How bad is it to get 65?

I'm a law student at Oxford and so far this term I've had scores from 64-68, with my average being about 65. I'm a bit disappointed with this because I've been working really hard this term, making sure I put in at least 8 hours every week day and a few on weekend days but I don't think my grades are really reflecting this. It seems like in every assignment, when I get the feedback my tutor is pointing out that there's something I just completely missed from the reading. On my two assignments last week I got 67 and 68 so I thought my grades mind be finally trending upwards but then this week I got 65 again.

How bad would it be if I got around 65 (a mid level 2:1) on my whole degree? I'm only in second year and obviously I'm aiming for a first but would my life be completely over if I ended up with a mid level 2:1? Would anyone hire me? I ideally want to do a master's so the 2:1 wouldn't be an issue for that as uni's I can afford only require a 2:1. Would having a 2:1 in a bachelor's and then a first in a master's be as good as just having a first in a bachelor's or would I always be the less appealing candidate if I end up getting a 2:1?

I'm a law student at Oxford and so far this term I've had scores from 64-68, with my average being about 65. I'm a bit disappointed with this because I've been working really hard this term, making sure I put in at least 8 hours every week day and a few on weekend days but I don't think my grades are really reflecting this. It seems like in every assignment, when I get the feedback my tutor is pointing out that there's something I just completely missed from the reading. On my two assignments last week I got 67 and 68 so I thought my grades mind be finally trending upwards but then this week I got 65 again.

How bad would it be if I got around 65 (a mid level 2:1) on my whole degree? I'm only in second year and obviously I'm aiming for a first but would my life be completely over if I ended up with a mid level 2:1? Would anyone hire me? I ideally want to do a master's so the 2:1 wouldn't be an issue for that as uni's I can afford only require a 2:1. Would having a 2:1 in a bachelor's and then a first in a master's be as good as just having a first in a bachelor's or would I always be the less appealing candidate if I end up getting a 2:1?

My mate has a 2i from LJMU and has to date worked for 3 magic circle firms. After a few years nobody will care about the degree grade and will focus heavily on your skills and experience.

I'm a law student at Oxford and so far this term I've had scores from 64-68, with my average being about 65. I'm a bit disappointed with this because I've been working really hard this term, making sure I put in at least 8 hours every week day and a few on weekend days but I don't think my grades are really reflecting this. It seems like in every assignment, when I get the feedback my tutor is pointing out that there's something I just completely missed from the reading. On my two assignments last week I got 67 and 68 so I thought my grades mind be finally trending upwards but then this week I got 65 again.

How bad would it be if I got around 65 (a mid level 2:1) on my whole degree? I'm only in second year and obviously I'm aiming for a first but would my life be completely over if I ended up with a mid level 2:1? Would anyone hire me? I ideally want to do a master's so the 2:1 wouldn't be an issue for that as uni's I can afford only require a 2:1. Would having a 2:1 in a bachelor's and then a first in a master's be as good as just having a first in a bachelor's or would I always be the less appealing candidate if I end up getting a 2:1?

Sorry, I thought this thread about 65 was referring to ageing…

As Oxford mum, I am used to giving advice on how to get into Oxford. Who do you think makes up the majority of the messages? People who are desperate to get in for law. To them, you have the golden ticket, the pinnacle of achievement, just for getting in.

But it’s not as easy as that, is it?

Like most people, you will have gone from being probably the brightest person in the school to being on the same level as others, or even having some bright spark coming up with 70 or more for their essays. Add to this the competitiveness of your course ( I knew someone who had to go to a tutorial on a Saturday) and it may all turn into a feeling of hopelessness.

Yes, the tutor may be pointing out several flaws in your work, but these are experts and it’s wise to listen to them. They are trying to make you even better. In my job I have a lot of quality control, and listening to constructive criticism ( and even changing the way I do things) has really helped me achieve.

As for putting in 8 hour days and weekends, and not feeling you are getting stellar marks, I am sure that many Oxford law students feel the same way ( but won’t tell you). Looking at this in an objective way, if I were your parent I would be deeply and utterly proud of you. What I don’t want you to do is give up and feel your career is at an end. You are doing more than fine. Keep up the good work, attend the many networking events, get yourself out there. Also learn to relax a little with college friends, or join a club that doesn’t involve too much involvement but a lot of relaxing and laughs.

I do know someone who graduated Oxford law with a 2:1, did a masters and is now working at a law firm. I have seen him at work, sitting in front of rows of posh books, smiling. Boy, does he look happy!

Yes, getting a first for Oxford law may open some doors but only a few rarified doors. Once you get that job, your grade will make not one jot of difference. The crucial thing is how you perform in court and how good you are at getting justice for your client, or giving trusted advice to corporate clients.

I do know some people who earn massive law salaries and who have never got within sniffing distance of Oxford.

Not sure if this helps but all the best to you.

Fellow Ox law student here. I agree with others that a 2.1 from Oxford is fantastic. However, it should be said that your marks at this stage are not indicative of what class degree you will get. Remember that Oxford teaches 'the wrong way round' - you submit your work and then the tutor(s) tell you what needs improving. If you were banging out 70s every week what would be the point of going to tutorial? To be getting 67/68s is great and you are very close to the 70+ with some fine tuning. It's natural that within a module you are going to find some topics easier/more interesting that others. Please don't be so hard on yourself - you are doing great!

Over the vacation look at the feedback and I am sure in your collection you can get a solid 2.I, maybe even a first - but if you don't, remember that the collection itself is just another practice.

During first year my average was probably around the 66 mark for most of the modules but in mods I attained a distinction. I read my feedback, did practice essays and made sure to take breaks. Do also remember that tutors do mark a bit harsher than examiners in order to push you (I've heard that in some colleges that don't even like giving out 70s so students are capped at a 69! I don't know how true this is though).

For finals you only need to get 4 out of your 9 papers over 70 and the remaining 5 should be at a 2.1 standard. It's natural that you will find modules you prefer and others you'll devote less time to because you know all you need is a 60 minimum.

Since you are in second year first term I imagine Trusts is one of your current topics? If so, please remember that so many people find this a tricky subject so don't beat yourself up. I honestly think just securing a 60 in Trusts consistently is an achievement.

I didn't get a distinction in mods and my exam marks are generally lower than my tutorial essays, I only got 61 in my contract collection at the start of this term. I think my trusts tutor marks a little generously so when I get 68 I take it to be about 63

I didn't get a distinction in mods and my exam marks are generally lower than my tutorial essays, I only got 61 in my contract collection at the start of this term. I think my trusts tutor marks a little generously so when I get 68 I take it to be about 63

Sorry, I thought this thread about 65 was referring to ageing…

As Oxford mum, I am used to giving advice on how to get into Oxford. Who do you think makes up the majority of the messages? People who are desperate to get in for law. To them, you have the golden ticket, the pinnacle of achievement, just for getting in.

But it’s not as easy as that, is it?

Like most people, you will have gone from being probably the brightest person in the school to being on the same level as others, or even having some bright spark coming up with 70 or more for their essays. Add to this the competitiveness of your course ( I knew someone who had to go to a tutorial on a Saturday) and it may all turn into a feeling of hopelessness.

Yes, the tutor may be pointing out several flaws in your work, but these are experts and it’s wise to listen to them. They are trying to make you even better. In my job I have a lot of quality control, and listening to constructive criticism ( and even changing the way I do things) has really helped me achieve.

As for putting in 8 hour days and weekends, and not feeling you are getting stellar marks, I am sure that many Oxford law students feel the same way ( but won’t tell you). Looking at this in an objective way, if I were your parent I would be deeply and utterly proud of you. What I don’t want you to do is give up and feel your career is at an end. You are doing more than fine. Keep up the good work, attend the many networking events, get yourself out there. Also learn to relax a little with college friends, or join a club that doesn’t involve too much involvement but a lot of relaxing and laughs.

I do know someone who graduated Oxford law with a 2:1, did a masters and is now working at a law firm. I have seen him at work, sitting in front of rows of posh books, smiling. Boy, does he look happy!

Yes, getting a first for Oxford law may open some doors but only a few rarified doors. Once you get that job, your grade will make not one jot of difference. The crucial thing is how you perform in court and how good you are at getting justice for your client, or giving trusted advice to corporate clients.

I do know some people who earn massive law salaries and who have never got within sniffing distance of Oxford.

Not sure if this helps but all the best to you.

I didn't get a distinction in mods and my exam marks are generally lower than my tutorial essays, I only got 61 in my contract collection at the start of this term. I think my trusts tutor marks a little generously so when I get 68 I take it to be about 63