Law Firms and Grades

so i did a levels this year and got a C in economics. obviously, i am not satisfied with this mark since i had gotten a high A in my other two subjects. for me, the C is a blemish on my transcript and i was wondering whether it is worth resitting? i am thinking of going into law in the future and i was thinking that the C would be a problem with me applying to top law firms. i currently have a place at a top 10 university but still the C is really getting to me. is it possible to resit an a level whilst at university? it sounds like a lot of work but if it possible, i may consider doing this since i don't want the C grade to ruin my future. i am also considering doing masters abroad. any advice? if i don't resit and just accept the C, will AAC at a-level affect my chances at getting a job at a good law firm or doing masters abroad?

Reply 1

katana10000

12

This a tricky one. Some law firms reject anyone without AAB so you might not get through the electronic filter with them. Your first priority should be to ace your degree and build your CV - this should hopefully overcome the C. But if you wanted to play safe and avoid being rejected at the first hurdle, you could resit but it would mean increasing your workload and you have no guarantee that you resists won’t clash with your degree exams.

I have recently advised someone to resit a maths A level in their first year simply because maths is one of the easier A levels to keep up and they may apply to non-law options so it’s useful to have a high maths grade.

Reply 2

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by katana10000

This a tricky one. Some law firms reject anyone without AAB so you might not get through the electronic filter with them. Your first priority should be to ace your degree and build your CV - this should hopefully overcome the C. But if you wanted to play safe and avoid being rejected at the first hurdle, you could resit but it would mean increasing your workload and you have no guarantee that you resists won’t clash with your degree exams.
I have recently advised someone to resit a maths A level in their first year simply because maths is one of the easier A levels to keep up and they may apply to non-law options so it’s useful to have a high maths grade.

Thanks for this. I am very tempted to resit as I don't want there to be anything getting in the way of my future goals and ambitions. However, the degree is probably more significant here and I will need to make sure I can get a First or 2:1 to supplement for the low grade. So, I don't want my resit studies to affect how my degree exam results. I can ask my university advisors when I go to Bath to see what the best solution will be.

Reply 3

katana10000

12

Original post by Anonymous

Thanks for this. I am very tempted to resit as I don't want there to be anything getting in the way of my future goals and ambitions. However, the degree is probably more significant here and I will need to make sure I can get a First or 2:1 to supplement for the low grade. So, I don't want my resit studies to affect how my degree exam results. I can ask my university advisors when I go to Bath to see what the best solution will be.

I agree that the degree is much more important than A Levels. Uni advisors will almost certainly try and dissuade you from resitting but it’s your choice.

Reply 4

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by katana10000

I agree that the degree is much more important than A Levels. Uni advisors will almost certainly try and dissuade you from resitting but it’s your choice.

I was just looking at the Bath website for my course where they said that the scores of my second and final year will count towards my final degree. Of course I would want to achieve well in my first year but since the 2nd and 3rd year scores matter the most, I guess I do have scope to do a resit in the first year. I’ll ask around but I think I will definitely consider a resit. Do you know if employers look down upon resits? I would assume doing a resit would show commitment and perseverance.

Reply 5

katana10000

12

Original post by Anonymous

I was just looking at the Bath website for my course where they said that the scores of my second and final year will count towards my final degree. Of course I would want to achieve well in my first year but since the 2nd and 3rd year scores matter the most, I guess I do have scope to do a resit in the first year. I’ll ask around but I think I will definitely consider a resit. Do you know if employers look down upon resits? I would assume doing a resit would show commitment and perseverance.

I don’t think that most employers look down on resits - A levels are largely irrelevant save that they act as a filter for some employers at the initial application stage. Once you are through this your wider CV and degree results are what counts.

Reply 6

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by katana10000

I don’t think that most employers look down on resits - A levels are largely irrelevant save that they act as a filter for some employers at the initial application stage. Once you are through this your wider CV and degree results are what counts.

Ahh ok. Thanks for your help! I'll do some research and decide whether a resit is necessary but I think the main things to focus on are the degree and relevant work experience to elevate the application.