One great term, one shitty term: OCI impacts? Forum

[Anonymous User]

Here's the deal:

T10 school. Had a very strong first term (think top 5%), have been decidedly horrid since then (think bottom third). No particular reason, other than not being as excited about the classes I've been taking, the professors I have, etc.

At this point, I'm probably going to go into OCI around top 1/3 in my class. Trying for law review, but who knows. Pretty involved in school. 1L summer firm gig.

Basically, are firms that would normally be solid for a top 1/3 student now out-of-reach (due to lackluster performance after winter break), or will my cumulative record matter more than my individual terms? Could the fact I had a great term give me a slight boost from someone who was more consistent?

[flcath]

Very little effect; any effect there is will be negative.

At least you'll be able to effectively prepare for your interviews.

[glewz]

Very little effect; any effect there is will be negative.

TCR

Disclaimer: 0L

[Anonymous User]

OP here: Any advice on how to respond to the inevitable "what the hell happened after Christmas" question would be welcome.

[flcath]

OP here: Any advice on how to respond to the inevitable "what the hell happened after Christmas" question would be welcome.

Lol. Like I said, at least you'll know exactly what you'll be talking about. I suggest:

"I was so stoked about my first term grades that I spent the entire spring blowing coke off of naked hookers down at La Puta Caliente." **Point in the general direction of the club.** "Figure I'm just prepping for what life's gonna be like when I start with you guyz, AMIRITE?!" **Stand and offer high-fives to the two gentlemen.**

[glewz]

OP here: Any advice on how to respond to the inevitable "what the hell happened after Christmas" question would be welcome.

Lol. Like I said, at least you'll know exactly what you'll be talking about. I suggest:

"I was so stoked about my first term grades that I spent the entire spring blowing coke off of naked hookers down at La Puta Caliente." **Point in the general direction of the club.** "Figure I'm just prepping for what life's gonna be like when I start with you guyz, AMIRITE?!" **Stand and offer high-fives to the two gentlemen.**

TCR again, on a roll

[hmu2584]

Relax. You will have the same prospects as anyone else in the bottom 1/3 of your class.

[174]

Relax. You will have the same prospects as anyone else in the bottom 1/3 of your class.

Why is this anonymous?

[Curry]

Relax. You will have the same prospects as anyone else in the bottom 1/3 of your class.

Why is this anonymous?

Because then he can be a douche without anyone knowing!

[flcath]

Relax. You will have the same prospects as anyone else in the bottom 1/3 of your class.

I dunno if this was a joke or you misread, but OP is in the top 1/3 overall, bottom 1/3 this semester.

Ideally you'd have had your bad semester in fall and your great semester in spring (that'd probably be better than 2 consistent performances), but I still can't see it being a problem. Bottom third isn't horrendous. It's not like you were the #1 in fall and then cruised in with a 2.6 in spring.

[Anonymous User]

What about the firm that you're summering with? Will this affect their decision to give you an offer to come back for 2L summer?

This is my biggest fear. I was top 5% first semester, got a 1 SA gig, and now I'm deathly worried about my 2nd semester grades coming in as shit.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[Anonymous User]

What about the firm that you're summering with? Will this affect their decision to give you an offer to come back for 2L summer?

This is my biggest fear. I was top 5% first semester, got a 1 SA gig, and now I'm deathly worried about my 2nd semester grades coming in as shit.

Anyone have any experience with this?

OP here.

I'm not sure how it'll affect getting a 2L summer offer. I'm just going to do good work and hope they don't care too much. If others have info on this, though, I'd love to hear it.

[A'nold]

OP here: Any advice on how to respond to the inevitable "what the hell happened after Christmas" question would be welcome.

Lol. Like I said, at least you'll know exactly what you'll be talking about. I suggest:

"I was so stoked about my first term grades that I spent the entire spring blowing coke off of naked hookers down at La Puta Caliente." **Point in the general direction of the club.** "Figure I'm just prepping for what life's gonna be like when I start with you guyz, AMIRITE?!" **Stand and offer high-fives to the two gentlemen.**

This part is definitely TCR.

[flcath]

OP here: Any advice on how to respond to the inevitable "what the hell happened after Christmas" question would be welcome.

Just out of curiosity, what is the real answer to this (not that you should give it in the interview)?

A top 5% to bottom 30% switch doesn't happen for "no particular reason." Hell, it doesn't happen when you quit studying. The only possibility that comes to mind is severe head trauma over Christmas break.