One of the most dreaded times of the year for law students is right about now, when grades from the fall semester come out. It can be extremely frustrating to receive a grade you are unhappy with. But today I wanted to share some tips about how to bounce back from a bad grade, and how to keep things in perspective.

Law School is NOT College

You have to keep in mind that everyone in law school was smart in college. While you may have gotten straight A’s relatively easy in college, it is nearly impossible for that to happen in law school. Before I started law school I was that girl who would be irrationally upset if I ever got a B in a class. So law school was definitely an adjustment because of the tough curve. Getting a B or even a C in law school is not the end of the world I promise you. And you have to remember that with the curve, a B could be a better grade than 50% of your class.

Meet With Your Professors to Review Your Exams

I know this can be a bit awkward, but it can be so so helpful! After I take an exam in law school, I tend to forget everything about it instantly. Being able to sit down with your professor (even if only virtually) to get feedback about how you did, can be SO helpful. I met with two of my professors after my first semester to review my exam answers, and they truly were very helpful. Doing this is a relatively simple task, but can help you improve before Spring exams!

Evaluate Your Approach to Studying & Modify it if You Need to

Be brutally honest with yourself: did you try your best? If so, then there is no real reason to be upset with yourself. If not, use this grade as motivation to work harder this semester. If you did truly put in a significant amount of effort but are highly unsatisfied with your grades, take a close look at what your study schedule and approach was like, and consider how you can improve it.

Remember that Grades Will Not Matter in 5 Years

It can be so easy to get caught up in how competitive law school can feel. But you will survive, grades are not life or death, and all you can do is give it your all. You’re still going to graduate, and pass the bar, and get a job. And in five years, I doubt you’ll be able to remember what grade you got in Torts.