I am currently doing an LLM in Human Rights Law. Of my assessment so far, I have always done well in research essays. My first two marks were 72 and 69 (the first one especially being highly praised). For my most recent essay I did a lot of work and had the same good feeling as with the last ones when I handed it in. However, when I received my mark I only got 58! I did so much work and am really disappointed. I am hoping to do a Phd in Human Rights Law and was hoping someone who's doing one could give me guidance as to whether I should give up on that! Should I treat this mark as a blip or treat it as a general indication of my abilities? Is there anyone else who has had this experience? Thanks guys.

Are you seriously doubting your ability in law just because of one (not even absolutely terrible) mark in an essay???

Seems silly I know! It's just when you get a bad mark you can usually pinpoint the reason..but I can't! Thanks for putting a bit of perspective on it for me though! I needed that! Cheers!

Demand to know from the marker why you got such a bad mark. They should give you reasons, as marks in the 50-60 range are really quite bad, they are borderline pass.

I already have. To be honest it was a very general question about refugee protection and my essay supposedly had a lack of focus. For me it was an unfair criticism as the question was very general. It was a bad mark compared to my usual standards but I don't think I'd call it a borderline pass. Marks at my uni range from a pass at 50 to generally a max of 72-75 (72 being a masterpiece!) and if you have an excellent essay you'd be looking at 68-70. I guess it just depends on your uni and what standards you set yourself.

Dont let that upset you,,something you win sometimes you lose!! maybe the professor its just trying to push to do much better! so prove him/her you can do better!

don feel sad or anything sometimes some people like the way we write and some other times they dont,,its just life,,you just keep doing your best effort ok and never sotp believing in your capacities and skills!

Demand to know from the marker why you got such a bad mark. They should give you reasons, as marks in the 50-60 range are really quite bad, they are borderline pass.