Overall 2:1 but inconsistent modules? Magic Circle out of the question?

[Katie_H_22]

I was hoping to secure a TC at either a Magic Circle, Silver Circle or possibly a US firm (perhaps the latter will be a bit out of reach for me).

I graduated in modern languages from Oxbridge (don't want to say which; want to remain fairly anonymous). In my first year, I secured a first and won a prize, but in the other two years of my degree, I got a 2:1 average (65 or 66), but with inconsistent module marks, like this:

68
64
78
55
50

The lower marks were in Italian oral and translation exams. My final degree class was 2:1 (65.7), with one high first module.


Would I still be a viable candidate for a Magic Circle or US TC? I know that some of the toughest US firms (e.g. Cleary) would probably be out of the question.

Thank you.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I don't think this will be an issue to apply to most of the firms in the categories you have mentioned. A few that really emphasise exceptional academics might be out of the question, but even then I think it could still be a possibility.

 

[Katie_H_22]

I don't think this will be an issue to apply to most of the firms in the categories you have mentioned. A few that really emphasise exceptional academics might be out of the question, but even then I think it could still be a possibility.

Thank you....which firms really stress exceptional academics? I know Slaughter & May scrutinise module marks, Clearly Gottlieb ask for a 'high 2:1' and want 'overall exceptional' (or words to that effect) academics, probably also Debevoise & Plimpton?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Thank you....which firms really stress exceptional academics? I know Slaughter & May scrutinise module marks, Clearly Gottlieb ask for a 'high 2:1' and want 'overall exceptional' (or words to that effect) academics, probably also Debevoise & Plimpton?

I don’t know the specifics unfortunately - but I would just check the tone and language they use on their website when describing what they look for in candidates

 

[kokothemagicdragon]

Thank you....which firms really stress exceptional academics? I know Slaughter & May scrutinise module marks, Clearly Gottlieb ask for a 'high 2:1' and want 'overall exceptional' (or words to that effect) academics, probably also Debevoise & Plimpton?

I know that Latham, Davis Polk, S&C alongside Debevoise and Cleary emphasise high 2:1s and really nothing below a 2:1.

 

[HopefulFutureTrainee123]

A friend of mine got into S&M with an Oxbridge low first and with a few modules in the 50s, if that's any help

I got a VS at a US firm last year with a low 2.1 from Oxbridge (again modules all over the place, and with mitigating circumstances that I didn't really explain well!).

 

[Katie_H_22]

A friend of mine got into S&M with an Oxbridge low first and with a few modules in the 50s, if that's any help

I got a VS at a US firm last year with a low 2.1 from Oxbridge (again modules all over the place, and with mitigating circumstances that I didn't really explain well!).

That's refreshing to know; I got a good 2:1 with sporadic module marks. Scrolling Linkedin and seeing lots of Clifford Chance trainees with firsts was discouraging me from applying.

Although I did have an ongoing medical issue during my final year at uni, I didn't officially declare this (although our college nurse knew of it, that's not 'official' or anything).....Also, did your friend have impressive work experience or extra curriculars? I don't - which is my other concern. If I'd been the head of a sports team or society, or had interned at an investment bank, I'd feel more confident.

 

[Will Jones]

If it helps my mate got a 60% and still managed to get a CC vac scheme with unique extra curriculars - so think you have a chance!

 

[Katie_H_22]

I know that Latham, Davis Polk, S&C alongside Debevoise and Cleary emphasise high 2:1s and really nothing below a 2:1.

Sorry to bump this old thread, but I'm curious: by high 2:1, do Cleary mean 65+ or 67+? I know they're probably looking for those people who just missed their first, and got 68/69 overall.

 

[kokothemagicdragon]

Sorry to bump this old thread, but I'm curious: by high 2:1, do Cleary mean 65+ or 67+? I know they're probably looking for those people who just missed their first, and got 68/69 overall.

Honestly idk, I think probably 68/69 but that shouldn't stop you from applying lol. FYI I had like a 72 in first and second year at a midlands RG uni and interviewed with S&C and DPW so I guess a mid/high 2:1 from oxbridge is good! It really is more important to show a genuine interest in the firm and its work!