Grades and TC future

[noctkul]

Hi all,

I just graduated with a 2:1 from a top RG university. Unfortunately I have one module where I have dippped to 54.6 whereas the rest are in 60s range, with one first 72%.

Really worried that this will be viewed negatively and that whilst I wont be disqualified outright it will be harder for me as grads with first class grades and just better grades generally will eventually secure the spot( relative to them grades being used as a filter to differntiate candidates).

Would appreciate some opinions on this!

 

[Diane Lockhart]

I wouldn't worry! There will probably be a handful of firms that discount you for that, but the majority wont. For context, I failed my first year, got multiple 50s in my first and second year, and got 2 vac scheme offers, and 5 AC invites including Silver Circle and US firms this cycle. Didn't apply to MC, so can't comment on that.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Hi all,

I just graduated with a 2:1 from a top RG university. Unfortunately I have one module where I have dippped to 54.6 whereas the rest are in 60s range, with one first 72%.

Really worried that this will be viewed negatively and that whilst I wont be disqualified outright it will be harder for me as grads with first class grades and just better grades generally will eventually secure the spot( relative to them grades being used as a filter to differntiate candidates).

Would appreciate some opinions on this!

Hi!

I really would try not to worry too much about one module, or your academic profile overall. A 2:1 from a top RG university is still a strong academic profile, and most firms assess your application as a whole rather than focusing on a single mark. Having one module in the mid-50s amongst mostly 60s and a first isn't unusual, and this will only be a potential barrier at a very small handful of firms that are a bit stricter.

From what I have seen, the biggest differentiator tends to be the overall strength of your application, rather than your specific grades. Your motivations for commercial law and the firm, your work experience, extracurricular activities, commercial awareness and interview performance will ultimately carry much more weight, so I'd focus on refining those to make yourself stand out.

I also wouldn't assume that everyone you are competing against has a first! Plenty of candidates with 2:1s secure vacation schemes and training contracts at top firms every year, and a first definitely is not a requirement (even in such a competitive process).

As long as you continue building the rest of your application, I don't think one lower module is something that will hold you back. I would focus your energy on putting together the strongest application you can, rather than worrying about that one mark. Best of luck!