Your Path to Bar Exam Success through UB Law’s Rally the Pass Program
Published July 18, 2024
When you think of a university rally, your mind probably goes first to the celebration of a sports team, or fundraising for a charitable or social cause, or maybe drumming up support for student government elections. But what about that most-coveted finale for law school graduates — the bar exam!?
This year, the University at Buffalo School of Law debuted "Rally the Pass," a dynamic new program designed to support graduates as they prepare for the bar exam. With a focus on motivation, community, a few fun perks, and of course bar exam success, read on to discover why this program is already making a significant impact.
How the Rally Cry Began
Spurred by the promising data that “UB Law graduates who complete at least 90 percent of their commercial bar preparation course are significantly more likely to succeed in their first attempt to pass the New York Bar Exam,” it seemed like a good idea to help encourage that preparation. Enter Prof. Christine Bartholomew, vice dean for academic affairs, who worked with Prof. William MacDonald, assistant dean for academic and bar success, as well as Prof. Patrick Long '00, assistant dean for professional development, to come up with the Rally the Pass concept. Prof. Bartholomew speaks proudly about the school’s recent bar exam success:
“Over the last several years, the school has actively strengthened multiple facets of its curricular plan, from 1L courses through upper-division offerings. This work has paid off with record high bar passage and job placement figures.”
UB Law has worked diligently to craft a strong bar prep support program and network, providing — among other things — law library space for students to watch the bar prep content together; establishing an emergency fund for students so they are not curtailed by financial needs; enlisting faculty and other guests to review critical areas of law; and offering a course on bar exam strategies taught by MacDonald — a course that two-thirds of 2024’s graduating class has taken.
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Benefits of the Rally the Pass Program
Monitoring Progress
A key feature of Rally the Pass is the comprehensive monitoring system, allowing facilitators the chance to provide timely and personalized encouragement on each participant’s progress. Things like motivational emails and study tips every Monday morning help keep students focused and in good spirits.
Free Lunches and Special Lectures
Who said there’s no such thing as a free lunch? When participants are studying at the law school, they can enjoy free lunches courtesy of UB Law! Not only that, but supplemental bar prep lectures are offered by esteemed faculty members, reinforcing critical concepts, and providing valuable insights.
Fun Incentives
There’s no denying the fun of rewards! Rally the Pass offers a series of fun incentives to graduates who sign up for the optional program, starting with a Rally the Pass water bottle provided upon registration. When participants hit the 25% completion mark, they are sent a set of Rally the Pass stickers; reach 50% and they receive a stylish baseball hat; cross the 75% mark and it’s a comprehensive bar prep kit! And for those who reach the 90%+ completion goal, the UB Law Alumni Association generously donated gift cards as a special reward for focus and determination. All are small reminders of the importance of positivity and camaraderie throughout the bar prep process.
A Student’s Perspective
Rachel Golden ’24, a recent UB Law graduate, shared her experience with Rally the Pass program:
"Rally the Pass has been a great motivator. The incentives are fun and encourage me to stay on track. I also have really enjoyed the additional lectures offered by our faculty members. Rally the Pass has kept me connected to the law school community and given me the extra support I need to manage the stress of bar prep."
Rachel’s story is just one example of how UB Law’s Rally the Pass is making a difference. The combination of community support, structured incentives and academic resources drives many graduates to stay on course and gain confidence as they prepare for the bar exam.