How Is the MPT Scored?
Jurisdictions use a process called "relative grading" to score the MPT. This means that each answer is scored and ranked in a fashion that's relative to other answers on the test. Generally, a raw score is assigned by evaluating each answer on a numbered scale that reflects its difficulty level. Raw scores vary between jurisdictions, and most don't publicize that information.
MPT Grading Scale and Score Conversion
The MPT grading scale varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction but consists of the same basic formula. Questions are rated on a given scale and combined into your raw MPT score. That raw score is then scaled to the MBE to determine your final grade.
In Uniform Bar Examination (UBE®) jurisdictions, your MPT score is combined with your Multistate Essay Examination (MEE®) score on a scale from 1 to 200. This scaling adjusts for possible differences when administering the exam. Your scaled score is then weighted accordingly. Most UBE jurisdictions weigh the MPT at 20% and the MEE at 30% for a combined 50% weight.
Unique MPT Score Weights
Most non-UBE jurisdictions also weigh the MPT at 20% toward your final bar exam score. That said, several do not:
- Georgia weighs the MPT at 21.4%.
- Hawaii has 2 MPT tasks, 6 MEE questions, and 15 multiple-choice questions about ethics that combine for 50% of your test score.
- Mississippi weighs the MPT at 15% and covers 1 item.
- Nevada weighs the MPT at 10% and covers 1 item.
- South Dakota requires an average score of 75% for the written part of the exam. This includes 2 MPT questions, 5 MEE essays, and 1 South Dakota essay.
- Wisconsin requires a combination of MPT, MEE, and local essays that vary in weight across each exam.
- Guam weighs the MPT at 11.1% and covers 1 item.
- Palau requires a score of 65 or higher on the MPT.
Is the MPT Graded Differently Across States?
Yes, the MPT is graded differently across states and jurisdictions. Here are some examples:
- Arizona, Illinois, New Jersey, Vermont, and Washington grade on a scale from 0 to 6.
- Colorado grades on a scale from 1 to 6.
- Massachusetts grades on a scale from 0 to 7.
- New York grades on a scale from 0 to 10.
- Missouri has a 10-point scale.
- Arkansas grades on a scale from 65 to 85.
How To Calculate Your MPT Score
Calculating your MPT score will depend on your jurisdiction. However, a raw score of around 4 usually results in a passing grade. The MPT and MEE are counted as 200 points in most UBE jurisdictions and make up 50% of your score. 80 of those points will come from your MPT.
MPT Average Score and Passing Score
In most jurisdictions, you’ll need to score around a 4 to pass. This is average on a 6-point scale. When determining whether this is good enough for you to pass, consider your jurisdiction’s MPT grading scale, scoring process, and UBE passing score.
When Are MPT Scores Released?
Your MPT score is released with the rest of your bar exam results within 1 to 3 months of taking the exam. This timeframe varies by jurisdiction, with smaller jurisdictions releasing their results sooner. Not all states provide a breakdown of how each section of the bar exam is scored, so you may never know your actual MPT score.
5 Tips to Maximize Your Score
- Thoroughly extract laws from the library to effectively address your MPT task.
- Examine the issues presented and ensure you are answering the questions posed.
- Use only relevant facts.
- Differentiate the client's case from the cases provided in the library.
- Organize and format your answer properly.
MPT Self-Assessment Advice
If you want to gauge how well you will perform on the MPT, there are a handful of questions you can ask yourself:
- Did you identify the problem?
- Did you address all relevant legal issues?
- Did you use the appropriate tone?
- Did you communicate well enough within the given time constraints?
- Are all of the ethical dilemmas presented resolved?
- Did you communicate in a manner that was appropriate for your audience?
- Did you format your answers correctly?
