Include class rank and % in resume?

[jacy85]

It really isn't all that complicated; just check w/ your OCS to see what the policy is, and they'll tell you exactly what's acceptable.

[afer1500]

Its frustrating b/c no one has mentioned any of these rules at my law school but I can see them throwing it back in my face if I do something wrong.

[Budlaw]

Its frustrating b/c no one has mentioned any of these rules at my law school but I can see them throwing it back in my face if I do something wrong.

In reality, your school's not going to know what you put on your resume. So don't sweat it. Even if an employer did call to actually check your class ranking, your school couldn't give it out unless you signed a release for that employer. So there's really no chance they'll "throw it back in your face."

That being said, put an accurate class rank on your resume. You don't want to get caught violating the honor code.

[Jumboshrimps]

In my opinion, career services offices should not set "policies" for students to follow in the job search. We don't pay them to govern us. In any event, I would not put a class rank on a resume unless it was very good (or if the employer requires it).

[Jhuen_the_bird]

In my opinion, career services offices should not set "policies" for students to follow in the job search. We don't pay them to govern us. In any event, I would not put a class rank on a resume unless it was very good (or if the employer requires it).

But what counts as "really good"?  I mean, I think my rank makes my gpa look better (b/c a 3.3 sounds low to me, lol) ... but I'm in the top %30 ...

[jacy85]

In reality, your school's not going to know what you put on your resume. So don't sweat it. Even if an employer did call to actually check your class ranking, your school couldn't give it out unless you signed a release for that employer. So there's really no chance they'll "throw it back in your face."

This isn't really true; it may be what usually happens, but employers do on occasion check things with career services - and career services can and will check the accuracy of what you've reported.  I would think agreement to abide by the honor code allows this, since misreporting gpa/rank on your resume is dishonest and undercuts the efforts of students who DON'T lie.  I know that it happens because it happened at my school.  I don't remember if it was a 2 or 3L, but I remember reading about it in the report we get every semester of disciplinary proceedings (which we get to further transparency of our school's "judicial" process)

Bottom line - don't lie on your resume, double check with OCS whether there are reporting requirements beyond "be honest" and triple check any math you do.

[afer1500]

I don't intend to lie I just wanted to confirm what I should put in my resume

[thirteen13]

As an initial matter, the others are right and you should check before you include something that the school didnt give to you.  At most schools at least a couple students will drop out in disgust or leave for other reasons after 1st semester.  If and when that happens, you'll be 34 in a class of 132 or 133 and 26% wont be accurate anymore. 

That being said, I'd put a percentage in if I could, and only for the stupidest reason - somehow I think 1/3 instictively comes to mind you look at 34/133 quickly and dont take a second to do the math in your head. 

Regardless, "Top 26%" screams retarded.  I think "26th Percentile" is maybe a better way of expressing it.

[Jumboshrimps]

In my opinion, career services offices should not set "policies" for students to follow in the job search. We don't pay them to govern us. In any event, I would not put a class rank on a resume unless it was very good (or if the employer requires it).

But what counts as "really good"?  I mean, I think my rank makes my gpa look better (b/c a 3.3 sounds low to me, lol) ... but I'm in the top %30 ...

Law school GPAs all look low. I would not put a law school GPA on my resume unless required (or unless it is 4.0). I also would not put a percentage, because it implies that you care too much about your own class standing. Just put: Class rank: 60/120. If the employer can't figure out your percentage from that, you don't want to work there because they operate at a fifth grade math competency level.

[Peaches]

In my opinion, career services offices should not set "policies" for students to follow in the job search. We don't pay them to govern us. In any event, I would not put a class rank on a resume unless it was very good (or if the employer requires it).

Because when their students are shady, it makes the school looks bad with employers?  And if employers get a couple of shady associates from the school, they don't go back there anymore?  Maybe you don't pay them to govern YOU, but I pay them to keep your shady ass in line.

And they probably haven't "told" you about the "policies" because they probably expected you to just read them yourself on the website.  Usually it's somewhere under a heading like "RULES AND POLICIES."