grades, mitigating circumstances, and applications

[LauraMelo]

Hello,
I recently graduated from a RG university, and I've been very worried about my academic profile for training contract and vacation scheme applications.

I achieved AAA at A-levels and graduated with a 2:1 overall (64%). My first year averaged 68% with a couple of 1st (contract law and legal skills), but I struggled in my second year (averaging 59% due to mitigating circumstances which my university is willing to support). I have since improved in my final year, where I’ve achieved marks in the 60s and 70s, including 1st in Competition Law and Intellectual Property.

My concern is how recruiters might view the dip in my second year, and whether my stronger first and final year results alongside extracurriculars can help balance this out. Does anyone have advice on how best to frame this in applications, or whether it is likely to be a significant barrier for particular firms?

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

Hiya @LauraMelo

I really don’t think this will be a problem for you. Overall, your academics are excellent and the 59% in second year is likely to be seen as a blip, especially given the mitigating circumstances and the fact you went on to perform strongly in your final year. Recruiters will generally look at the full picture, and your trajectory shows resilience. Where dips in grades become more concerning is if there’s a consistent pattern of underperformance, which clearly isn’t the case for you.

That said, some firms are stricter than others on academics (places like Slaughter and May or Sidley can be more rigid) but for the vast majority, your academics seem very competitive. I think the best thing you can do is be upfront about the mitigating circumstances when you apply, and highlight the improvement in final year. Again, I don’t see this being a significant barrier at all.

Good luck with your applications!