Assuming every student goes in with the same mind set that they have to be above median, assuming every student puts in the same amount of work that I do to reach that goal, that I have, statistically, a 50% shot at being above median.
That is a scary sentiment. 50%. That's it.
Now, this ignores a variety of other factors, many of which are subjective. Assuming LSAT is at all related to law school performance (I don't think it is), then I'm above 75% of the students. Assuming my coming straight out of undergrad will affect my ability to settle down and study effectively, this also puts me at an advantage. Assuming that drive, determination, etc are subjective: well, those are the intangibles that could make the difference.
The median at my school, as it is at many similar schools, is a B+. Meaning anything below that is below median. The scary thing is, I, of course, want more than just to be at median or above median. I desperately want to be on Law Review. I want to clerk out of law school. I want to do federal appellate litigation. I want to one day become a judge.
Median isn't sufficient for any of these. Maybe top-third. But certainly not median.
But if we're just speaking statistically, my odds are slim. I'm sure there are other students who have similar goals, students willing to work just as hard. And if I'm at median.... or worse, below, which is equally statistically possible... I need a back up.
This is causing quite a deal of panic. I would love to be a prosecutor as a back up, which could also lead to a judgeship... but those positions also require good grades. Other than that... I could work unemployment law, labor laws, public interest work. Those were my passion areas, the things that drove me to consider law school to begin with. I could be very happy doing that. I suppose only time will tell if I will need the back ups. For now, complete focus.
Remember: I want to learn the law, and how to apply it. Grades are a secondary function of this. If I want to be a truly great judge or attorney, I should have these skills down cold. If I have these skills down cold, I am more likely to succeed.
To future me: if you look back at this post at the end of the semester, and find yourself at or below median, just remember, you want to be a lawyer. It isn't about the money. Don't get depressed and lose focus, just keep pushing yourself.
This is causing quite a deal of panic. I would love to be a prosecutor as a back up, which could also lead to a judgeship... but those positions also require good grades. Other than that... I could work unemployment law, labor laws, public interest work. Those were my passion areas, the things that drove me to consider law school to begin with. I could be very happy doing that. I suppose only time will tell if I will need the back ups. For now, complete focus.
Remember: I want to learn the law, and how to apply it. Grades are a secondary function of this. If I want to be a truly great judge or attorney, I should have these skills down cold. If I have these skills down cold, I am more likely to succeed.
To future me: if you look back at this post at the end of the semester, and find yourself at or below median, just remember, you want to be a lawyer. It isn't about the money. Don't get depressed and lose focus, just keep pushing yourself.
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