Major differene between Summa and Magna Cume Laude? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I do not intend to brag by any means. I would just like to know if employers see a major difference between Summa Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude. Basically, I am currently in the magna range, but if I hustled my last semester it is very possible to bump up to Summa. Is it worth the hustle? I am a 3L at a school in the T30-T50 range.

[legalese_retard]

Yes, especially if you go to a lower-tiered law school.

[UnfrozenCaveman]

Depends on the school and its requirements, doesn't it?

[WhirledWorld]

Wait, are you talking about undergrad or LS?

If it's undergrad, I don't think anyone cares. Schools definitely don't care--they just look at the number. Employers take some notice but it really, really doesn't matter because there are so many other variables going into the employment decision.

If it's law school, then there's a big difference. Summa often only goes out to the top handful of folks in the class. It's a lot more selective than Magna, which is usually around the top 10% as I understand.

[micwrecka45]

TTT - yes, definitely could matter. Biglaw, prestigious gov't, etc. will only hire a handful of people from a TTT and so magna vs. summa could make a difference.
Regional school/T30ish - wouldn't really matter for most biglaw, could matter for some fed clerkships.
T14 - doesn't really matter unless you're gunning for one of the most highly sought after districts for fed clerkships

If undergrad, doesn't matter, enjoy your last semester you gunner.

[anonymous2012]

If you are a 3L and don't already know exactly what you're doing (offer accepted) then the only thing you can hope for is clerkships. And it matters for that.

[ph14]

Depends on your school and how they do the latin honors. At my school, yes, there is a major difference.

[Anonymous User]

Thanks for the advice everyone!