Drop in grades from second to third year

[Meghna]

I am a final year law student. In my second year I got consistent firsts finishing with a year average of 75.
In third year, I have been struggling in 2 modules. Whilst I am sure of a first in 2 or 3 modules, I am realistically expecting a low to mid 2:1 in a 30 credit and 15 credit module.
I have had some health issues that have impacted me a bit this term but honestly the lower grades are largely due to the fact that I am struggling with the module content despite asking for help.
I know that law firms expect consistency. Are firms going to be critical of this, given the drop from straight firsts to low 2:1’s without a hugely significant reason, if I have to reapply to VS and TC’s next year?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Ram Sabaratnam]

I am a final year law student. In my second year I got consistent firsts finishing with a year average of 75.
In third year, I have been struggling in 2 modules. Whilst I am sure of a first in 2 or 3 modules, I am realistically expecting a low to mid 2:1 in a 30 credit and 15 credit module.
I have had some health issues that have impacted me a bit this term but honestly the lower grades are largely due to the fact that I am struggling with the module content despite asking for help.
I know that law firms expect consistency. Are firms going to be critical of this, given the drop from straight firsts to low 2:1’s without a hugely significant reason, if I have to reapply to VS and TC’s next year?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hiya @Meghna

I’m sorry to hear you’ve been facing health challenges. I hope things improve for you soon! It’s completely understandable to worry about a drop in grades, especially when you’ve worked so hard to achieve consistent firsts. While law firms do value academic consistency, I think a slight dip (especially when you’re still on track for a 2:1 overall) shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. Many firms set a 2:1 as their minimum requirement, and your overall academic performance should still get your applications through the door.

I've said this many times before, but it’s worth remembering that grades are just one part of your application. Firms assess candidates holistically, and I've seen many applicants with strong academics struggle to secure vacation schemes or training contracts because they haven’t demonstrated commercial awareness, strong motivation for law, or well-rounded work experience. The key is to focus on what you can control now. So I'd focus on doing your best in your remaining modules and ensuring the rest of your application is as strong as possible. If you’re comfortable, you could briefly mention that you faced health challenges this year that affected your studies in mitigating circumstances sections of application forms.

Overall, I think the important thing to remember is that most firms appreciate that setbacks like this can happen. Many successful applicants have faced similar challenges. Keep going and, as I mentioned, focus on strengthening your overall application. Best of luck with your studies and results!

 

[Meghna]

Hi @Ram Sabaratnam, thank you so much for the reassurance. To clarify I am virtually guaranteed to graduate with a first, it’s just that my 3rd year average may drop to a 2:1 due to those 2 modules I am struggling in.
I am just concerned that law firms may view the lack of consistency negatively.

 

[eddyjim]

Don't beat yourself up too much. Firms do like consistency, but they also understand that life happens. Just be honest about your health issues and why you struggled with those modules. Highlight your strengths and the modules you aced. A slight dip won't necessarily sink your chances.