A policy that requires applicants who attend/ed schools that rank to
list their class ranks and that does not require applicants from other
schools to do so is unfair. Listing a class rank outside of the top third (or even top quarter) is generally viewed as a bad idea. Therefore, the policy puts those of us who are outside of the top third/quarter of the class at a disadvantage because we aren't able to market ourselves optimally (by emphasizing our other credentials, such as Law Review and clerkships/internships or other experience). It also encourages a very cursory evaluation of applications, rather than a more sensible and holistic/thorough review. In my case, this seriously disadvantages me because I have substantial judicial internship/clerkship experience. Applicants who rank in the top 25% should be able to list their rank, if they chose to do so, on their resume.
The Policy Should Be Discarded
A policy that requires applicants who attend/ed schools that rank to
list their class ranks and that does not require applicants from other
schools to do so is unfair. Listing a class rank outside of the top third (or even top quarter) is generally viewed as a bad idea. Therefore, the policy puts those of us who are outside of the top third/quarter of the class at a disadvantage because we aren't able to market ourselves optimally (by emphasizing our other credentials, such as Law Review and clerkships/internships or other experience). It also encourages a very cursory evaluation of applications, rather than a more sensible and holistic/thorough review. In my case, this seriously disadvantages me because I have substantial judicial internship/clerkship experience. Applicants who rank in the top 25% should be able to list their rank, if they chose to do so, on their resume.