The LRW Curve

Understanding the LRW Curve

To avoid students getting an advantage based on which section they were placed in, all 1L classes graded so they have the same mean. Thus, the average of the final grades for all students in each section must fall between 8.1-8.5 (inclusive) on the 12-point scale.

Chalkboard image demonstrating a forced mean curve

Behind the Curve

Fall

Fall Grade distribution. Graph shows a rough bell curve, with more than 50% of students receive a B+, B, or B-.

In the Fall, you’ll receive one grade, with a class mean that cannot exceed 8.5 on the 12-point scale. Based on past classes, only 15-20% of the class will score higher than a B+, and another 15-20% will score lower than a B-.

Grade Scale

Chart showing the letter grade equivalents for each point on the 12-point grading scale.

OU Law uses a 12-point grading scale, where a 12 is an A+ and a 0 is an F. The 7.5-8.0 mean range indicates the average LRW student will receive a B in the fall semester.

Spring

In the Spring, you’ll receive two grades, for two 1-credit courses. The mean for your briefs, as well as the mean for your oral advocacy, each cannot exceed 8.5.