In this addition of Trivia Tuesday, we’re taking a look at the University of Chicago Law School’s grading system. While many of its peer schools have made changes to their grading systems in the past couple of years, such as altering the curve to increase the number of students who could be given A-range grades (as NYU did) or effectively getting rid of grades entirely (as Harvard Law and Stanford have done by switching to simplified Honors, Pass, Low Pass, Fail systems), Chicago has held steadfast to the unique numbers-based scheme it has used for decades without a hint that it intends to change its ways any time soon.
Chicago’s system is based on a 186-point scale, with the numbers roughly corresponding to letter grades (i.e. 180-186 = the A-range and 174-179 = the B-range). The curve requires instructors to give an equal number of A-range grades as C-range grades in classes enrolling over 50 students, and to ensure the median grade is a 177, or B/B+. Seminars are given more leeway, and the median in those classes is usually higher.
Since the unconventional complexity of Chicago’s grading system would be likely to confuse recruiters, the Registrar of the University records the numerical grades as letter grades on students’ official transcript. This resolves any bewilderment recruiters and interviewers might feel concerning Chicago students’ grades.
For more information about Chicago’s grading system, be sure to read the Clear Admit School Guide to Chicago Law School!