Grading

The Thomas M. Cooley Law School grading policy is demanding, but fair. In most courses, grades are based on written final examinations, administered and graded under a system that assures student anonymity. Professors adhere to established grade definitions.

Grades at Cooley are known for being hard-earned and truly indicative of a student's grasp of the subject matter. The law school does not practice grade inflation. The grade definitions are closely associated with how students are expected to perform on the bar examination and in the legal profession.

Description of Grade Levels

• A = Excellent. The highest level of law school achievement. Student has convincingly displayed familiarity with subject matter and proficiency in analysis comparable to that of competent members of the Bar having a reasonable amount of exposure to the field.
• A- = Very Good. Approaching the highest level of law school achievement. Student has displayed familiarity with subject matter and proficiency in analysis substantially at the level expected from members of the Bar generally.
• B = Good. Clearly above the minimum level of achievement necessary for graduation. Student has displayed familiarity with subject matter and proficiency in analysis clearly beyond the base level of matriculation usually associated with the course.
• B- = Satisfactory. Slightly above the minimum level of achievement necessary for graduation. Student has demonstrated familiarity with the subject matter and proficiency in analysis somewhat beyond the base standard of competence at the level of matriculation usually associated with the course.
• C = Adequate. Minimum level of achievement to warrant graduation, assuming all other work is of the same quality. Represents the base standard of law school competence at the level of matriculation usually associated with the course. The student has demonstrated sufficient familiarity with the subject matter and proficiency in analysis to warrant the conclusion that, assuming completion of graduation requirements with comparable achievement, and assuming diligent post-graduate review, the student should be able to pass a state bar examination.
• C- = Deficient. Grasp of course material and analysis of problems are somewhat more than minimal. There is no apparent need to repeat the course, but the level of achievement, if indicative of the student's overall competence, would not warrant graduation.