Vanderbilt 1L Taking Questions Forum

[Grizz]

Rad, you also have to keep in mind that there are 9 classes, not 8, and that 5 classes are 4 hours, 2 are 3 hours, and 2 are 2 hours. Since you can't get a B/B+, the assumption for class 9 for the median student should be a B+ since the exact median student in each class is a B+. Ignoring the hour distributions, this would be 3.167.

I might be wrong that the hour distributions should go into altering the 3.167 guess, though.

Still, I think together our guesses are far superior to the 3.3 guess based on the median student per class.

I agree. 3.3 is much too high. Obviously due the the vagaries of grading, we will never know. But here are some really really rough math estimates for what could be a likely median:

This hypothetical student made B+s in 5/9 classes but still has a 3.15. He could be the median student.
Semester 1 - 14 credits
Contracts (4) - B+
Torts (4) - B+
Reg State (4) - B
LRW 1 (2) - B+

Semester 2 - 16 credits
LRW 2 (2) - B+
Con Law (3) - B+
Crim (3) - B
Property (4) - B
Civ Pro (4) - B

Or you could think about it this way. The suggested curve is that 55% get B+ or better. So like the median student might get 16.5 (17, let's say) credits of B+. That leaves 13 of Bs. That's a 3.17 median.

Basically, that's the fuzzy math explanation about why I say the median is a 3.15-3.17 or so. This is in accordance with rumors I've heard of people actually asking the administration. 3.167 actually seems pretty good. But I think 3.18 might even be too high. 3.2 is certainly too high. 3.3 is absurd.

Peer review of these estimates is welcome.

[jenesaislaw]

Are you in Nashville this summer? I always intended to, but never did, go to the library to look over all of the grades for both sections my 1L year. I'd be curious to see what the mean is.

[Grizz]

Are you in Nashville this summer? I always intended to, but never did, go to the library to look over all of the grades for both sections my 1L year. I'd be curious to see what the mean is.

Me too, but no, I'm home. I bet it's higher than the median though do to A+s and I'm guessing and unwillingness on the part of teachers to give too many B-s and discretionary Cs.

[jenesaislaw]

Are you in Nashville this summer? I always intended to, but never did, go to the library to look over all of the grades for both sections my 1L year. I'd be curious to see what the mean is.

Me too, but no, I'm home. I bet it's higher than the median though do to A+s and I'm guessing and unwillingness on the part of teachers to give too many B-s and discretionary Cs.

It is likely that taking the A+s out of the equation would give a better estimate of the median, I definitely agree there. I think when I did that calculation based on the curve it was a 3.22 instead of 3.23. I still believe good grades tend to clump, so again that will be an overestimation, but not much. However, if there are fewer B-s (and lower) than the curve suggests, the median will be higher. I base this on my premise that good grades are likely to clump, so the weight of fewer B-s will help those tending to be not the top.

[fingersxd]

Any advice for 0L's about making the actual move down?

PODS? Relo-Cube? UHaul/Budget truck?

I'm leaning towards just driving down in my car (the other options are $$ at this point) but I just realized that I have absolutely no clue where I would shop for cheap, but decent furniture if I was to leave everything behind. Any ideas?

I heard there are some Nashville companies that literally go to the IKEA in Atlanta (I think it's the nearest one) and bring your orders back for you. It's crazy, and probably not worth it, but was interesting to see that sort of demand.

[gogators]

Any advice for 0L's about making the actual move down?

PODS? Relo-Cube? UHaul/Budget truck?

I'm leaning towards just driving down in my car (the other options are $$ at this point) but I just realized that I have absolutely no clue where I would shop for cheap, but decent furniture if I was to leave everything behind. Any ideas?

I heard there are some Nashville companies that literally go to the IKEA in Atlanta (I think it's the nearest one) and bring your orders back for you. It's crazy, and probably not worth it, but was interesting to see that sort of demand.

I drove down, bought new furniture from target and other stores. ikea is too expensive when you factor in the transportation costs. plus, furniture in nashville isn't more expensive than other places.

[pleasetryagain]

I drove down, bought new furniture from target and other stores. ikea is too expensive when you factor in the transportation costs. plus, furniture in nashville isn't more expensive than other places.

Credited. Unless you are the type looking for extravagant furniture (doubtful if you are concerned about price) I wouldn't worry. Bookshelves, desks, beds, tables, etc are equally priced in Nashville vs. other places. I would love it if we had an IKEA though.

[jenesaislaw]

http://www.399sofastore.com very good stuff here. I have two couches that people continually rave about. They also have other stuff.

[gogators]

http://www.399sofastore.com very good stuff here. I have two couches that people continually rave about. They also have other stuff.

Ya, including one of the most obnoxious commercials on tv.

[jenesaislaw]

http://www.399sofastore.com/superjohn.html

awful awful awful

[pleasetryagain]

so jensaislaw, gogators, drylo, other 3Ls: What do you recommend as far as class schedule for first semester 2L year? Amount of hours, classes to take, etc.

[jenesaislaw]

Take the classes you will find interesting. Don't take a class because it is a "bar class."

[pleasetryagain]

Take the classes you will find interesting. Don't take a class because it is a "bar class."

What if you don't find anything interesting . But seriously, so we shouldn't worry about taking Evidence because everyone says we need evidence? same for Con Law II etc?

edit: any professors you would recommend as "take if you can?"

[jenesaislaw]

I didn't take either. I'm studying for the bar now and have learned both topics pretty easily. I did have to listen to a few podcasts about hearsay to truly get it, but that's a lot better than sitting through a class I had no interest in taking whatsoever.

I think Hetcher is great, and I had him for torts and copyright, but he is hit or miss for people. He and I think very similarly. He likes to do things from 20,000 feet while also getting into the details.

People seem to love Sherry, though I never had her. George was great, but I don't know if she's teaching again yet. I liked Gervais - if you're interested in IP, take him. Schlunk is also awesome. I had him for fed tax and real estate finance.

[fingersxd]

When is the 1L schedule going to be available? I know we have almost no say in picking classes (other than maybe times?), but it would be nice to know...

[gogators]

I didn't take either. I'm studying for the bar now and have learned both topics pretty easily. I did have to listen to a few podcasts about hearsay to truly get it, but that's a lot better than sitting through a class I had no interest in taking whatsoever.

I think Hetcher is great, and I had him for torts and copyright, but he is hit or miss for people. He and I think very similarly. He likes to do things from 20,000 feet while also getting into the details.

People seem to love Sherry, though I never had her. George was great, but I don't know if she's teaching again yet. I liked Gervais - if you're interested in IP, take him. Schlunk is also awesome. I had him for fed tax and real estate finance.

Can't say enough about Gervais. Take any of his classes. I've heard good things about Schlunk and will take his Fed Tax (even though its WRF at 8am). Owen Jones is awesome too, he teaches Law and the Brain. Personally, I didn't like Sherry, but gunners usually do (or at least say they do). Nancy King is great for anything criminal. Stay away from Rose for Corporations. Also, AG/Professor Bob Cooper for Campaign Finance is awesome.

For classes, you could definitely get away with not taking Evidence. I took it with Bloch, be thankful that he's no longer teaching, and taught myself hearsay and the rest of the class before finals. Con law II wouldn't be a bad course to take. Its pretty interesting, however, Brandon and Blumstein teach it VERY differently so beware. Admin law actually is pretty useful, and I would recommend Stack for that class or any other.

[pleasetryagain]

Can't say enough about Gervais. Take any of his classes. I've heard good things about Schlunk and will take his Fed Tax (even though its WRF at 8am). Owen Jones is awesome too, he teaches Law and the Brain. Personally, I didn't like Sherry, but gunners usually do (or at least say they do). Nancy King is great for anything criminal. Stay away from Rose for Corporations. Also, AG/Professor Bob Cooper for Campaign Finance is awesome.

For classes, you could definitely get away with not taking Evidence. I took it with Bloch, be thankful that he's no longer teaching, and taught myself hearsay and the rest of the class before finals. Con law II wouldn't be a bad course to take. Its pretty interesting, however, Brandon and Blumstein teach it VERY differently so beware. Admin law actually is pretty useful, and I would recommend Stack for that class or any other.

Everyone I know loves Gervais but I have no interest in IP so I don't nkow if I'll take anything with him this year. Holding off on Fed Tax. I never had a problem with Sherry, but she doesn't strike me as the nicest woman - though my section B counterparts seem to lover her.

I am def taking corporations and I was told by several graduated 3Ls to take it with Rose and an equal amount told me to not take it with Rose. What are your thoughts on her and why the warning?. I'd be taking Blumstien for Con Law II - what are your thoughts? Admin law isn't offered this semester and I plan to take it with Stack or Bressman when it is - I love Bressman and the way she teachers so Ill probably hold off on Ad Law until/if she teaches it.

Thanks for the help.

[pleasetryagain]

When is the 1L schedule going to be available? I know we have almost no say in picking classes (other than maybe times?), but it would be nice to know...

It may or may not be available until after life of the law. I think ours was available just before life of the law ended but I am not sure. It doesn't really matter because you have absolutely no say in your 1L schedule - they build it and they register you.. you don't have to do anything. This is actually kind of nice and all the 1L professors are fantastic (except one particular torts professor that I have a beef with with professional and personal reasons). Hopefully you'll get Dean Bressman for Reg State but Stack is awesome too. I had Bressman, George, Mikos, Fitzpatrick (god oh god I hope you have Fitzpatrick first semester for Civ Pro - best and worst experience ever), Vandenbergh, and Maroney. All phenomenal teachers so hopefully you'll at least get some of them.

[gogators]

Can't say enough about Gervais. Take any of his classes. I've heard good things about Schlunk and will take his Fed Tax (even though its WRF at 8am). Owen Jones is awesome too, he teaches Law and the Brain. Personally, I didn't like Sherry, but gunners usually do (or at least say they do). Nancy King is great for anything criminal. Stay away from Rose for Corporations. Also, AG/Professor Bob Cooper for Campaign Finance is awesome.

For classes, you could definitely get away with not taking Evidence. I took it with Bloch, be thankful that he's no longer teaching, and taught myself hearsay and the rest of the class before finals. Con law II wouldn't be a bad course to take. Its pretty interesting, however, Brandon and Blumstein teach it VERY differently so beware. Admin law actually is pretty useful, and I would recommend Stack for that class or any other.

Everyone I know loves Gervais but I have no interest in IP so I don't nkow if I'll take anything with him this year. Holding off on Fed Tax. I never had a problem with Sherry, but she doesn't strike me as the nicest woman - though my section B counterparts seem to lover her.

I am def taking corporations and I was told by several graduated 3Ls to take it with Rose and an equal amount told me to not take it with Rose. What are your thoughts on her and why the warning?. I'd be taking Blumstien for Con Law II - what are your thoughts? Admin law isn't offered this semester and I plan to take it with Stack or Bressman when it is - I love Bressman and the way she teachers so Ill probably hold off on Ad Law until/if she teaches it.

Thanks for the help.

Rose's class is awful. NO ONE participates because she doesn't seem to know the material (even though we KNOW she does and she's taught it now 4 times before). Instead, the class drags on for 1:15. She's obsessed with showing clips of Wall Street (the movie). She literally just reads from the text book, and then spends FOREVER asking about the facts which have no bearing on the outcome (a la Farahany). Plus, her exam was a freaking marathon and incredibly dumb. On a minor note, she takes attendance everyday, your only allowed 2 absences, and if your caught using the internet she automatically drops your grade by a letter. The funny thing, is that the only people I know who liked her where a) girls and b) the exact same people who liked Farahany. Bottom line, is she a nice person, yes, is she a good teacher, hell no.

Blumstein is fine for con law II. I had the benefit of having brandon for con law I and then blumstein for con law II, so i got to see both sides. The nice thing about brandon is that the classroom discussions are great. They really are. But, he doesn't allow laptops, which is fine during the semester, but a pain in the ass for outlining. Blumstein however is brilliant and literally brought some of the cases you'll read to the supreme court, where he argued and won some. BUT, he only calls on 2 or 3 people a day, and you're literally on call for like half an hour (but you're likely to only get called on once the semester). take your pick.

P.S. take a class with stack, you won't be disappointed.

[drylo]

I recommend Thomas. His classes are tough, but if you are interested in corporate work, you will learn a lot from him. No joke.

Other than that, I guess I would just say that I have been very glad I took classes that are relevant to what I want to do.

[pleasetryagain]

Anyone take anti-trust law? Hard? Its with Professor Haw.

[emorystud2010]

.

[BunkMoreland]

Teachers I liked 2L year: Thomas - knows his shit, took him for M+A
Blair - take one of these two for Corporations; Hudson for 1A (very easy);

Teachers I disliked: Bloch, Accounting guy I forgot his name but he sucked; Gary Brown for Sec Reg - learned alot, but mostly on my own and with groupmates

[fingersxd]

Do any 1L's still have their copy of "What Every Law Student Really Needs to Know: An Introduction to the Study of Law" that I can get on the cheap?

[ktg808]

Do any 1L's still have their copy of "What Every Law Student Really Needs to Know: An Introduction to the Study of Law" that I can get on the cheap?

+1