Grades are back and I'm in trouble. What should I do? Forum

[Orange_guy]

Hi guys,

I realize that I'm just one of many 1Ls who would like advice regarding my fall semester grades, but I really need some input from people who have more knowledge of law school/the job market in order to make the best decision I can about my future. However, before I present my question, I should tell you that I attend a T-10 school. I doubt that it will make a difference in my case but maybe it will.

Anyway, I have just received my grades for this past semester. For two of my classes I received "B"s. I was very disappointed with this until I found out that I received a "D" in my criminal law class. This puts my GPA at somewhere around 2.33 and eliminates any possibility, I think, of having a chance of working at most firms (big, mid-sized, etc.), which is what I planned to do after graduation. So my question is whether I should continue my studies after this next semester. I have no problem working as an attorney and making a lower salary than my peers, but I don't want to wind up going another 120K in debt if it would be nearly impossible to find any legal firm job after graduation.

For what it's worth, I plan to finish this next semester before making a decision, but I definitely want to start thinking about my options before I commit to another year of law school. I don't think I've left out any crucial information, but if I have, let me know. Thanks!

Tl;dr: I got a "D" in one of my classes. Will I be able to get a firm job (big, mid-sized, small) anywhere after graduation even if I improve my GPA?

Edit: for those of you who say drop out, would it be better to do it now or after this semester? I would assume now so I could get a partial reimbursement. I just wish there was some way I could put it off until I can figure out what to do next.

[justonemoregame]

These are the results and predicament I fear. OP, do you mind if I ask your age?

[Orange_guy]

I won't give my exact age since I know some of my friends have accounts, but it's between 21-23.

[olive16]

Drop. Out. Yesterday.

[dissonance1848]

Two things OP;

1) Don't say NY T10, just say NYU or Columbia, please.
2) Drop out now, like the previous poster said. Apply a tourniquet and staunch the blood loss.

That is all.

[rinkrat19]

First figure out what happened to get that D. Normally at a T10 you'd have to literally not write anything on the exam, or set the professor on fire to get a D. Go to your professor and find out what happened. Was there a technical fuckup and your exam appeared to be uploaded late? Did several pages go missing? Then maybe go to your assistant dean of students or dean of academics or something.

If it really is an immovable D, then...yeah. Consider dropping out.

[Orange_guy]

If I'm honest, I am leaning towards dropping out. It would be basically impossible to recover from this, which makes it pointless to keep accumulating debt.

[papercut]

How's the LRAP program at the school? Could PI or government work be a possibility?

[Orange_guy]

I would have to find out more about the LRAP.

[EijiMiyake]

You should really find out what happened, and make sure it isn't some sort of technical error, before dropping out.

[Orange_guy]

I'm going to speak with my professor as soon as possible. I will at least do this before I drop out.

[rad lulz]

I'm going to speak with my professor as soon as possible. I will at least do this before I drop out.

Yeah If it's a D drop out

[daryldixon]

I would definitely drop if you could get this semester's tuition back.

[thesealocust]

TIL there are T10 schools that give out Ds.

[daryldixon]

TIL there are T10 schools that give out Ds.

Yeah, I was thinking this as well.

Anybody know if this is standard practice at NYU or Columbia?

[arklaw13]

Do you mean NYU or Columbia or do you mean a school that is top 10 in NY? because if you go to Syracuse (Orange guy?) you should be dropping out right now.

[Orange_guy]

Do you mean NYU or Columbia or do you mean a school that is top 10 in NY? because if you go to Syracuse (Orange guy?) you should be dropping out right now.

Sorry to everyone about the confusion. I meant NYU or Columbia.

[lawyerwannabe]

Anything below a 2.7 at my school is discretionary and anything below a 2.0 needs administrative approval. I did not even know Ds existed in law school . . . I'm really sorry about your situation.

[resilience99]

I know its a bad grade, but graduating at the bottom of NYU or Columbia is not the end of the world. might be tough to get the first job you want, but over a 30-40 year career, your grades will not matter.

[Orange_guy]

Anything below a 2.7 at my school is discretionary and anything below a 2.0 needs administrative approval. I did not even know Ds existed in law school . . . I'm really sorry about your situation.

I appreciate the sympathy, but that's how life works out sometimes. If I don't have what it takes to be an attorney, it's better that I find out now as opposed to much later.

[bjsesq]

I know its a bad grade, but graduating at the bottom of NYU or Columbia is not the end of the world. might be tough to get the first job you want, but over a 30-40 year career, your grades will not matter.

That debt WILL matter.

[mr.hands]

You can't overcome a D. Factoring a 1.0 into your cumulative GPA is devastating.

Look into it to make sure it's not a mistake and, if it's not, drop out.

[jrd93]

.

[rad lulz]

m

[Orange_guy]

A well written guide about T14 and LRAP programs. Although there may have been some changes, I suggest taking a look at it.
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 5&t=211835

Also, Army JAG pays $65,000 towards loan repayment and after 10 years, at least under IBR, you can take advantage of the PSLF. I know for hiring, grades
aren't the be all end all so if you can show commitment, are physically fit, and pull up your grades this next semester, I think you might have a fighting chance. I'm specifically talking about Army AD only. Your grades will, most likely, make it very hard to receive Air Force and Navy AD.

Just a thought.

Yeah just do jag bro!!!

Lol

Use your head dude this is terrible advice

I certain appreciate the advice, but I don't think that the Army JAG is right for me. Even if I did decide to go that route, I would most likely not be able to meet the fitness requirements due to my health history.