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How do US JD Grades Calculate to UK Reqmts?

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alleghenyman

Joined: 19 Aug 2005
Posts: 1
How do US JD Grades Calculate to UK Reqmts?
Sat Aug 20, 2005 02:21 AM
Complicated question - any pointers are appreciated. I've looked at all of the posts here and cannot find an answer.

- I go to a top-10 Ivy League law school (Cornell) so is a B average here worth more than a B at a top 50 school?

- Different schools calculated grades according to a different median. The statistical median at my school is a B+, but at other schools it may be a B or a C+. How is this factored into the calculation?

- My school does not compile class rank, except to note students in the top 10%. How is this factored into the calculation?

I have some familiarity with the 1, 2.1, 2.2, pass system in the UK but wonder where I would fit in. I am probably in the 40th percentile of my class at an elite law school, so would this calculate to 2.2? 2.1?

- Generally, does the school's prestige matter in this calculation? What about an upward trend in grades? I had a bad first year but my grades are now average and I think I can finish my upcoming final year with much better grades. I did not participate in a law journal - does this matter much? I graduated undergrad with honors, worked for four years in New York City and was in the 90th percentile on the LSAT. Is any of this considered in the admissions process?
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alexp

Joined: 09 Aug 2005
Posts: 8
How do US JD Grades Calculate to UK Reqmts?
Thu Aug 25, 2005 07:21 PM
Forgive me for not answering your question, but I don't exactly know. I was curious what your situation is, i.e. are you applying for LLMs or training contracts in the UK? I'm possibly doing the same and have had a pretty frustrating experience with it so far. Maybe we could share ideas? alexpapanikolaou@gmail.com.
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lawchick


Joined: 18 Apr 2005
Posts: 67
How do US JD Grades Calculate to UK Reqmts?
Thu Aug 25, 2005 08:12 PM
wow, you have good credentials, you shouldn't have a problem getting in a good UK school for an LLM course. LSAT's definitely aren't considered, they don't even ask for that stuff. The most important thing are grades and recs, lawschool grade especially. If you have some work experience, I would play that up--as it shows maturity and I think the schools like that. As for the GPA stuff, I've been told that a 1 is like a 3.6 up, a 2.1 is like 3.0 to 3.6, and a 2.2 is below 3.0. That's a general translation though, you could always call the schools and ask, because I think each school has it's own translated system. I think it helps that you are in an ivy, but I don't think it means that someone not in a school as highly ranked has less of a chance if he or she has the same grades. And take it from me....apply as early as you can! The later it gets, the less spots the schools have.

Good luck! :)
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