Learn the law-school curve

Dear 1L, I was shocked when I learned how WIDELY the grading curves vary among U.S. law schools.

— A handful of top schools are entirely pass/fail, and at the T14s I’m aware of, no one really gets below a B.

— Yet at many other schools, a large % of students fail or lose scholarships after 1L fall. The “average” is B- or even a C.

— The remaining bucket of schools fall somewhere in between.

How does one make sense of it all?

And how do you know how to feel when evaluating your own grades?

My main takeaway is that you should focus on getting as much practical training as you can to be a better lawyer.

But I understand that many seek answers/a way to understand and gain control over matters, and many simply want to be more informed.

So I am attaching 2 articles I found to be informative on law-school curves in different U.S. law schools. (See comments for links.)

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Finally, if you’re a lawyer or 2L/3L with an inspiring story about how you turned your grades around, or about how your grades did not deter you from becoming a successful lawyer, PLEASE do share!

—> Our 1Ls need all the support and encouragement they can get right now!!!

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1Ls, I’m wrapping my arms around all of you from afar.

Fondly,
Amanda

P.S. Follow —> #Dear1L (2,749 followers) for future letters in your feed.