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What is the cost/benefit to writing a cover letter that essentialy states; "I know I am better than my grades show, I just fell on the wrong side of the curve. Here is why you should give me a chance." ?

I am already outside of their typical cutoff... is it worth a shot at all?

Jredelman15 wrote:What is the cost/benefit to writing a cover letter that essentialy states; "I know I am better than my grades show, I just fell on the wrong side of the curve. Here is why you should give me a chance." ?

I am already outside of their typical cutoff... is it worth a shot at all?

I, too, am a 1L without hindsight benefit on this, but if I were in your shoes I would absolutely not mention my poor grades or make excuses for them in a cover letter. I would instead steer in the direction on my strengths and unique attributes as a candidate but more importantly focus on the firm and why I am interested in them.

I say this to be helpful, but literally nothing you say can explain away your grades. Trying to explain them away will only hurt, never help. No one will care about your explanation. Being on the wrong side of the curve is also known as a bad grade. Cost / benefit ? I guess nothing to lose, but it won't help a bit. You're probably better off not making any excuses and just hoping you get lucky.

i wouldnt. ive gotten asked in interviews, and i responded honestly -- that i was a slow typer.

Thank you all for your responses and advice. I'm going to mass mail and then hope for the best with OCI.

If they give me an interview and ask, I will spin it the best way possible.