Poor grades, bottom of T100 pile: should I even bother? Forum

[guruburu]

I wish my enjoyment of law school translated into my GPA, because I really like school. But, I guess I didn't learn to properly articulate what I knew and conveniently, some personal issues came up around finals time, so fall semester grades put me towards the bottom of the class (2.57). I had hopes of transfering to a higher ranking school… I went to a high-ranking undergrad and did well there, and feel like I ought to graduate from an equally good law school, or at least one ranked higher than where I am now (bottom half of T100). I can do better grade-wise this semester, but I don't know if I can make up for Fall and get into that essential 10%. I know my family is a bit disappointed and would be a lot happier if I went to a better school. I also think I'd like to work in DC, so I'd like to transfer to a school there, like U. of MD, George Washington, or even Georgetown, if it's possible. I'm interested in Justice Law (over BigLaw) and many public interest orgs. are headquartered in the capitol.

However, besides feeling completely inadequate for the first time in my life, I'm reluctant about transferring because I have really great benefits that I would lose if I transferred. For one, I have a full scholarship, which is really important. I also worked at the school (main reason why I attended), so I personally know a lot of the staff and faculty here and they look out for me—I'm on their radar when special events and opportunities arise. I also have many leadership opportunities for next year because of my involvement. Plus, Public Interest usually doesn't put as much emphasis on pedigree as they do on experience, which I have through volunteering/clinics, so a big name school isn't that crucial to my long-term success.

I guess my question is whether I should forgo the money+connections I have for prestige. And now that I've written it all out…I think I know my answer. Still, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my chances of getting in to any of the top 40–50 with my current situation. Thanks in advance.

[09042014]

I wish my enjoyment of law school translated into my GPA, because I really like school. But, I guess I didn't learn to properly articulate what I knew and conveniently, some personal issues came up around finals time, so fall semester grades put me towards the bottom of the class (2.57). I had hopes of transfering to a higher ranking school… I went to a high-ranking undergrad and did well there, and feel like I ought to graduate from an equally good law school, or at least one ranked higher than where I am now (bottom half of T100). I can do better grade-wise this semester, but I don't know if I can make up for Fall and get into that essential 10%. I know my family is a bit disappointed and would be a lot happier if I went to a better school. I also think I'd like to work in DC, so I'd like to transfer to a school there, like U. of MD, George Washington, or even Georgetown, if it's possible. I'm interested in Justice Law (over BigLaw) and many public interest orgs. are headquartered in the capitol.

However, besides feeling completely inadequate for the first time in my life, I'm reluctant about transferring because I have really great benefits that I would lose if I transferred. For one, I have a full scholarship, which is really important. I also worked at the school (main reason why I attended), so I personally know a lot of the staff and faculty here and they look out for me—I'm on their radar when special events and opportunities arise. I also have many leadership opportunities for next year because of my involvement. Plus, Public Interest usually doesn't put as much emphasis on pedigree as they do on experience, which I have through volunteering/clinics, so a big name school isn't that crucial to my long-term success.

I guess my question is whether I should forgo the money+connections I have for prestige. And now that I've written it all out…I think I know my answer. Still, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my chances of getting in to any of the top 40–50 with my current situation. Thanks in advance.

flame

[traehekat]

I'm interested in Justice Law

[3|ink]

I wish my enjoyment of law school translated into my GPA

[guruburu]

I wish my enjoyment of law school translated into my GPA, because I really like school. But, I guess I didn't learn to properly articulate what I knew and conveniently, some personal issues came up around finals time, so fall semester grades put me towards the bottom of the class (2.57). I had hopes of transfering to a higher ranking school… I went to a high-ranking undergrad and did well there, and feel like I ought to graduate from an equally good law school, or at least one ranked higher than where I am now (bottom half of T100). I can do better grade-wise this semester, but I don't know if I can make up for Fall and get into that essential 10%. I know my family is a bit disappointed and would be a lot happier if I went to a better school. I also think I'd like to work in DC, so I'd like to transfer to a school there, like U. of MD, George Washington, or even Georgetown, if it's possible. I'm interested in Justice Law (over BigLaw) and many public interest orgs. are headquartered in the capitol.

However, besides feeling completely inadequate for the first time in my life, I'm reluctant about transferring because I have really great benefits that I would lose if I transferred. For one, I have a full scholarship, which is really important. I also worked at the school (main reason why I attended), so I personally know a lot of the staff and faculty here and they look out for me—I'm on their radar when special events and opportunities arise. I also have many leadership opportunities for next year because of my involvement. Plus, Public Interest usually doesn't put as much emphasis on pedigree as they do on experience, which I have through volunteering/clinics, so a big name school isn't that crucial to my long-term success.

I guess my question is whether I should forgo the money+connections I have for prestige. And now that I've written it all out…I think I know my answer. Still, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my chances of getting in to any of the top 40–50 with my current situation. Thanks in advance.

flame

Is that a rallying cry that folks should flame this post?

[nkp007]

However, besides feeling completely inadequate for the first time in my life, I'm reluctant about transferring because I have really great benefits that I would lose if I transferred..

You should date my girlfriend.

[cinephile]

If you're not doing well at a low-ranked school, and you're not happy with the situation, maybe your best bet is to drop out. You could look into getting some work experience or applying to another grad program. Like, if you're interested in public interest jobs, why not go into social work?

[sparty99]

I wish my enjoyment of law school translated into my GPA, because I really like school. But, I guess I didn't learn to properly articulate what I knew and conveniently, some personal issues came up around finals time, so fall semester grades put me towards the bottom of the class (2.57). I had hopes of transfering to a higher ranking school… I went to a high-ranking undergrad and did well there, and feel like I ought to graduate from an equally good law school, or at least one ranked higher than where I am now (bottom half of T100). I can do better grade-wise this semester, but I don't know if I can make up for Fall and get into that essential 10%. I know my family is a bit disappointed and would be a lot happier if I went to a better school. I also think I'd like to work in DC, so I'd like to transfer to a school there, like U. of MD, George Washington, or even Georgetown, if it's possible. I'm interested in Justice Law (over BigLaw) and many public interest orgs. are headquartered in the capitol.

However, besides feeling completely inadequate for the first time in my life, I'm reluctant about transferring because I have really great benefits that I would lose if I transferred. For one, I have a full scholarship, which is really important. I also worked at the school (main reason why I attended), so I personally know a lot of the staff and faculty here and they look out for me—I'm on their radar when special events and opportunities arise. I also have many leadership opportunities for next year because of my involvement. Plus, Public Interest usually doesn't put as much emphasis on pedigree as they do on experience, which I have through volunteering/clinics, so a big name school isn't that crucial to my long-term success.

I guess my question is whether I should forgo the money+connections I have for prestige. And now that I've written it all out…I think I know my answer. Still, I'd appreciate your thoughts on my chances of getting in to any of the top 40–50 with my current situation. Thanks in advance.

Flame. Get a life, bro.

[rad lulz]

.

[guruburu]

If you're not doing well at a low-ranked school, and you're not happy with the situation, maybe your best bet is to drop out. You could look into getting some work experience or applying to another grad program. Like, if you're interested in public interest jobs, why not go into social work?

Well, dropping out isn't in my plans. Like I said, I enjoy law school, very much actually: my classes are interesting and my professors are great. I just did shockingly worse at exam time than I expected. I know what my weaknesses are now and the issue that came up during finals won't be happening again if I can help it.

As for all the "flame" replies: I know the internet makes very jaded people, so I don't grudge you.

[guruburu]

I hope justice law becomes a new thing.

What, you've never heard of social Justice Law referred to as Justice Law? Huh, guess it's less common than I thought.

[bk1]

It's unlikely if not nigh impossible for you to improve your grades enough to transfer.

You already made the smart choice not to take out any loans for tuition. No reason to go chasing prestige at this point, especially when the best schools you could possibly even get into aren't worth giving up a full ride.

[traehekat]

Transferring is the worst thing you can possibly do at this point.

[sunynp]

How would transferring benefit you in anyway? If you aren't in debt, stick it out but start looking for jobs. You are going to get a job by searching hard for it. There are job search tips in the employment forum. Work experience is what will save you now.

[sparty99]

No one would even want you with your 2.57 gpa. Georgetown? LMAO!

[lobolawyer]

I hope justice law becomes a new thing.

Me too. But it does give some explanation for OP's GPA.

[beach_terror]

You're probably a flame but it is literally impossible for you to finish 1L in the top 10%. If you 4.0 this semester, you'll have a whopping 3.28.

[moonman157]

Don't transfer. Work your butt off in your classes from now on, and hustle like crazy for employment. That seems to be your best bet at this point. Sorry things didn't turn out like you planned.

[09042014]

You're probably a flame but it is literally impossible for you to finish 1L in the top 10%. If you 4.0 this semester, you'll have a whopping 3.28.

Depending on his curve that might be top 5%. But getting 4.0 would be asburdly hard.

[beach_terror]

You're probably a flame but it is literally impossible for you to finish 1L in the top 10%. If you 4.0 this semester, you'll have a whopping 3.28.

Depending on his curve that might be top 5%. But getting 4.0 would be asburdly hard.

Do any top 100 schools curve that low? I thought that was only done at TTT/TTTT schools. If that GPA would put you in that range, good luck OP. That's some hard shit to pull off.

[nouseforaname123]

Do any top 100 schools curve that low? I thought that was only done at TTT/TTTT schools. If that GPA would put you in that range, good luck OP. That's some hard shit to pull off.

Check this out:

http://www.baylor.edu/law/cd/index.php?id=75305

I couldn't find their class ranks, so I'm not really answering your question.

[dproduct]

Do any top 100 schools curve that low? I thought that was only done at TTT/TTTT schools. If that GPA would put you in that range, good luck OP. That's some hard shit to pull off.

Check this out:

http://www.baylor.edu/law/cd/index.php?id=75305

I couldn't find their class ranks, so I'm not really answering your question.

"Employers using grade point average as part of their hiring criteria should set standards specifically for Baylor Law students. Because grading policies vary from school to school, imposing the same GPA requirements on candidates from different schools may result in the inadvertent elimination of highly qualified candidates from schools such as Baylor."

Good work screwing over your students Baylor.

[guruburu]

*resurrecting a dead thread*

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I was starting to feel a bit better about staying, except just the other day my dad made a comment about me transferring again…so now I'm back to torturing myself with "what ifs" again (cause I'm a masochist ). I should have mentioned before: two of my classes are year long, so if I get As in those this semester (I think grades break down to 60%/40%) could it counterbalance my poor performance in the fall somewhat? Maybe?

[bmore]

"so I don't grudge you."

No offense, here is another thing you could work on to raise that GPA.

[quiver]

I'm sorry OP, there's absolutely nowhere you could transfer with those grades that would 1) be worth the transfer, and 2) provide the prestige you're looking for. Put transferring out of your mind.