Will a 2L SA Screener/CB Question Mediocre Grades? Forum

[Anonymous User]

With a few BigLaw screeners and OCI approaching, I was hoping to get some information from those who have already gone through the process. I am a current (rising) 2L at T10 (MVP) and I'm around median, probably slightly below, not sure exactly how much. I was wondering if firms ever comment on the lack of top grades during these interviews?

Frankly, if I was asked I'm not sure how I would respond. Like most other people (I guess 50% of all law students) that may fall below median, we probably feel cheated or that the exam process is not a good, or at least comprehensive, analysis of our abilities or competency as an attorney. Personally, I felt fairly shocked and dismayed after seeing my grades based on how I felt walking out of certain finals that had a more "subjective" bent to them. Nonetheless, I realize exams are blind graded and the professors do not alter the grades that much based on other factors. I feel like any response of this nature has an excessively negative connotation to it, so if it is asked, I'm looking for a "credited" response that is professionally acceptable in the situation.

tl;dr - is this type of question ever asked and if so, what is the appropriate response? I appreciate any feedback.

[Anonymous User]

You won't get asked about your grades in an interview. I was, but I had an actually shitty GPA (3.1). Median (or even a 3.29999 or whatever) at MVP is a great place to be. Stop worrying.

[WinSome]

You probably won't be asked about your grades in an interview, but if you do get a question like that, DO NOT give the reasoning you did in this thread. You'll sound whiny and entitled. If you're at median it's probably for a reason. Even if that reason has little connection to actual practice, grades are how law firms weed out people. If asked to explain them, just own up to your grades and say how you've learned from your mistakes last semester and how you plan on improving this semester. Once you get the CB stage, it's all about fit, so just be personable and you should do fine.

[Anonymous User]

You won't get asked about your grades in an interview. I was, but I had an actually shitty GPA (3.1). Median (or even a 3.29999 or whatever) at MVP is a great place to be. Stop worrying.

Thank you for your input. I honestly had no idea what the standard practice was, so I figured it would be smart to craft a competent response if this was a thing that was likely to occur. I guess I won't worry about it unless anyone here seems to think this type of question might be asked.