you with not only the skills but also the confidence needed to pass the bar exam!!
H
HDC
4 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker · Repeater
I am scoring higher using Barmax than I have using any other big box bar prep
I like that each subject is parsed out into subtopics. I can focus on doing the lectures, then review the outline, and test on the exact NCBE questions. Repeat taker - I am scoring higher using Barmax than I have using any other big box bar prep, or even self study.
ML
Marissa Lee B
5 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker
Enjoying my Bar Preparation very much.
I was upset I did not pass my first time. I decided to go all out and give myself a chance to succeed. I really want this and I still have to write my essays but so far I am enjoying the lectures and multiple choice questions so far! I enjoy studying from my phone and really happy Mehran created an affordable program for people who want to pass.
LM
LOLETHIA MCSHAN CHAPM
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater
I used the Open Book Method of Study and it worked.
TestMax suggested that I use the open book studying method because I was a repeat taker. I used the Open Book Method of Study and it worked. In the first month, when I started using the Open Book Method it took me about 15 to 30 minutes to find the answer to each question. In the second month it took me about 10 to 15 minutes to answer each question.
AB
Angela B
4 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater
Thank you for being available to repeat takers until we succeed and beyond! I love that you have official ncbe questions. I do wish here was a function that would allow us to set up practice tests on our own (i.e choose how many questions, what topics, etc)
DC
Dominic Carlos
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Score Jump
I went from getting a 250 as my best score with the competitor prep course to a 288 with BarMax.
After failing the Idaho Bar Exam twice using another barprep course provider, I did some research into what other prep course would be a better alternative. Reading through several reviews, I found BarMax to be in the top 5 in almost every review I read.
AC
Armando Cespedes
5 Stars
California · Repeat Taker · Repeater
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.
LG
low grade chocol
5 Stars
First-Time Pass · Repeat Taker · Score Jump
Had a fantastic experience and passed first try with only a month of prep. I graduated in may, took the feb bar, so it’s not as if I was freshly exposed to all the material. I loved how easy the apps and website were to use.I also used LSAT max, and referred one of my best friends and sister to it. She’s attending a t50 on a (near) full ride, and starts this coming fall.
JS
Jack Silvestre
5 Stars
Course · First-Time Pass · Repeat Taker
I bought this on my last year of Law school. But the website layout was unimpressive and was difficult to navigate- things I need to see in plain view are hidden. So, I didn't use BarMax and paid 2 separate products- one for MBEs, and another one for Essays/PT. I did not pass the first try. But now, I decided to give BarMax another try.
EJ
Elizabeth J
5 Stars
First-Time Pass · Repeat Taker · Working Parent
I am a Washington Law Clerk so I did not go to Law School. I worked full time and have six children, two of whom have autism and three who have ADD. When I’m home they need me.
CB
Caritas Banks
4 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker · Switched Courses
I think the material is good because it’s not too much information, I think people get upset because there’s information sometimes missing in the outlines that gets tested on, however, I do think the fact there is actually less information then other courses is better because you get the most important stuff down. I used Barbri twice and did not pass. I passed with BarMax.
RU
Regan Urquhart
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater
This was my third attempt on the Colorado bar. I felt so supported throughout the study process.
A
Armando
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Score Jump
I was excited to start BarMax because it promoted a more cindensed approach to bar prep. Throughout the process there were times that I was skeptical of BarMax’s advice regarding study techniques, and study material. However, I decided to trust their advice even if it did not seem ideal at times. I had failed the California bar twice with BARBRI, and decided to take the UBE with BarMax.
RR
Robin Ritter
4 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker · Repeater
The first time I took the bar exam I failed because I used Kaplan and it was not effective in helping me achieve a passing score. I never do well with cookie cutter approaches in study. As soon as I switched to Barmax, the difference was night and day. I felt a lot more prepared and achieved a passing result in Illinois! I am so glad I chose barmax the second time around!
LM
Lindsey McGuire
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Switched Courses
Thank you BarMax for helping me pass the TX bar exam! I had only used Barbri since I took and passed the IL bar the first time and passed. However 8 exams later (3 failed attempts in CA and 5 failed attempts in TX) I found myself at the point of no return as this was the last time I could take the TX bar exam. Im so glad that I switched to BarMax!
JD
Jessica Dummar
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Switched Courses
I am a mom of 4 out of law school 3 years. I failed the bar the first time using the Barbri Prep program. I was attracted to the simplicity of everything being in the App with Bar Max, and it was so easy to make time and prepare.
DD
Dax Deason
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Switched Courses
I would highly recommend BarMax to attorneys who are taking the attorney's exam. I had failed the bar multiple times with BarBri and needed a different platform to accommodate my busy schedule. I had to juggle the bar studies with the management of two law offices in different jurisdictions, two kids, including a three year old and a busy case load.
M
Mesha
5 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker · Repeater
I went to BarMax after diligently searching for a bar exam prep that would accommodate me as a repeater and a full-time employee. Bar Max did not disappoint.
SF
Snow Fall
5 Stars
California · Repeat Taker · Switched Courses
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.
DJ
Dinez Johnson 1076
5 Stars
California · Repeat Taker · Repeater
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.
N
NO
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Switched Courses · Tutoring
A coworker who had passed the bar a few years prior recommended the Barmax question bank. I purchased such and went through almost every single one of those questions. I must say that the use of former bar questions FAR surpassed the “allegedly” similar questions from Kaplan or Themis in terms of preparation.
F
Fabannie
5 Stars
First-Time Pass · Repeat Taker · UBE
Best for the money. I used BarMax for the California bar but due to work couldn't complete the material and unfortunately failed. I diligently worked through the material for my first UBE exam and I passed on my first attempt. In comparison to the high cost bar prep courses BarMax is the best out there.
CT
Charles Thornburg
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Switched Courses
Failed three times, twice with barbri. With barbri, the time between marking an mbe question incorrectly and learning the answer during grading, was too long. Testmax mbe questions give automatic responses to questions, allowing you to form those associations immediately.
MC
Michelle Camacho
5 Stars
California · Course · Repeat Taker
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.
J
JG
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Score Jump
After failing the Bar repeatedly using another Bar Prep Course, I passed after switching over to BarMax. This was the best decision I could have made for myself and my future. BarMax, unlike other prep courses, enabled me to continue to work full time without filling burned out everyday and successfully pass the July 2019 UBE.
F
fabulizzzzz
5 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker · Switched Courses
Wish I knew about BarMax sooner. I failed the Bar twice using Barbri and I'm trying BARMax on my third try after it came highly recommended to others who passed with this program. So far, I have no complaints. I like that the lectures are short and more concise. The multiple choice are also similar to how the Bar exam tests. If you're debating whether BARMax is right for you, it is, stop doubting!
RB
Raina Brown
5 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker · Repeater
After failing the D.C. Bar using another large bar prep program, I was a little down. Taking the bar again would be expensive, plus I would have to pay another large fee to repeat the bar prep course. Not knowing if it would work, I took a chance on BarMax. The program was reasonably priced, easy to follow, and very effective.
Z
Zeena
5 Stars
Repeat Taker
Even though I didn’t pass the barb i was very close to passing: it was totally my fault as I didn’t practice a single essay. Bar max is very concise. Definitely recommend/
JM
James McMillan
5 Stars
California · Repeat Taker · Repeater
Best review experience for myself a repeat taker of CA bar. Format condensed and insightful for a solid preparation.
S
sedhuns
5 Stars
First-Time Pass · Repeat Taker · Repeater
BarMax is amazing!. I took the bar 4 times. After using bar max combined with personal dedication to the program I improved my ube score by the necessary 19 points needed when compared to my third attempt. The price was genuinely affordable and provided all the necessary tools at my finger tips while either on my phone, my iPad or a laptop.
SG
Susan Greeson
5 Stars
Course · Repeat Taker · Repeater
failed the NC Bar Exam in July of 2001 2 points. As it turned out, I already had a banking job within a Trust Department, so I didn’t need my license. For the last fifteen years, I have worked within banks of all sizes in Trusts, Estates and Wealth Management fields. After much consideration, I decided I wanted to go back and take the Bar Exam to start my own practice.
N
Nicholas
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Switched Courses · UBE
I graduated in May 2016 and started clerking for a district court judge in Saint Paul, MN, in June 2016. The legal job market in the Twin Cities is externally competitive and I could not pass up the opportunity for employment. I took the MN Bar in the summer of 2016 and again in the summer of 2017.
JS
John S.
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Switched Courses
It is thanks to BarMax that I passed the NY Bar exam. I had failed the exam 4 times before, having taken and/ or used Barbri, PMBR, and Baroutlines.com. None of these gave me the kind of practical, user-friendly review I got from BarMax. I also needed a comprehensive review since years had passed for me since my last attempt at the exam, and BarMax provided that as well.
KR
Karina Rahall
5 Stars
Repeat Taker · Repeater · Score Jump
BarMax changed my life. I had failed the bar exam twice using Barbri both times because my law school pushed Barbri on all of its students. Barbri cut off my access to their program after I failed twice and, to get it again I would need to pay thousands more.
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BarMax Bar Exam, MBE & MPRE Review
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5 Stars 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.

5 Stars 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.

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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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