Kara Sears
Law students often feel frustrated when they receive grades that do not align with the effort they put into their assignments. While it is important to remember that grades are not the sole indicator of a student's ability to succeed as a lawyer, they are nonetheless crucial for landing jobs at prestigious law firms. This raises the question: can law professors change grades? The answer is not straightforward and depends on various factors, including the professor, the school, and the nature of the grading error. In this paragraph, we will explore the dynamics surrounding grade changes in law school and the approaches both students and professors take to address this sensitive topic.
Can Law Professors Change Grades?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Law professors' willingness to change grades | Law professors understand that grades are important for law students' future careers and are willing to discuss ways to improve exam answers. |
| Students' perception of professors | There is often a correlation between a student's perception of a professor and the grade the student earns. |
| Students' expectations | Students who performed well in undergraduate may expect to do well in law school and be motivated to dispute grades. |
| Grading errors | Professors may be open to correcting computational errors that affect the final score. However, they are usually precluded from changing grades based on qualitative errors or interpretations of students' answers. |
| Appeal process | Some schools may have an appeal process, such as a committee review or a grade appeal denial form. |
| Student-professor relationship | Approaching professors with a respectful and positive attitude is more likely to result in a favourable outcome. |
| Time constraints | Students should be mindful that disputing grades may not always be worth the time and effort, which could be better spent on studying and improving. |
| Self-reflection | Students should reflect on their performance and understand that grades are not a reflection of their self-worth but an indication of areas for improvement. |
| Grading criteria | Students should review the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and professors' comments to understand the grading criteria and whether an appeal is warranted. |
| Standardization | Grading can vary depending on the school, subject, and teacher. A good program will have consistent standards for both staff and students. |
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What You'll Learn
- Law professors understand the importance of grades
- Students should not demand grade changes from professors
- Students can request a grade review by a committee of classmates
- Professors are unlikely to change grades unless they made a glaring error
- Students should carefully review the course syllabus and assignment instructions before requesting a grade change
Law professors understand the importance of grades
However, students should be mindful that their professors are unlikely to change their grades unless there has been a glaring error in the grading process. Students can request a grade review, but this may be pointless if the professor and student agree that there was an error. Some schools preclude professors from changing grades based on "errors" made during the grading process, especially qualitative errors. For example, a professor may be unable to change a grade if they failed to notice that a student addressed a hearsay exception on an Evidence exam. However, they may be able to change a grade if they made a computational error, such as forgetting to add points to a student's final score.
Students should carefully review the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and the professor's comments before approaching a professor about changing a grade. If they still feel that they deserve a different grade, they should make an appointment to speak with the professor and be prepared to present evidence to support their request. It is important to approach the professor with a good attitude, as this will make them more likely to work with the student. Students should also be aware that in many countries, there are laws that forbid professors from discussing grades via email.
While professors understand the importance of grades, students should also understand that grades are earned, not given. Students do not earn grades based on how hard they work, but rather on how well they have mastered the material and followed the guidelines for the assignments.
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Students should not demand grade changes from professors
While professors do have the authority to change grades, students should not demand grade changes from professors. Demanding a grade change can come across as disrespectful and reflect poorly on the student. It is important to understand that professors are not infallible and can make mistakes, but they are also not obliged to change a grade.
Before approaching a professor about a grade change, students should carefully review the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and the professor's comments. It is also important to understand the grading process and criteria, which should be made clear at the beginning of the course. If students still feel they deserve a different grade, they can make an appointment to speak with the professor respectfully and professionally, prepared to present evidence supporting their request. However, it is not a good idea to suggest that the professor is incompetent or that the grade was a result of biased grading. Such behaviour can be off-putting to professors, who may view it as "grade grubbing" or "grade begging".
Professors are more likely to be receptive to requests that demonstrate a genuine desire to improve and learn from mistakes. Students should ask professors to clarify their comments and seek advice on improving their performance. It is also beneficial to understand that professors are often willing to help students who are facing difficulties or major life problems and provide opportunities for make-up work or extra credit.
Additionally, students should be mindful of the specific processes and timeframes that must be followed when disputing a grade. These can vary among universities, and failing to adhere to the proper process or submitting an appeal too late can result in the request being denied. Instead of demanding a grade change, students can also suggest adding grading policies to the syllabus if they are not already included. This way, both students and professors have clear guidelines to refer to regarding grades and any necessary changes.
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Students can request a grade review by a committee of classmates
Law school grades are important and can determine whether a student gets into a dream firm or not. While some professors are open to changing grades, many law schools preclude professors from doing so. At such schools, professors cannot change grades based on qualitative errors but can change them based on computational errors.
At some law schools, students can request a grade review by a committee of classmates. This procedure was hinted at by Monroe H. Freedman in The Professional Responsibility of the Law Professor: Three Neglected Questions, 39 Vand. L. Rev. 275 (1986). If a student is not persuaded that the grade they received was fair, they can elect to have the grade reviewed by a committee of three students from the same class. The committee then reviews the challenged grade in the context of other grades given in the same exam. This process can help preclude claims of biased grading and is not very time-consuming.
Students should remember that grades are not the only indicator of their ability to be a lawyer and succeed. They should also remember that there is always room for improvement. While students can request a grade review, they should be mindful of how they approach the situation. Coming to office hours and demanding that a professor change a grade is not advisable. Instead, students can get a copy of their exam answer and a model answer to compare and contrast the two. They can also remember that their professor has read everyone's exam and that there is always room for improvement.
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Professors are unlikely to change grades unless they made a glaring error
It is understandable that students may feel frustrated when they do not receive the grade they believe they deserve. However, it is important to remember that grades are not given but earned. They reflect how well a student has mastered the material and adhered to assignment guidelines, rather than how much effort they have put in.
While it is possible for professors to change grades, it is generally unlikely unless they made a glaring error during the grading process. Law schools often have policies in place that preclude professors from modifying grades based on subjective errors in judgment. For example, at John Marshall Law School, professors cannot change grades for failing to consider a specific aspect of a question but can adjust for computational errors, such as incorrectly tallying the final score.
Before considering a grade change, students should carefully review the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and the professor's comments. If they still believe a change is warranted, they should approach the professor with a respectful and open-minded attitude. It is advisable to set up an in-person appointment, as many countries have laws prohibiting professors from discussing grades via email. During the meeting, students should be prepared to present evidence supporting their request for a grade change.
It is worth noting that professors are aware of the significance of grades in a student's academic and professional journey. They understand that law firms and employers often rely heavily on grades when making hiring decisions. However, students should also recognize that their perception of their performance and the grade they receive may not always align, and there is usually a correlation between these perceptions and the actual grade earned.
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Students should carefully review the course syllabus and assignment instructions before requesting a grade change
Students should carefully review the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and the professor's comments before requesting a grade change. This is important because it allows students to understand the grading process and criteria used to evaluate their work. Most professors follow specific guidelines and standards set by the institution, and deviations from these standards are uncommon. By reviewing the course materials, students can identify any discrepancies or errors in their grades and present a strong case for a grade change.
Additionally, reviewing the course syllabus and assignment instructions helps students understand the professor's expectations and the specific requirements of the assignment. This is crucial because it enables students to evaluate their work comprehensively and identify areas where they may have fallen short or excelled. Such an understanding can help students articulate their perspective during discussions with the professor. It also demonstrates to the professor that the student has put in the effort to comprehend the assignment and its evaluation criteria, which can foster a more productive conversation.
Furthermore, a careful review of the course materials can help students identify any legitimate errors or oversights in their work. While professors may not change grades based on subjective interpretations or efforts, they are often open to correcting computational or transcription errors that may have impacted the final grade. By identifying and presenting such errors to the professor, students can make a valid case for a grade change and increase their chances of a favourable outcome.
It is also essential for students to approach grade change requests with a respectful and constructive attitude. While it is natural to feel disappointed or frustrated with a grade, demanding a change or implying the professor's incompetence is rarely productive. Instead, students should focus on having a respectful dialogue, presenting their concerns clearly and backing them up with evidence. This approach not only increases the likelihood of a positive outcome but also fosters a positive relationship with the professor, which can be beneficial throughout the student's academic journey.
In conclusion, carefully reviewing the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and professor's comments is a crucial first step for students considering a grade change request. This process empowers students to understand the grading process, identify any legitimate errors, and present a well-articulated case for a grade change. Additionally, approaching the professor with a respectful and constructive attitude can increase the chances of a positive outcome and foster a positive relationship.
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Frequently asked questions
Law professors can change grades, but it is not common. Before approaching a professor about changing your grade, carefully review the course syllabus, assignment instructions, and the professor's comments. If there is a glaring error, a professor may be more inclined to change the grade.
If you do not understand your grade, set up an appointment to speak with your professor. Do not attempt to have this conversation over email, as many countries have laws that forbid professors from discussing grades via email. Instead, try talking to your professor after class and ask if you can set up a time to meet.
Before meeting with your professor, get a copy of your exam answer and a model answer. Carefully compare and contrast the two answers. Remember that your professor has read everyone's exam, and that there is always room for improvement.
If your professor will not change your grade, do not turn the grade meeting into an evidentiary proceeding. Remember that an exam tells you how you did on one particular day, and does not tell you about your ability to be a lawyer and succeed.
