Grade normalization, the process by which grades are distributed
throughout the range of possible marks according to suggested
percentages, is a standard grading practice at accredited law
schools throughout the country. This statement describes the
reasons for such a grading procedure and demonstrates the manner in
which it is implemented at St. John’s University School of Law.
Grade normalization, based principally upon faculty experience
in evaluating student performance, is intended to ensure fair and
just grading of students based upon their academic performance
regardless of the particular course taken, the section to which
assigned, the degree of difficulty of the examination, and the
identity of the professor teaching the course. It prevents
disparity in grading between sections and divisions, and from year
to year. This is essential if students are to be fairly ranked
and law school averages capable of being compared. Grades
determine academic honors and are a substantial factor in
determining such things as scholarship assistance, law journal
memberships and participation in other co-curricular
activities.
Furthermore, to be reliable a grading system must be consistent
over a period
of time. Grade normalization enables prospective employers to
compare the academic achievement of one year’s graduates with those
of other years, and thus to develop confidence in relating St.
John’s grades to the employment process.
Guidelines on Grades for Students as
of April 2008
| Letter | Grade Point | % |
| A+ | 4.3 | 1% |
| A | 4.0 | 8% |
| A- | 3.7 | 15% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 25% |
| B | 3.0 | 20% |
| B- | 2.7 | 12% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 7% |
| C | 2.0 | 4% |
| C- | 1.7 | 4% |
| D | 1.0 | |
| F | 0.0 | |
Substantial, not literal, compliance with these Guidelines by
each professor is expected. These Guidelines are applicable to all
first-year courses, and to all upper-level courses of 30 or more
students.
In addition, the faculty has adopted a mean grade range of 2.95
to 3.05 for all first-year courses and for all upper-level courses
of 30 or more students. This mean grade range is mandatory for all
first-year courses in the day division (and the same courses in the
evening division, whenever taken), except for Legal Writing, Legal
Research and Writing, and small sections of required first-year
courses (fewer than 30 students) for which a mean grade range of
2.90 to 3.10 is mandatory. The mean grade range of 2.95 to
3.05 is recommended for all upper-level courses of 30 or more
students.
The extraordinary grade of A+ is limited to not more than 1
student or 1% of the students in a course, whichever is
greater.