First year results in - more uncertain than ever.
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First year results in - more uncertain than ever.Hi All
You may see from my previous posts that I am a mature student studying the LLB part time whilst working full time.
Have always been unsure what to do after the degree as I have concerns regarding the stiff competition out there for TC's and pupillage.
So I said to myself I will wait and see how I do in my first year as that may tell me a great deal. Well it really has not.
In 6 assessments and exams my grades are as follows 60% 70% 72% 72% 73% 91% and my end of year average on my university print out is 73%. I am happy with this overall but know that I could improve in some areas - after all these are the first exams I have sat in 20 years ha ha.
I cannot say that I found the first year easy and I did put a great deal of effort in but this was not a hassle as I really find the degree interesting.
So - to decide if a legal career is for me or not I need to get some experience so I am better informed.
I am thinking I could apply for a mini p/vac scheme of some type but am unsure if I will be laughed at really. I do not want to waste anyone's time - least of all my own.
I would appreciate some advice from those who have taken this approach or those much further on the academic path than myself. I really want to know if I am wasting my time if my grades are not quite up to scratch.
Your thoughts and honest comments will be really appreciated!
x -
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.So you've averaged a first and you know there is room for improvement in certain areas? There's certainly nothing to worry about. Keep going at it and don't let uncertainty get the best of you!
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.Coming back from 20 years out of education and averaging a first in an LLB WHILST working full time is a great achievement - so well done, first of all. I'm also glad that you've taken the view that there's room for improvement - a lot of people do well in first year, then assume they'll just fly through the rest of the degree, slack off, and end up with a rubbish degree. So yes, recognise your achievement, but also give yourself some criticism and that way you'll be sure to keep improving as the years go by, and guarantee yourself a top degree.
If you're enjoying the degree then chances are that you'll enjoy the job too. The vast majority of the contents of a law course, unlike most subjects at university, are relevant to what you'll do day in and day out in a legal career. So if you enjoy the subject, then you know more than most university students that you'll probably enjoy the job at the end of it.
That said, it won't hinder you to get some experience - don't be worried that you'll be laughed at for seeking it out. You won't be. Your grades already put you in a good position.
There is stiff competition, as you said, for both real jobs and any relevant experience, but you're in a better position than most to get it, so I wouldn't worry! -
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.I'm in the same boat as you, mature student studying part-time, although I've only completed one term so far and won't finish my first year until September.
Those are very good grades, you obviously won't be 'laughed at' if you apply for a mini-pupillage or vacation scheme. I'm sure that plenty of students with weak 2:1s or even 2:2s manage to get onto those type of programs. You have a relatively strong first with only one module letting you down (if 60% can be described as a 'let down - plenty of students would be happy if that was their average!) Even if that module was, say, contract, and you applied for a mini-pupillage in a commercial set of chambers I cannot imagine that your academics will in any way disbar you. Bear in mind that many students get lower grades in their first year and then improve as they go through the course, firsts are rarer in first year than they are in third year (anecdotally at least). If anything those grades can only help you.
I suspect (but cannot prove) that being a mature student is no disadvantage either when it comes to minis and VSs; of course when you come to apply for the 'real thing' you will need an answer to the questions - 'why are you only now coming to the bar?' 'what made you want to leave your previous career path?' etc, as will I.Last edited by Forum User; 01-07-2012 at 14:11. -
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.This.
You are on track for a first class degree, have life experience, and enjoy the course itself, yet you're uncertain as to whether you want to continue because the competition may be stiff? Surely this is a no brainer. . .
Edit- I didn't realise that you are doing it at what might be considered to be a 'non-prestigious' university. . . so you may struggle.Last edited by Zedd; 01-07-2012 at 18:53. -
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.You've done really well in your first year, especially for someone who hasn't sat exams for 20 years. A low first certainly isn't a poor grade, especially in a Law degree. If you knock that module you gained 60% in up to the average of your other modules and assuming they're all weighted evenly your mark would be at around 75.6%, which is an excellent result. Especially if you think you can push some of the other modules up, such as the one you obtained 70% in. You have nothing to worry about in my opinion.
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.You want an honest answer?(Original post by sar2004)
Hi All
You may see from my previous posts that I am a mature student studying the LLB part time whilst working full time.
Have always been unsure what to do after the degree as I have concerns regarding the stiff competition out there for TC's and pupillage.
So I said to myself I will wait and see how I do in my first year as that may tell me a great deal. Well it really has not.
In 6 assessments and exams my grades are as follows 60% 70% 72% 72% 73% 91% and my end of year average on my university print out is 73%. I am happy with this overall but know that I could improve in some areas - after all these are the first exams I have sat in 20 years ha ha.
I cannot say that I found the first year easy and I did put a great deal of effort in but this was not a hassle as I really find the degree interesting.
So - to decide if a legal career is for me or not I need to get some experience so I am better informed.
I am thinking I could apply for a mini p/vac scheme of some type but am unsure if I will be laughed at really. I do not want to waste anyone's time - least of all my own.
I would appreciate some advice from those who have taken this approach or those much further on the academic path than myself. I really want to know if I am wasting my time if my grades are not quite up to scratch.
Your thoughts and honest comments will be really appreciated!
x
I think you're wasting your time.
Universities are churning out law graduates by the thousands. A mature student doing a part time degree from a mediocre university - well......don't fancy your chances.
I'm not trying to be unkind or rain on your parade. I'm just being a realist. It's a great thing to get your law degree (I did mine with the Open University while I was working full time so I know a bit about it) and an amazing achievement. Just don't expect too much at the end of it. -
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I really appreciate the feedback and certainly am not offended by the comments. Yes I do not attend a 'red brick' but that is purely because I wanted part time study in the north west - does limit your options a bit
I understand that applications must be filtered out in some way and am not surprised that calibre of educational establishment is one way of doing this
That said I am considering my options and may well still try and get some legal work experience of some type. At least then I make an informed decision.
X
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.If you consistently get firsts right the way through, even at Man Met, it would take the stuffiest of stuffed shirts to not consider that you'd proved yourself academically. You're massively overthinking this I'd say.(Original post by sar2004)
I really appreciate the feedback and certainly am not offended by the comments. Yes I do not attend a 'red brick' but that is purely because I wanted part time study in the north west - does limit your options a bit
I understand that applications must be filtered out in some way and am not surprised that calibre of educational establishment is one way of doing this
That said I am considering my options and may well still try and get some legal work experience of some type. At least then I make an informed decision. -
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.This did make me laugh(Original post by Norton1)
If you consistently get firsts right the way through, even at Man Met, it would take the stuffiest of stuffed shirts to not consider that you'd proved yourself academically. You're massively overthinking this I'd say.
I possibly am overthinking it - but it is due to the fact that I am a mature student attending a university which is not really rated...well not on here in any case
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Re: First year results in - more uncertain than ever.Keep up the hard work once you complete the LLB and most employers will be hard pressed to turn you down! Imagine being given the combined study time and work hours you currently put in now and then being able to use them in a field that you're highly motivated in and passionate about!
This is what separates mediocre from actual talent.
