Here Come Your Law School Grades: "Stay Calm and Carry On"

The moment of truth has either arrived, or will  shortly. . . . Grades. 

Law students have worked from August through December to show their professors that they have mastered the course material. Some had previewed their success (or lack thereof) with a mid term, others  have had only one shot at it -- the final exam. . .  The "one and done" event for all students. The moment of truth is arriving. . The clock is ticking. . .

(. . . yeah, yeah, you get it. I need to stop the melodrama, right? )

Let me impart some thoughts for consideration, depending on how the grade thing turns out for you: 

• If you have done well. . . I mean really well. . . like Law Review well. . .  I congratulate you!  Well done! As for your study patterns -- "if it ain't broke, don't fix." The one thing that I would advise students to consider if their sole focus to date has been on grades, is to expand their horizons now and consider joining law school groups, clinics, moot court, and making contact with  real lawyers by participating in bar association events and CLE's . . Spread your wings and start to appear well rounded during your law school career. . . That's what you are going to do when you are in practice, right?  

•  You did "well" but not up to your previous academic standards. . First, normalize your breathing and start with the positive. . . . You did well. . . . you did well. As with any job and work venture, there is a period of adjustment. That is certainly the case for 1Ls starting law school. If your grades are "alright" in your view, but do not compare with what you have done in the past, then remember that the adjustment period is now over and it's now your time to "soar." Consider some "tweaks" to your study habits and patterns, but just know that you are really on your way. Be more positive than negative. Much of law school, in my view, is about attitude. Stay positive and know that, at the end of the year, your GPA should be getting back to what you are used to. That is your goal.

•    You did not do well. Period. . . Do not, under any circumstances, become despondent. No meltdowns. No bad and/or harmful thoughts (no melodrama here, I just know that this is serious business). You can do this -- remember, you got into law school. Many administrator, friends, family (not to mention your own internal feelings) thought that you could do this -- and for most, that's true. Time for some self-reflection: What went wrong? Was it my study habits and motivation? Was I truly disciplined? Did I really want this? Did I work hard enough? . . . Talk with your professors in the courses in which you did not do well. . Review the exam. . What happened? . . Was it your writing? Analytical skills? . . Multiple choice selections?    . . Get a new plan in place for the second semester. One that includes study pattern changes (i.e. if you were studying alone, see if you can get into a study group, or have a regular partner). Change your course outlining pattens and routine for weekday and weekend study? As exams approach, are you doing practice exams? How about more after hour face time with professors and teaching aids?  Mix it up? What needs changing? You can do this.

• Finally, I hate to go here, but I must. For a very small population, law school is just not the place to be. Do not hang your head. You made a noble effort and should be commended. Consider cutting your losses -- don't continue racking up bills if this is simply not your cup of tea.  

So there you have. stay true to who you are -- no matter which of the bullet points applies to you. Every journey is exciting with many ups and downs. Remember this after it is all over and you are standing before the judge to get sworn in and start your career. 

Is there another group in which you came in that doesn't appear above? Please comment and let me know.

Carpe Diem!