Module breakdowns and US firms

sunflower269

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Sep 3, 2021
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I am really keen on firms like Skadden, Sidley, White & Case, but I'm concerned about my chances at a few of these because I only have a 2:1 at undergraduate level (Oxbridge, if that makes any difference).

I'm also worried that throughout my degree, I got a few 2:2 module marks, though I also got some high first class marks too, and a good 2:1 average in the second and final year, and a first overall in first year, then a Distinction in a Masters (London, not Oxbridge).

I'm just worried I won't be good enough for the paper sift at firms like Skadden, both/either because of the 2:1 or those few 2:2 module marks, and especially given I don't have any very exciting professional experiences either.


Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thank you.
 

Jessica Booker

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Aug 1, 2019
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I am really keen on firms like Skadden, Sidley, White & Case, but I'm concerned about my chances at a few of these because I only have a 2:1 at undergraduate level (Oxbridge, if that makes any difference).

I'm also worried that throughout my degree, I got a few 2:2 module marks, though I also got some high first class marks too, and a good 2:1 average in the second and final year, and a first overall in first year, then a Distinction in a Masters (London, not Oxbridge).

I'm just worried I won't be good enough for the paper sift at firms like Skadden, both/either because of the 2:1 or those few 2:2 module marks, and especially given I don't have any very exciting professional experiences either.


Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thank you.
I don’t think a few 2.2 modules will exclude you, especially if you have strong results elsewhere.

Where 2.2 results can be detrimental is when they are a significant proportion of your results (eg when you only have one year’s worth of results).
 

Emily K

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Dec 29, 2018
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I am really keen on firms like Skadden, Sidley, White & Case, but I'm concerned about my chances at a few of these because I only have a 2:1 at undergraduate level (Oxbridge, if that makes any difference).

I'm also worried that throughout my degree, I got a few 2:2 module marks, though I also got some high first class marks too, and a good 2:1 average in the second and final year, and a first overall in first year, then a Distinction in a Masters (London, not Oxbridge).

I'm just worried I won't be good enough for the paper sift at firms like Skadden, both/either because of the 2:1 or those few 2:2 module marks, and especially given I don't have any very exciting professional experiences either.


Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thank you.

Hey, just wanted to say I don't think you should worry! I also have a 2.1 at undergrad level with a few 2.2 module marks and got an interview from Skadden and a couple other US firms last year so I doubt they will automatically exclude you based on your grades (even though I had the same worries as you!). Hope this helps, I'd just go for it and focus on making your applications the best they can be :)
 

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