When it comes to firms that have arbitrary cut-offs, I assume they do it to cut down on the number of applicants. Most places that I’ve seen doing this are large firms which tend not to be a places where I am best suited. However if there was an awesome job that had this arbitrary cut off, I’d call them up and explain my situation or just apply with an explanation that I don’t know my rank. The worst thing they could do is not extend me an interview.

I appreciate that some firms post there arbitrary cut off percentages…it tells me that they aren’t the kind of place I want to work for.

I wish the law school environment was more accepting of students who don’t want to work for a big firm and aren’t into that hyper competitiveness to see who can perform .000001% better than everyone else.

Good luck with starting law school! I love the color coded schedule on your blog.

My other theory is that the curve fosters competition. For those who care about grades, especially at top tier schools (think future BigLaw careerists), the curve creates an intensely competitive environment where everyone knows only a handful of students will get an A. I suppose you could say it helps the cream rise to the top.

Personally, I have to keep a 3.0 GPA to keep my scholarship, which is important to me. So I do have some stress about grades with the pressure to keep my scholarship. So do I care about grades? Yes and no.