Class Rank
Submitted by swan on Sun, 06/15/2008 - 03:14.
My class rank places me in the top 34.5% of the class.
I assume it would be incorrect/misleading to list myself as being in the top "33%" of the class, but the next rank below that in the system is top "50%."
Mr. Warner: could you create an additional category for those who are in the top 35%?
Alternatively, is there a way that I can simply not list my rank at all?
OSCAR says that I am required to list my rank. However, the best way to market myself would be for me to omit my rank because I graduated "cum laude" and was on the Law Review at my school, which indicates a much higher degree of success than top "50%."
Class Rank
If your school ranks it's students, you are required to list the rank
you received. Your class rank does fall into the 50% bracket so it
would be misleading to choose 33%. We do get a few questions each year
from applicants who are in your situation and we understand your
concern. The class rank brackets were designed with the input of both
judges and representatives from several law schools. It is unlikely
that they will be modified in the near future.
Chris Warner
OSCAR Support
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.
Class Rank Follow Up
Judges have the ability to search an sort applications based on all the information in your profile including class rank. You would be mistaken to assume that most judges select a a class rank threshold and review only those matching applications. Many judges perform multiple searches on different information available in your profile and not just class rank.
As I mentioned in my previous response, we have worked closely with the Judges and the law school working group to develop a system that we believe is fair. The class rank system cannot be changed at this point. If you wish you can submit a feature request to change the class rank system. We review all the feature requests we receive and discuss them with the Judges and law school representatives at our yearly requirements meeting in the fall.
Chris Warner
OSCAR Support
"You would be mistaken to
"You would be mistaken to assume that most judges select a a class rank threshold and review only those matching applications."
I was by a district court clerk that, at least initially, the only information that is displayed in chambers is (1) the applicants' school, and (2) the applicants' rank. If true, this encourages a cursory, non-thorough review of applications. Also, it seems that the application cover page prominently displays each applicant's school, school, and not much else.
Class Rank
You are getting an incomplete picture of the hiring process. If you choose to trust the view of a former clerk with knowledge of one or two particular judges hiring habits, I suspect I will never be able to convince you. The truth of the matter is that judges that care about the class rank will look for that information whether is is in the profile or buried in your resume. The judges that take a more "holistic" approach will do so regardless of where the class rank is located.
I have worked on this system since it's inception. For three years the class rank feature has remained unchanged. During this time I have had the opportunity to speak with a large number of Judges, Judicial Assistants, and Law Clerks. Many, if not most chambers will search based on several different criteria.
I understand your concern, but the system cannot be changed at this point.
Chris Warner
OSCAR Support
(No subject)
"You would be mistaken to
"You would be mistaken to assume that most judges select a a class rank threshold and review only those matching applications."
Isn't it true that the first thing judges view (on the cover page of the application) is the applicants school and rank? Also, I was told by a current clerk that OSCAR displays applicants' information listing a column with the applicants' schools and a column with the applicants' ranks. This seems to encourage a cursory, non-thorough application review.
My school ranks its
My school ranks its students. However, our ranks do not appear on our transcripts unless we request that they be placed there.
Does this matter?
Class Rank
I'm not sure that this matters. The career office at your school designates in OSCAR what type of ranking system (if any) is used. If the school has certified that they rank, your only choices for class rank are the numerical ranks. It would help to know what school you attend to provide more specific information. If you would prefer contact us "off-list", you can click here to send us an email.
Chris Warner
OSCAR Support
(No subject)