For most law students, their law school grades will be quite different than their university grades. Why? Think about it. Most law students were accepted into law school based in large measure on their successful achievements during their undergraduate experience. That means, most of your student colleagues will have been in the upper quartile, more or less, of their college classes. Not everyone will be in the upper quartile of the law school class – actually, of course, only one-fourth of the students will comprise the upper quartile of the law school class. That means that three-fourths of the students will be achieving grades lower than they received throughout their undergraduate careers (unless they attend one of the few schools with a very liberal grading school, without a curve or a mandatory grade distribution policy).
For example, for an entering class of students who have seldom seen “B-” grades – if they are in a law school with a grading policy requiring professors to distribute the grades over a pre-determined scale, many will find themselves with not only “B-“ grades, but also with “C’s” and “D’s.” For a few samples of how grades are calculated and distributed, visit these web links:
- Washington University in St. Louis School of Law displays a detailed explanation of how numerical grades correspond to number grades, and how grades are distributed across the curriculum.
- The grading guidelines for average grades and grade distribution at Washburn University School of Law are displayed in an easy-to-comprehend table.
- The University of Georgia School of Law’s grading guidelines and distribution are set forth in the student handbook (near the bottom of the web page).
- Seton Hall University School of Law employs a “grading curve” which they display on their website.
How are these grades determined? Although many law schools are encouraging professors to use mid-term examinations in first-year classes, many (perhaps most) schools follow the traditional approach of having the grade for “doctrinal” courses (examples: Torts, Contracts, Civil Procedure, Property, Criminal Law) depend entirely on one two or three-hour examination at the end of the semester.
In other words, students need to have mastered the skill of resolving complicated legal problems, in writing, under strict time constraints, within the first 90 days of law school (roughly September 1 to December 1, your fall semester). Unless you attend a school with a very liberal grading policy, keep in mind that most of your class will react to the first semester’s grades with something between mild disappointment to utter shock. This information should lead you to two states of mind:
During the first 90 days of law school, work at your highest levels. Don’t worry about grades – they are merely a by-product of your diligence, a quick snapshot of your mastery of the subject matter and your skill level. Focus on applying yourself diligently to the Components of Assessment-Targeted Study throughout each of those first 90 days. Work in a balanced and efficient manner, for no less than 45 hours outside of class (if you are taking about 15 credits), as detailed in 1000 Days to the Bar – But the Practice of Law Begins Now and elsewhere.
After you receive your first-semester grades, allow yourself to be satisfied. If you truly have given it your best shot for 90 days, then the grades you receive may well be reflective of your capabilities in law school in relation to your classmates. I don’t suggest that you be satisfied with mediocrity – the work you produce at your highest levels is not mediocre work. Rather, strive to do better each semester, but do not be disappointed to learn that there are others around you who are able to write better exam answers under time pressure better than you.