What Is a Good 1L GPA?

You just got your first semester grades and you're Googling whether your GPA is "good." The answer depends entirely on context.

It's All About the Curve

Remember: law school grades are curved. A 3.3 at a school with a 3.3 median means you're exactly average. A 3.3 at a school with a 3.0 median means you're well above average. Always compare your GPA to your school's median, not to some abstract standard.

General Benchmarks

While every school is different, here's a rough framework:

At T6 schools (median ~3.3-3.5):

• 3.6+: Strong. You'll have excellent options.
• 3.3-3.5: Solid. BigLaw is very accessible.
• Below 3.3: Still fine for BigLaw, just fewer options at the most selective firms.

At T14 schools (median ~3.2-3.4):

• 3.5+: Very strong. Wide range of firm options.
• 3.2-3.4: Good. Competitive for most firms.
• Below 3.2: BigLaw is possible but requires more effort.

At T30-T50 schools (median ~3.0-3.2):

• 3.5+: Excellent. Top of your class.
• 3.2-3.4: Above average. Realistic BigLaw shot.
• Below 3.0: BigLaw will be an uphill climb.

What Matters More Than the Number

Your percentile ranking matters more than the raw GPA. Top 20% at any school is strong. Top third is competitive. These percentiles translate more consistently across schools than GPA numbers do.

Don't Spiral After One Semester

You have a second semester to move the needle. Many students improve significantly once they understand how law school exams work. One semester is a data point, not a verdict.

Explore how different firms evaluate candidates at various GPA levels in our firm directory.