2L Year & Missing Classes: Bad? or Don't Worry? Forum

[kaiser]

Due to a pretty good number of callbacks (which I am endlessly thankful for), I've been missing some classes pretty consistently, and already feel myself getting behind in the material after just 2 weeks. And things won't ease up for another 2-3 weeks as I continue going to callbacks both in my city and out of town.

So my question is really aimed at 3L's who have been through this (though current 2L's can of course share their views on this). But should I be worried that I am missing class and feel behind? A part of me thinks that its all about getting the job and that grades don't really matter that much anymore. But the perpetual student in me is offended by the notion and feels like some bad consequence inevitably must come from missing this much class.

Should I be worried? Do 2L grades really matter that much? Did you find it relatively easy to get caught up? Thanks

[nigelfrost]

I'm a 3L at a T20 with BigLaw offer in hand . . . not that those credentials give me authority, but TLSers seem to think creds are necessary.

In my 2L fall semester, I lost the entire month of September and first week of October to interviews. The fact is, in the long run, it's simply way more important to allocate your time to the job search than it is to attending classes. You certainly don't want to slack off, since your grades will still matter the following year if you don't nail the summer gig. But you can make up whatever time you've lost around finals. Just my $.02, though.

Best of luck in the job search, btw!

[DCDuck]

2L grades can matter so you should do your best to keep them up. If you get a firm job for 2L, they may request to see your transcript before they extend an offer. If you do not get an offer from your 2L firm, your grades will definitely matter. And if you get an offer from your firm, but do not wish to return, or would like to clerk, your grades will still matter. It also feels better to get good grades even if they don't matter. Of course you should attend all callbacks you get and prepare well for them, but do your best to stay caught up with classes, as well. If you are afraid you are missing stuff in class that wasn't in the reading, or are confused by the reading, attend your professor's office hours or have a friend take good notes.

[kaiser]

I'm def trying my best to keep up with everything. I was just worried that, if I get behind, its all over since everything builds upon what came before. But it seems like a few people say its possible to catch up later by getting the notes, meeting with the prof, looking at outlines, etc.