Is a 2.1 degree in law good?
Asked by: Mathilde Wehner Jr. | Last update: February 8, 2026Score: 5/5 (64 votes)
Yes, a 2.1 (Upper Second-Class Honours) in Law is generally considered a very good degree, often the baseline for top graduate schemes and postgraduate study, signaling strong academic capability, though a First-Class degree remains superior for highly competitive roles, and experience/skills are crucial for overall employability. A 2.1 opens doors to most opportunities, but top firms and LLM programs often prefer higher, or look for exceptional experience alongside a strong 2.1.
Is graduating with a 2.1 good?
A 2.1 is generally seen as a good degree and is widely accepted as the minimum standard for many graduate schemes, postgraduate education, and employment opportunities. Some courses or employers may still consider a strong 2.2, especially if backed up by relevant work experience or extracurricular activity.
What is considered a good GPA in law school?
A good GPA for law school generally falls between 3.5 and 4.0. However, top-tier institutions like Harvard Law School, Stanford Law School, and Yale Law School often admit students with median GPAs closer to 3.9 or higher.
Is a 2.1 an A or B?
A 1st = A (70%+) A 2:1 = B (60%-70%) A 2:2 = C (50%-60%) A 3rd = D (45%-50%)
Is a 2/2 still an honours degree?
Degree classifications
First-Class Honours (First or 1st) (70% and above) Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1, 2. i) (60-70%) Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2, 2.
What is stopping you from getting a 2:1 on your law degree?
Should I put 2.2 on my CV?
Don't be put off stating your 2.2 qualification in your CV. A 2.2 is still an achievement that requires effort and many employers now set this as their academic requirement.
Is a 2.1 good for a PhD?
A: Yes, many PhD programs accept students with 2.1 honors degrees, particularly if they've also completed a Master's program with strong results. Some exceptional students with high 2.1 degrees might secure PhD positions directly.
Can I still do a master's with a 2:2?
Can you do a Master's with a 2.2? The short answer is yes, absolutely.
Is a degree without honours worth it?
While many large corporates require an honours degree for their graduate schemes, some do not, and most graduates go on to work in roles outside of these schemes. These are often much more flexible on entry requirements and can sometimes respond well to speculative applications for graduate roles.
How competitive is a 2:1 degree?
2:1 is the most common phrasing, especially among students discussing grades among themselves. The grade boundaries may vary by university. To achieve a degree with second-class honours first division grading, you typically need to complete your degree with an average percentage of between 60% and 70%.
What was Obama's LSAT score?
Barack Obama's specific LSAT score has never been officially released, but it's widely believed he scored very highly (likely above 170, potentially near perfect) to gain admission to Harvard Law School despite a lower undergraduate GPA, suggesting he was in the top few percentile of test-takers for his application year. While no official number exists, analyses point to a score in the top tier (e.g., 94th-98th percentile) to overcome his GPA for admission to a top-ranked program like Harvard.
Do law schools rank students?
To foster the collegial and communal atmosphere for which USC Gould is known, we do not assign individual class rankings to our students. We do, however, publish the grade point average cutoff for the top 10 percent of each class.
What is considered a bad GPA for law school?
What Is the Lowest GPA For Law School? Since the majority of law schools require a GPA of 3.0 or higher, anything below a 3.0 is considered very low. Some of the absolute lowest GPA requirements for schools are 2.80.
Can I get a Masters with a 2.1 GPA?
Key Takeaways. Some grad schools accept students with GPAs as low as 2.0, especially if applicants have strong GRE scores and relevant work experience. Demonstrating a higher GPA in your major or over the last few terms can boost your chances of admission.
Is 2.1 second class upper in university?
Upper Second Class Honours (2.1): 60-69% Lower Second Class Honours (2.2): 50-59% Third Class Honours (3rd): 40-49% Pass/Ordinary Degree: 40% (without honours)
Do colleges accept 2.1 GPA?
With a 2.1, there's no question that you'll be faced with limited options in the college application process. You can still expect to be admitted to a couple of the least selective schools, but your freedom of choice about where you apply is severely limited by your GPA.
What degree is lowest to highest?
The standard order of college degrees from lowest to highest is: Associate Degree, followed by a Bachelor's Degree, then a Master's Degree, and finally a Doctoral Degree, with each step representing a higher level of specialized knowledge, deeper study, and increased requirements.
Is 70% a first class honour?
First Class Honours (1.1): 70% and above. Upper Second Class Honours (2.1): 60–69% Lower Second Class Honours (2.2): 50–59% Third Class Honours: 45–49%
How much more (%) do you make by having a college degree?
Typical earnings for bachelor's degree holders are $40,500 or 86 percent higher than those whose highest degree is a high school diploma. 87% of bachelor's degree holders report financial wellbeing, 20 percentage points higher than groups with any other level of education.
What is the lowest GPA for Masters?
The typical minimum GPA for a master's program is around a 3.0 (B average), but it varies significantly by university and field, with competitive programs often looking for 3.3-3.5+, while some schools accept lower GPAs (2.5-2.75) with strong compensating factors like research, GRE scores, or work experience. A lower GPA isn't always a dealbreaker, especially if you show upward trends or have compelling professional background.
Is two Masters impressive?
In fact, a second master's degree—even if in another field entirely—can afford you greater professional opportunities, hold you in higher regard among colleagues and essentially place you in the highest academic echelon, no matter where you go in life.
Can I skip Masters and get a PhD?
Yes, you can get a PhD without a master's degree, especially in the US and Canada, by entering a doctoral program directly after your bachelor's, often earning a master's en route, but it requires a strong application demonstrating research readiness through undergraduate work or experience, though some programs or fields might prefer a prior master's for competitive entry. This "direct entry" route saves time and money but means competing with master's-holders, so showcasing strong research potential is key.
Is a 2.1 a good grade?
A 2.1 degree, also known as an upper second-class honours, is a strong academic achievement. It indicates consistent academic performance and a good understanding of your subject.
How much CGPA do I need for PhD?
Ans: To be eligible for a PhD, candidates must have a Master's degree with at least 55% marks or a four-year bachelor's degree with a minimum 7.5 CGPA (as per UGC). They must also qualify for entrance exams like UGC NET or GATE and may need to clear an interview.
What is the slang for a 2 1 degree?
A 2:1 degree ("two-one") is sometimes referred to as an "Attila" (after Attila the Hun) or a "Trevor Nunn" in rhyming slang in the UK.