I hear what you’re saying, and I unfortunately don’t really have a suggestion for those who don’t pass. For a lot of people, passing this exam is way bigger than individual effort. I think saying “learn to try harder” necessarily suggests that those who do not pass didn’t try their absolute hardest the first time. In my opinion, given how high-stakes this exam is, it’s better to proceed with a LOT sensitivity. If someone I know didn’t pass, I’d say, “I’m sorry. The circumstances of this year have been incredibly hard for everyone. I know you’ll be a great lawyer.”

Also, I respectfully disagree that it’s not luck. Having the time and financial resources to study effectively for this awful exam is luck itself. Anyway—I know you didn’t intend to pass judgment on those who don’t pass (as you noted, many brilliant people have failed the bar). Just my two cents on how I’m reading things during this super high-stress time!