One L: The Turbulent True Story of a First Year at Harvard Law School

Explore how students interact differently with their education after the release of first-term grades. How do these reactions support Scott’s observation about the immense weight placed on grades?

Describe the “my enemy” figure that appears throughout the text. What characteristics does this figure have that Scott fears? How does Scott suppress his feelings of competition throughout the year? What finally makes his “enemy” emerge?

Compare and contrast Scott’s professors. How do their personalities impact their teaching styles? How does each represent different aspects of the Harvard Law School culture and different approaches to the teaching of law? Which teachers does Scott find most and least effective, and why?