Dear Friends,

I was graduated one of the leading law schools of Turkey. It's reputable and well-known in Europe, especially UK. I was admitted to the master program of my university which lasts for 2 years. And I'll be graduated this summer. Then, I'll apply to some schools in UK for 2011-2012 llm season. But I'm really confused.

The material issue is: my graduate grade is 2.30 /4.0 But in Turkey, especially in non-private law schools it's almost impossible to get high marks. We were 450 students in the same class and even head of the class's graduate grade was about 3.40 / 4.00.

As we know, it's impossible to go back and change the graduation grade.But with this grade, I might be admitted to PHD after my master too. I even may become a research assistant. Because we have other criterias apart from graduation grades. But as it seems, the only or main criteria is your grade, to be admitted to an llm school in UK. My TOEFL score is much OK, I'll get positive references from my professors but the only problem is my grades I think.

So what's your advice? Which law schools would admit me this way? For instance, I'd like to aplly yo King's college, Queen Mary and Nottingham too. do you see any chances for me there? Or should I evaluate other schools? Thank you very much, I appreciate it.

Two points:

First, each university has country-specific admissions standards, which is to say that the admissions officers will expect you to meet or exceed a Turkey-specific admissions standard. For example, a U.K. university may require a graduate of an American law school to have a minimum grade point average of 3.5/4.0. Graduates of law programs in Turkey, however, may be required to meet a different minimum grade point average. Generally, if you look, each university will have a part of its website which lists country-specific admissions requirements. The entry requirement for King's seems to be 3.0/4.0. It is listed here.

That brings me to the second point. If you can make an argument why the general requirement for Turkey is an unrealistic standard by which to assess your application, you should make it. For example, if (because of the rigor of your program) your 2.3/4/0 still puts you in the top 33%, then, obviously, that would be something worth mentioning.

I should also disclose here that, while I did obtain admission to and graduate from an LL.M. program once upon a time, I've never been part of an admissions team and, therefore, can only guess at what might be the best option for you to pursue. You may consider contacting admissions directly and simply asking what you should do.

hi,

Don't worry about that. I think everything is possible just because all of these universities don't really comply with what they emphasize on their website. It is a discretional process. So just try and good luck.

It is always worth trying your luck! But since applying is hard work it is also best to target your applications intelligently. It might be worth contacting a small number of well selected universities with different levels of requirements (say 2 that require a first, 2 that require a 2:1 and 2 that require a 2:2) with an initial query to see what results they require from a Turkish degree. Frankly I am not so sure universities will be impressed by an argument that your university is tougher than others in setting grades.

Best of luck!

As always, nobody can answer this question but the admission comittee...so, if you don't give it a shot, you'll never know. Of course, grades are important. But there are many other factors that will be considered and can open you a door to a uni you would love to attend...

Thank you all, for your attention and plausible answers. yes, without try, who might know? I'll be applying this autumn, hope will manage to be admitted to a reputable law school...

Good luck for all of us!

Yes, absolutely give it a try. Good luck!

Thank you for your positive support P_Martini!

Hi!

so far i´ve seen only universities that require 2:1, which universities require only 2:2? anyone knows?

There are quite a few. If the admissions web site says "second class degree" without specifying "upper second class degree", a 2:2 should be enough.

My general impression is also that where a uni says that it requires a 2:1, it may still take someone with a 2:2 followed by relevant work experience - but this would usually be specified.

I don't know know whether a Uni that requires a 2:2 would take someone with a third plus work experience - it would be interesting to know.