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Ann K. Levine, Esq. Chief Consultant and President |
More on Transferring Law SchoolsLaw schools are finding creative ways to make it hard on students who hope to transfer after the first year of law schools. See this post on Blackbook Legal. Related posts: 182 Responses to “ More on Transferring Law Schools ”Leave a Reply
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Ann K. Levine, Esq., former director of law school admissions for two ABA approved law schools, is a law school admission consultant and owner of Law School Expert,
Hi Ann,
I was wondering what the process looked like in transferring to a lower-ranked law school than the one I’m at. I’m currently at USC in Los Angeles, and if I wanted to transfer to a school ranked in the 20s and maybe even 30s, would I need to be at the top of my class? What does the competition look like there? I guess I’m wondering what incentives law schools have to accept transfers to see if I would be a more valuable asset to them or not.
Thanks,
Anna L.
I think most people would think you are crazy, Anna. The reason is that a school isn’t likely to offer you a scholarship so why would you leave a top 20 school? You’re at a great school and I don’t want you to get freaked out – you deserve to be there if you are there. Make the most of the opportunity!
Ann
Ann,
Is there anything wrong with re-submitting the same personal statement that you used in your application as a pre-1L to the same school as a transfer applicant, or is that taboo? (I feel that my essay was very strong and represents me well; I’m confident that my LSAT score is what kept me from gaining admission to the school in question).
Thanks in advance.
ooooh! Bad form Scott- you need to at least update it and show more depth/growth/focus than you did before you had a clue about law school… Plus, they’ll have the previous year’s application – usually in the same file.
Ann
Hi Ann,
Thanks for your feedback. Another question – could you help me think through the pros/cons of transferring from USC to UCLA? I know it’s only one spot up, but it would also be cheaper. The only other factors I’ve been thinking about are qualitative (area of town, etc.) and I would really appreciate your insight.
Thanks,
Anna L.
Anna, In your case it’s not about ranking but about quality of life. Why not apply to transfer and then see if you have a decision to make?
Wishing you the best of luck with this, knowing you’ll be in great shape whether you transfer or stay where you are.
Hi Ann,
I’m a 1L at Temple, am somewhere in the top 10%-15% of my class, and am interested in transferring.
At what level in the rankings should I shoot for? Should I be thinking about schools like Penn, Georgetown, or BU? Or more in the low 20s/mid 30s?
Many thanks for your incredible expertise,
Matt
Hi Matt, You can try any school – it’s very hard to predict as a transfer since there aren’t published statistics for transfers. However, remember that people at schools ranked higher than Temple are also thinking about transferring up. That being said, I’ve helped clients from Golden Gate to William and Mary and from Loyola Los Angeles to Georgetown, and from NYU to Stanford (for example). Apply to any school you would choose over Temple and see what happens. Good luck!
Ann
Hello-
I will not be done with my undergraduate classes till the end of this summer. Most of the Law schools I have looked at begin before the end of my semester. Therefore, I would not be able to start Law school until September of 2011. I do not really want to wait that long and was considering applying to schools that have January starting dates. Can you please give me an updated list or a link to an updated list of schools with this option. The lists I keep finding are out of date. Also, I would only want to go there for my first semester and then transfer to a different law school for that fall. Can you please give me your thoughts on this plan of action? Thank you!
Rubina
Rubina,
Only a handful of schools have January starts. And it is nearly impossible to transfer after only one semester – and because you would be completely off schedule from the rest of the 1L class, you’d have a hard time transferring after your first year from a January start program.
I know it’s hard to wait, but I think if you do your research you’ll see it’s necessary in order to give yourself the best long term options. Call a school that has a January start and ask about these issues and I think you’ll be able to come up with a good plan for timing your admission cycle.
Ann
Dear Anne-
Thank you very much for your advice. However would it be possible for you to still provide me with a list or an updated link with a list of schools that currently accept January admittance. I only ask so that I can show the list of schools to my parents. Once they see that none of the schools are what I am looking for, they might ease up on me from trying to rush me to find a school that starts in January. Thank you very much!
Rubina
Rubina,
I think the more effective thing for you to do is show them the ABA LSAC Official Guide to US Law Schools and let them see for themselves. You will see clearly that the schools have either one admission deadline (in the spring) or two, which includes one in (usually) November.
Unfortunately I don’t have time right now to revamp this list for you, but it’s pretty easy to check by school if you go by the “bible.”
Ann
I currently finished my 1L at Cooley law school. I have heard much criticism about the school. The grading is tough(to purposely weed student out), thus the high attrition rate. I have a low LSAT score (mid 140′s), an MBA and a current GPA that is extremely low, but decent for my school (2.5).
Do you think it possible for me to transfer laterally to another T4 school?
Also, what about transferring to a T$ to a school with provisional accreditation?
Thanks for your time.
CER, You’re not going to be a good transfer candidate. It’s great that you’ve made it through your 1L year at Cooley, but your grades aren’t high enough to really put you in contention as a transfer to another ABA school. A provisional ABA school will probably be even more stringent about that because it will be very concerned about bar passage rates in order to become fully accredited. Therefore, it’s going to be hard to find a school that will take a chance on you. If you need to move locations, you can try to transfer, but it’s not something I would count on.
Dear Ann,
I’ll be a first year law student this Fall at George Washington which is ranked the 20th. I graduated from UCLA as an undergrad and would really like to transfer back to either USC or UCLA so I can live in LA. Considering that GW’s ranking is very close to USC and UCLA, how difficult do you think it would be for me to transfer?
Thank you very much in advance for your help.
Sepp, I think if you do well your first year, you’ll be competitive to transfer to those schools -absolutely.
Hi Ann,
I’m starting law school at USD, ranked 50th. My LSAT score is what kept me from going to a top-ranked law school. I’m from N. CA and went to Berkeley undergrad, so NorCal is where my ties are. I’d really like to go back there next year and transfer to either Boalt or Stanford. Obviously I’ll aim to rank as high in my class as possible this year, but what ranking do you think I need to really have a shot? Also, does it automatically count against you if you’ve already applied and were rejected to a school you’re trying to transfer into?
Thanks very much!
Cris
Cris, I’ll give you the same answer I gave to Marcelo ; )
Applying to the same school shows real interest – it’s good!
Thanks Ann!
And do you think it’s realistic for me to try and get into a school as highly ranked as Stanford or Boalt from USD?
Cris, if you’re #1 in your class, I wouldn’t put it past you. Good luck!
Here’s hoping, thanks again!
Hello ann,
I need some serious real talk answers from you. My situation is Ive written the lsat more than once now, my lowest score is 139 my hihest is 149, as you can see Im having a hard time cracking it. I got into cooley law school and im seriously thinking about going in january. I am a Canadian student looking to be in the U.S. My gpa is 2.8 if changed to the U.S module, however i graduated with high honors at my university here in Canada. I am going to re write the lsat again either december or february. my ultimate goal is to transfer out after my first year. My question is should i go to cooley? or should re write the lsat get a high score, re apply or do i have no chances whatsoever.
Louise,
Try the LSAT again and use Cooley as a last resort because it’s really hard to transfer out of Cooley.
Good luck!
Hi Anne,
I need help!!! I really want to transfer but my first semester gpa was horrible!! i have a 2.37 gpa and i have this semeseter and maybe next ( if i take only 2 credits) to boost my gpa to at least a 3.0. Can you give me some advice? I know i can do it but i am so nervous. Thanks
Just do everything you know you need to do to get those grades amazing, Teresa!
Hi Anne,
I went to a 50ish ranked law school and completed one semester before taking a leave of absence (I went straight to law school from undergrad and was burnt out). I moved to DC and am now working for a consulting firm. Is there any way I can transfer my one semester to another school part-time? My original law school is in a different state than I ended up in, and I don’t want to leave my job to go back and finish, but I do want to complete my degree at some point. Thanks!
Thayer C.
Thayer, you probably won’t be eligible to transfer but call a school near you and inquire.
Hi Anne,
I am currently a 2L at Rutgers-Camden in NJ. The school is okay, but has begun a nosedive through the rankings since my application. They gave me in-state tuition my 1L year, which made it incredibly affordable, particularly for a law school. I’d been admitted to higher ranked schools, but chose Rutgers for the price tag. However, since the PA bar results came out (and Rutgers looks like it will continue its nose dive) I’ve begun to wish I’d transferred.
I’ve emailed almost 50 T1 and T2 schools to see if they will accept transfers after the first year. So far, Georgetown, Berkeley and UPenn definitely do not. My first year gpa was…interesting. Adjusting to NJ was a struggle, and I had no idea how to write for law school. My fall gpa was a 2.5, my spring was a 3.3. The improvement is definitely encouraging, and I think I’ll be able to continue to get better grades my 2L year, which might look good to higher-ranked schools.
My question being: most of the schools require that you only transfer in ~30 units, equivalent to a 1L year. This means, if I stay at Rutgers for 2L (to prove that I can successfully hack a 2L year), I’ll still have two years at another school, instead of one. Is it worth it to transfer, if I can get in to a T1 school? I’m terrified of Rutgers dropping to T3 before I graduate, and of being limited to NJ for job prospects (I’m a west coaster, born and bred). Any advice on the worthiness of this course of action?
Much appreciated,
Kirsten
Hi Kirsten,
It looks like you’re on an upward trajectory with your grades so definitely keep that up.
It’s not worth it to try to transfer after your 2L year – that’s just not how things work. If you want to make connections on the west coast during your 3L year, consider applying as a Visiting law student somewhere on the west coast. And of course spend your summers there making connections. Your degree will carry you if you make the most of it. Perhaps I’m an optimist, but I believe we make our own opportunities. You chose Rutgers – become a big fish in that pond and be proactive about opportunities closer to home.
Hi Ann,
I am currently a 1L, first semester at Cooley law school as a part-time student with 9 credits. If I were to pick up additional 3 credits next semeter, I will have 21 for the entire year. Is 21 credits enough to transfer to another full time law school? If not, will other schools accept classes taken over the summer?
Thanks,
D
Hi Dilan, you need to check with the schools you hope to transfer to, but this is one of the ways that Cooley makes it difficult to transfer….
You may be able to transfer to a part time program, but you’ll have to check with each school because transfer policies are not universal.
The absolutely most important thing will be to do very, very well at Cooley. It is notoriously difficult to transfer from there.
Ann
Hi.
I am currently a 2L at New York Law School. I am not in love with the school, and Im curious if any school would accept a transfer mid-2L?
A.H. – not that I know of. I think at this point you need to do the best you can, seek out opportunities where you can, and remember you’re half way through and the hardest part is over.
I attend NIU school of law as a 1L , but i really want to be in any NY law school , what is the easiest law school to transfer to in NY?
Jeff, you can call the schools in NY and ask them about their transfer policies.
i am currently at a t4 school (niu) in my first year and i am hoping to transfer to my hometown law school which is barry law school, my first question is since barry’s notes that they generally accept students with a 2.5 or higher, does this mean if i don’t have a 2.5 i more than likely won’t be accepted and my second question is how do i appeal to barry law school that i am transferring for personal reasons without looking weak? sidenote barry placed me on hold for my intial law school admissions
J, Right now concentrate on getting the best grades you can as a 1L. If you go to FL during Winter Break, try to meet with someone there and let them know you’re hoping to transfer. Get them to like you. Then get the best grades you can – hopefully way above the 2.5 mark. Good luck!
Ann, I am currently a 1L at Texas Wesleyan School of Law in Fort Worth. I had applied to SMU, Baylor and UT and was turned down there, mostly–I believe because of a low UGPA (2.76), despite the fact that my last 30 hours were 4.0.
I like the school, and I got a decent scholarship–although half of it is used the first year ($16000.00). However, I would like to take advantage of the best possible opportunities.
After the first semester, with the majority of my grades in, and the rest expected to be the same, my gpa is a 3.9. I know this gives me some real opportunities as far as transferring and that I can parlay those admissions into better scholarships at my current school should I decide to stay there.
What I really need to know is what the advantages of transferring are. If I am not interested in Biglaw, but could see myself teaching at a later point in my life–after practicing, what can a transfer offer to me?
I also really do want to be involved in law review, mock trial and moot court and am concerning what effect a transfer might have on that. Tex Wes is not UT, and it’s not SMU or even Baylor–but I really do enjoy the school, the staff and my classmates.
I appreciate your guidance and should this be something i decide to pursue, I will most likely be engaging your services.
sorry, my LSAT was a 159.
TXchick811 – I think you could absolutely transfer! Your grades are fantastic in law school. The most obvious thing would be to try to transfer to UT. See the article and comments to my US News post on this very topic: What you need to know about Transferring Law Schools.
I am at a tier 4 school in the midwest (niu) and i did not do well in my first semester (1.89) but i am trying to apply as a visiting student at my hometown school in Orlando (barry law school) because i plan to have surgery done in the fall 2011 semester , what are my chances for attendance and should i let them know that my reason for transferring is the medical procedure itself.
Jeffrey, it sounds more like you need a leave of absence….
Hello Ann,
Thank you for your reply earlier. Just a refresher, I was a part time student taking 9 credits last term at Cooley Law School and ended up with 3.83GPA and also received a Certificate of Merit. Do you think it is possible for me to make a transfer to first tier, perhaps T14? GULC accepts first semester grades, should I give it a shot?
Thanks,
D
Dilan, I’m really happy you’ve done so well at Cooley. You can try the first semester app to GT, but I think it’s highly unlikely they’ll take anyone from Cooley.
Dear Ann,
I’m currently at a 3rd tier school, just started 2nd half of 1L year. My GPA after first term is 2.4. My LSAT was 146, but my GPA was 3.8. I also have 2 years immigration law experience. I want to transfer from Ohio Northern to a 4th tier school near Philadelphia… thoughts?
You can try if you have a compelling reason to be there, but they won’t be too enticed with your first semester GPA. You’re going to need to try to bring that up. The LSAT and UGPA aren’t as important anymore because your actual performance in law school is the best indicator of your abilities in law school now.
Hi Anne,
I’m currently a 1L at T4 Barry Law. I finished the first semester in the top 20% with at 3.02 GPA, and book award in Crim Law. My UGPA is 2.8 and my LSAT is 147. I’m also going out for Trial Team this semester and am almost positive I’ll make it. I’d like to transfer to one of these schools, in order of choice:
UF – #47
FSU – #54
UHouston – #60
Baylor – #64
LSU – #80
Texas Tech – T3
Stetson – T3
Thoughts on my chances and any advice? Thanks!!
Patrick, I think it’s worth trying if you can continue to climb up in your grades – that’s more important than trial team.
Hi Ann,
I am in my second semester at a T4 in Southern California. My fall gpa was a 3.61/4.0 with the curve at my school being set at a 2.3. My ranking is 6/195 and I received a Witkin’s award for the highest grade Torts I. I also have work experience and some softs as well. I am received a LOR from one of my Professors who was a managing partner at one of the nations largest law firms. My question is do I have a shot at Georgetown Law. I am sending my application to Georgetown for their EA filing period. Also for the regular filing period, and assuming I maintain my current gpa and ranking, do I have a shot at any of the following:
George Washington
BU
UCLA
USC
UC Hastings
UC Davis
Pepperdine
Loyola
Hi Ann,
I am in my second semester at a T4 in Southern California. My fall gpa was a 3.61/4.0 with the curve at my school being set at a 2.3. My ranking is 6/195 and I received a Witkin’s award for the highest grade Torts I. I also have work experience and some softs as well. I am received a LOR from one of my Professors who was a managing partner at one of the nations largest law firms. My question is do I have a shot at Georgetown Law. I am sending my application to Georgetown for their EA filing period. Also for the regular filing period, and assuming I maintain my current gpa and ranking, do I have a shot at any of the following:
George Washington
BU
UCLA
USC
UC Hastings
UC Davis
Pepperdine
Loyola
Thanks
Hi Ann,
Thank you for providing this forum. I am 41 years old and have recently been accepted to a number of Tier 4 law schools in Texas as well as Tulsa. I live in Dallas and am leaning toward Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth as geographically it makes the most sense for me and my family. I don’t “have” to go to law school but (at the risk of sounding a bit cliche) it has always been a dream of mine. Through hard work (and some luck created by hard work) I have been fortunate in business and am now positioned to sell my company in order to attend law school full-time. I have the full support of my wife and our young family. We have no interest in looking back years from now and wondering where life would have led us if I had attended law school. Because of this I must say that I am committed to attending law school. I must also admit though that I am getting a little “spooked” by all of the online “trashing” of Tier 4 schools and their post-graduation job opportunities. My question to you is this, “is it really that bad out there for a Tier 4 graduate?” I am certainly not afraid of hard work and I can network with the best of them but these qualities are likely seen in many people who attend law school. I realize that you cannot see the future and that every case is different but I do trust your opinion. Can you give me a realistic idea of how a 45 year old Tier 4 graduate will be able to compete in few years? And how I should position myself to be as competitive as possible?
Thank you sincerely,
Eddie
Hi Ann,
I am a 1L at Touro Law and I got a 3.4 my first semester and my ranking is top 27%.
I really want to transfer to a better school (fordham, cardozo, brooklyn, rutgers) Do you think I have a shot at any of these?
Thanks!
Hi Anne,
quick question here I have been accepted to the schools Western State in CA, Cooley with 25% scholarship and UDM in MI.
I will be attending so far one of these in the fall, I am still awaiting other responses from law schools, I am waitlisted at Chapman in CA and Albany Law in NY. My goal is to get great grades and transfer to a school in top 35. I have an undergrad with a high of 3.56 so my lsat wasn’t strong 149 so it prevented me from applying higher up. I would like your opinion on the schools i am accepted to, since I don’t know much about them and the transfering abilities. I know strong 1L grades are top priority and am sure but I need your expertise on the transfer process. Thanks so much, I am so glad to have found your website.
Anne,
are there any books you recommend incoming students to read prior to starting law school…any topic (legal writing, test taking, outlines,etc)?
Thanks mas
Hi Mas,
I usually suggest just reading books for fun because you won’t be able to do that for a while. I suggest reading things that get your brain going and that introduce you to varied topics. Books on outlining and other things will probably just make you nervous. It’s too early to worry about test taking strategies. Let your teachers teach you how they want you to write. If you’re struggling during your first year, then introduce study aids.
Mas, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be able to transfer to a Top 35 school (a number that seems pretty arbitrary to me) from any of these schools, and even on the off chance you would be able to transfer to a Top 100, you’d be at the bottom of your class (most likely) at the new school so employment prospects might be better for you as a bigger fish in a smaller pond.
Rita, if your grades continue to improve, you may have a shot at Cardozo, Brooklyn or Rutgers.
Eddie C,
If I were you I would do the following: Get a scholarship to a T4 school (or pay in cash if you’ve been very fortunate with the selling of your company). Graduate with no debt and little, if any, financial hardship to your family. Realize that when you graduate (at age 45) you will probably be hanging a shingle and using your business contacts to set up a unique law practice for yourself. With business savvy, and without the necessity of a 15-20 year career to pay for the dream of attending law school, I think a 4th tier law school would serve you quite well.
Anoush, you just might!!!!!! I feel good about it.
I received an email from Georgetown saying they were not able to make a decision on my application and that it would be rereviewed by a different committee and that I would have a decision by Feb. 28th. Since then I have sent a few well written emails expressing my extreme desire to attend. I have also had another reccommendation sent to the school and updated grade report and summer plans. What do you think this means in terms of the prospect of me being accepted?
Morgan, did you apply as a transfer?
Hi Ann,
I’m a 1L at a T4 school and I ended up with a 3.4 GPA after the first semester. My school does not rank so I do not know where I fall in my class with that gpa. If I would like to transfer to a school in T2, will that affect how I am evaluated?
I have been accepted at Baylor for their summer quarter. It has been my only accept so far in my application cycle. I have been waitlisted a 7 other schools, all of which I would probably choose over Baylor. Also, my intention is to transfer to a T14 after my first year. Starting in the summer at Baylor would allow me to finish my first year by late January which would give me a lot of time for my transfer applications. Should I just go to Baylor or a take a risk and hold out for the schools I have been waitlisted at?
Jess, class rank helps to know because if your school is on a 3.4 curve then your GPA doesn’t say much, but if it’s on a 2.8 curve then that’s a different situation.
D Romans, fight your way in off a waitlist! You may want to put a deposit down at Baylor, but try to get in to one of the schools you’d prefer to attend.
Hi Ann,
I am a 1L at Wash U and finished in the top 10% of my class. What are my chances of getting into Penn, NYU, or Berkeley if I maintain my ranking?
Thanks so much for your help,
Jen
Jen, you have a shot!
i am finishing my first year of law school at cooley this semester. Have a 3.1 GPA and have been accepted to transfer into Nova Southeastern Univsertiy, St Thomas University, Ave Maria School of Law and University of Miami has said they want to see my grades for this semester before giving me acceptance. This is just for those cooley student who think transfering is impossible, after a year in michigan I will be back in my hometown after this semester for good.
Congratulations, IR! I love to hear those success stories!
Hi Ann,
I am a 1L going to the U of Toledo. I have a 2.86 GPA so far with a A in LRW. I have already asked the Legal Writing for a letter of rec and she said yes. I am looking to transfer to Denver. My wife and kids live in Colorado and we have a house there. I did not get into Denver prior to school, but we have lived there for the past 5 years. I am really hoping to get my GPA up above 3.0.
How much does it help that I have live there and am just in Toledo for school? Do you think I have a shot?
Thanks,
Chris
Hi Chris, The fact that you have strong ties to Denver will absolutely help, as will the A in LRW and the letter of rec. The overall GPA isn’t going to be impressive. You are going to have to really pull things up this semester…..
Hi Ann,
I’m currently a 1L at St. Thomas (4th Tier) and finished my fall semester with a 2.97 GPA on a 2.25 grading curve. This semester has been more successful and I’m expecting to definitely get better grades. Assuming I finish the spring in the top 15% (plus 2.97 UGPA from University of Virgina, 154 LSAT, female hispanic), do I have a shot at transferring to either George Mason or George Washington in the Fall?
Also, I came into law school with no legal experience because I came straight from undergrad. In order to fix that, I will be doing my pro-bono hours in Miami this summer in immigration law.
Correction: My fall 2010 gpa was a 2.90
Geraldine, I think you’re going to have to finish higher than top 15% to be eligible and GMU and much higher to be considered at GW. I doubt GW will take transfers from St. Thomas. But American and Catholic are other possibilities if you do extremely well this semester.
Hi Ann:
I am in the top 30% at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School based on first semester 1L grades. My GPA was about a 2.7. I am not geographically bound to any one area. Are there any schools you think I may have a shot at transferring to?
Hi Ann,
I’m finishing up my 1L at Southern Illinois Law School (which is T4) and really wanted to transfer to University of Missouri (currently at the bottom of T2). I did my undergrad at Mizzou, I am still a Missouri resident, and applied there for law school but was denied. My LSAT=153 and my current law school GPA is a 3.2 which is about top 1/3 of my class.
Do you think I should apply? Chances??
Thank you very much.
Hi Ann,
I’m currently in my first quarter at Baylor (started in the Spring), and wanted some advice on transferring to either GWU, Georgetown, or UT. I know transferring from a Spring start or from a quarter-system school is difficult, but with the right grades, is it impossible?
Geoff,
Top third is a good start but I hope this semester’s grades bring you up. Yes, you should apply and see what happens but it’s not a slam dunk. Do they know you and like you at Mizzou?
thanks Ann,
I have several friends in law school at Mizzou. But unfortunately, none who are on the admissions committee.
Geoff, Have your friends introduce you! Go visit! Sit in on a class- take initiative and work whatever connections you have!
Ann, I will do just that. I have another question though: are collateral factors in a transfer application weighed the same as an ordinary law school application, for example letters of rec? I have been fortunate enough to acquire a letter of recommendation from a MO senator. Would this help??
Thanks!
Ann, my son has an electrical engineering degree. He has applied to one T3 and two T4 schools here in Florida. Is it realistic to hope that he can transfer to a T2 (U. of Fla.) school if he does really well his first year?
It’s possible if he is in the top 10% of his class.
Dear Anne,
Thank you for your pearls of wisdom.
I bombed the LSAT and have been accepted to Western State and some FL schools. Since I live in CA I made my deposit at Western. However, I was wait listed at 7 schools (ranging from TTT to TT). I was wait listed at Hofstra and Northeastern (my first choice). I don’t plan on getting off the wls with a 147, even with my URM status (3.3 UGPA and 3.91 Degree GPA) So, do you think I should try to go to the best school possible (TTT) even if it’s out of state? I plan on killing it at Western and trying to transfer up and out (reapply to Hofstra or Northeastern). They recently removed their grading curve, do you think it will be harder to score at the top of my class? Should I consider attending a better TTTT school (Valpariso) even though it’s out of state and my objective is to get in and get out? However, I am willing to go to a top 100 out of CA. I’m so lost right now.
Thank you so much for your time.
Ps. Just to clarify my post. Western removed their grading curve. I wonder if they did this to make it harder to transfer out. Is it better to go to a more reputatable TTTT (Valparaiso) in the midwest (that has a grading curve) and then try to transfer up and out?
Thanks Again!
Best,
Gracie
*Ann
My apologies I added the ‘e’
Hi Gracie,
You need to try to get in to some of your WL schools!!!! It’s hard to transfer from Western and it would be hard to be in the top of your class.
Thank you Ann! If I don’t get off any of my wait lists this year. Do you think I’m better off moving out of state to go to Valparaiso?
Thank you so much!
Best,
Gracie
Thank you Ann! If I don’t get off any of my wait lists this year. Do you think I’m better off moving out of state to go to Valparaiso?
Thank you so much!
Best,
Gracie
Hi Ann,
I am a 1L at Indiana Univ (#23 rank). I have always wanted to work in California but came to Indiana b/c of the financial aid package. I wasn’t able to get summer employment in CA and have realized how hard it is going to be to get good employment out there upon graduation since I have lived and worked in Indiana my entire life. For that reason, I think it is in my best interest to transfer. I’m looking at USC (#18), UC-Davis (#23), and UC-Hastings (#42), with UC-Boulder (#47) as a last resort. I expect to finish the frst year with honors in legal writing and a 3.38 GPA, which places me around the upper 40th percentile of the class, not exactly where I was hoping to be. Some good things are that I did apply to all of those schools except for UC-Hastings as a first year student. I was accepted at Boulder but turned them down b/c they didn’t offer me much of a financial aid package and I was blinded by the rankings. USC waitlisted me and I was rejected by UC-Davis. I hope reapplying as a transfer shows my interest but I’m not sure how far that will go. I do plan on making contact with the admissions offices this week to express my sincere interest in being in CA and attending their school. Other qualities: hispanic male, 167 LSAT and 3.3 undergrad gpa. However, i took a bunch of years off between undergrad and law school so I’m not sure how much weight they’ll put on my undergrad gpa. Could you let me know what you perceive my chances would be to transfer to the schools on my list with my stats? I realize you’re not on the admissions committee but appreciate the help.
Thanks
Hector
Hi Ann,
I attend a tier 3–Albany Law School. I did well my first semester, 3.42 (22%). Recently, I received two of my grades back from my second semester; both of them are A’s in 4 credit classes. I am still waiting on the other three courses/grades. Additionally, I have been hired as a research assistant this summer for a professor and I have some legal experience (a shadowing experience) at a private law firm, summer of 2010.
My dream school is Florida State University College of Law (I’m an alumnus and I love the school). My other three choices are 1). Miami 2) UF or 3) Stetson.
Assuming that I would receive a 3.5 or better this semester what do you think my chances are for a successful transfer? (Obviously, I hope the A’s keep rollin in, but… I’m just bracing myself for the worst, i.e. median grades in the three remaining courses which would put me at a 3.5). Thanks!
Hello Ann,
I posted here last night and checked back for a response on two different occasions. The first time I checked back my post was still there (unanswered, which is understandable considering I just submitted it a day ago) but, the second time I checked back my post had vanished.
Did I say something that I was not supposed to? I am sincerely contemplating on purchasing your services but I would first like some preliminary questions answered.
Aw crud… Sorry Ann, for some reason the cache in my computer (or something of that nature) is causing some technical difficulties in viewing websites. Of course, now I can see my original post has not been deleted.
Disregard my second post. Sorry about that….
No problem!
Hi Doug, I definitely think it’s worth a try to all 3 of the schools you mentioned. I don’t think 3.5 is a magic number but being in the top 20% of your class might be. Although, even just staying in the top 25% I think you’re in the running. Please do let me know how I can help. We have a reasonably priced package for transfer applicants (you mentioned in another message you were thinking of that – I don’t usually mention consulting services in blog comments!)
Hi Hector,
It’s all going to come down to your grades, class rank, and professor LOR (from a law professor). In your personal statement, you should absolutely address reasons for transferring. Keep in mind that there won’t be scholarship offers to get you to transfer.
Please let me know if I can help in any other way.
Hello,
Do most universities take only ABA and AALS approved and member universities? I have been accepted to universities that are ABA approved but not members of the AALS. They are only non-member fee paying schools. Does this limit me to schools that would take me as a transfer?
Hello Ann,
I am wondering whether the exact rank of the T1 school I attend for my 1L makes a difference in transfer applications to the Top 10? Specifically, will my transfer application be enhanced if I am in the top of my class at a #27 school vs. a #35?
Thanks
Hi Ann,
I just finished 1L at Rutgers-Newark and finished with a 3.87. I always wanted to go to NYU which is my sister’s alma mater. I’m also a student of color. I think I have a solid chance of getting in as a transfer, however, I will end up with roughly twice the debt if I go to NYU. Would graduating from NYU improve my career prospects enough to justify the increase in debt? Also, do you agree that I have a solid chance of getting in?
Will, I think you have to try!!!
ST, what schools are they?
Ann,
I’ve just completed my first year at UF law (#47). I ranked in the top 15% and booked 1 class. My LSAT was a 165 and my UGPA a 3.4. My dream school is NYU law and I would like to know what you think my chances are of transfering there starting in fall?
Hi Ann,
I just finished my 1L year at a fourth tier school in Florida. My GPA is a 3.66 (the curve is insane) and I am ranked 20th out of 730. My LSAT was a 160 and my undergraduate GPA was a 3.83. In multiple classes of 75+ students only 2 or 3 A’s were given out which I usually received. I am originally from Los Angeles and would like to return there. I also would like to practice entertainment/media law. What do you think my chances are for UCLA, Loyola, Chapman? And would I be reaching for bigger schools like, Boalt, Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, NYU?
Thank you,
Andrew F.
Hi Ann,
I am currently in the top 3% of my class for my 1L year. I go to a school that is tied for 23rd in the USNWR rankings. I am applying as a transfer to Columbia, Northwestern, NYU, and Univ. of Chicago. What do my chances look like? Should I aim lower? Thank you.
Ann,
I have been accepted to transfer from Widener University School of Law- Wilmington (tier 4) to Rutgers University – Camden (tier 2). The dilemma I am facing is that I currently am on a full scholarship at Widener University. Though Rutgers is relatively cheap, is there any chance I would be able to negotiate a scholarship or grant (I realize they won’t match my current scholarship at Widener).
Also, I was wondering how law school curves play into your class rank if I do decide to transfer? Currently my school has a harsh curve with 50% of the class falling within 2.3-2.7 and a 3.3 is good enough to get you honors, however at Rutgers, their honors graduates usually are 3.8 and above. Therefore will I be entering in the fall at a disadvantage in terms of possibly graduating with honors if I am in the top 15% of my class at Widener but only have a 3.4 GPA?
Is urm status considered for transfer applicants?
Anish, there’s not a lot of incentive for a public school to offer you a scholarship but it can’t hurt to at least ask. I think transferring from Widener to Rutgers is a good idea because the caliber/reputation of the schools is so different.
well, schools do get to count that in their stats, Slim Pickings, so yes.
Ann,
I’ve just completed my first year at UF law (#47). I ranked in the top 15% and booked 1 class. My LSAT was a 165 and my UGPA a 3.4. My dream school is NYU law and I would like to know what you think my chances are of transfering there starting in fall?
Hi Ann,
I just finished my 1L at Tourolaw, and I hold a 3.64 GPA. Do you think I have a shot at either Brooklyn, Seton, Cardozo, Rutgers, or Fordham?
Thanks!
2.83 gpa (50%) after first year at SIU Law. Just got in to Mizzou Law. It can be done.
Good job, Geoff! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hi Ann,
Which school do you think would be easier to transfer out of? Whittier or Western State University? They are both in Southern California which is where I intend to practice law. I’m hoping to transfer to a law school closer to home in Los Angeles. What are your thoughts? Do you think I would have a better chance transferring from Whittier or Western State?
I am looking to transfer up-tier, of course.
Hi Ann,
I really enjoy your blog and all the feedback you are giving.
I applied as a transfer student from a Chicago regional school to the University of Chicago. My application is completed and is currently under review. I was ranked in the top 3%, graded onto Law Review, made Moot Court, held leadership roles in an organization, and have 8 years of business experience. I also had an RA position this summer. I have 4 letters of recommendations from Professors and one who is a Dean. The biggest downfall is that I am a part-time student trying to transfer to the full-time Chicago.
Do you think I am a strong contender? And if I do get accepted, do you think it is worth it for me to accept?
I did not enter my school with any $$$, but qualified for a 10K scholly next year. Undergrad gpa is 4.0 from a private Chicago college (3.86 cumulative because I went to community college for two years) and Lsat was 152.
Hi Susan, I am so glad the blog is helpful to you! Congratulations on doing so well in law school. I think it’s hard to transfer from PT to FT but if U of Chicago says they will consider it, then you’re in the running. And if you get in, go! Let me know what happens!
Alex, I think it would be hard to transfer up from both of these schools.
Hi Ann: I have been reading a lot of your posts and you seem to have excellent advice! I am a 1st sem 1L @ Cooley and would hope to gain a little advice as to how to get back to my home state (FSU, Nova, UM, etc.) I am already on my way to getting excellent grades and already have a bid for an internship for the fall semester. Do you think Nova or FSU will take me after a year and with great credentials while in MI? (I was rejected from Nova and FSU-so maybe they would notice my desire to go to their schools if I applied again as a transfer?) I appreciate any advice you may have. Thank you in advance.
I recently met a student who transferred to Berkeley from Western State. She was in the top 3% of her 1L class. I know- amazing, from Western State to Boalt. Plus, I’ve read threads at TLS of top students at Whittier transferring to UCLA and other schools in California like Loyola.
Success stories like these get your hopes up, I guess.
Alex, I love success stories like this! I just don’t like to be overly encouraging on the blog because people who read the comments but don’t contact me directly might take too much encouragement and I don’t want to supply false hope.
Tab, I’m glad your grades are good. Do you bave a professor who will write you a LOR? You are picking reasonable schools to try to apply as a transfer so that’s working in your favor too.
Ann,
I am about to begin my 2L year at Chase, a tier 4 school at the Northern Kentucky Campus. Is it possible to transfer to a better school after your 2nd year? I’ve just cracked the top ten in class rank out of 128 in year 1. If it is possible what are the risks of doing so after year 2. If it is not possible, or a very bad idea, should I transfer to a better local school like UC right now, or is it too late to be making a move like this since school starts in 3 weeks? I want to interview this fall and if I transferred this year I would not have a rank. Thanks.
Brian, I think that ship has sailed. Concentrate on reaping the benefits of being a big fish in a small pond and network like crazy where you are.
Is Ave Marie a school that one can transfer out of (to tier 2 or 3), if in the top 5-10%?
I was wondering what the purpose/advantages were to being a “visiting student” at a law school as compared to a transfer student. I understand that as a transfer student your degree is still from your home institution but wanted to know what the advantages were to being a visiting student.
Ann,
I was hoping to get started with law school as soon as possible and noticed many schools allow mid-year starts (though as mentioned earlier they are not among the higest ranked). I was thinking of attending one of these schools this January and transerring to another come August 2012. Will this hurt my chances of getting into a higher school? Am I better off just waiting until fall next year to start? Also, would the timing effect the scholarship or financial aid I receive?
Ann,
I want to start law school as soon as possible and noticed several schools have mid-years starts (though, as mentioned earlier, they are not among the highest ranked). I was hoping to start this January at one of these schools and transfer to a higher ranked one come August 2012. WIll this hurt my ability to get into a higher-tier school? Am I better off waiting until fall 2012? Also, will the timing effect the amount of scholarship or financial aid I receive?
Laura, that’s a short term solution and you need to be thinking long term. Wait until next year and do it right.
Bob, visiting student status is really reserved for someone who has a specific reason to be at that school for a semester or year. You can inquire about each school’s policies in this regard.
Ann,
My wife recently moved to another state for post doc. I would like to transfer to be with the family. I am currently bottom half at a tier 3 doing a simultaneous MBA at a top 5. My MBA gpa is exceptional, but I know that factors very little in the equation. Other strong softs and urm. Likelihood of transfer into upper t1/t2?
Longball, it’s more likely to transfer laterally. But you never know, with enrollment down and a compelling reason to be there it might happen at a T2.
Hi Ann,
I am a 1L attending Indiana University Maurer School of Law. I love the classes and the school, but hate the state and do NOT want to work in the midwest. I am hoping to transfer to Emory, Duke, Texas, Virginia, Northwestern, UCLA. What do I need to do to be a competitive transfer?
Natalie, top 10 percent minimum.
Hi Ann,
I’m at 2L Loyola Law School and am wanting to transfer to Baylor Law. I”m in the bottom 50% of my class (barely with a B- average) which is not good but I was accepted to Baylor with a pretty hefty scholarship when I applied from undergrad. Chances? 162 on LSAT with a 3.6 GPA
Ann,
I am currently a 1L at Vermont Law School, I want to transfer to Albany Law School. I believe they are close in rankings, so I was wondering what I should consider with this transfer. I am two hours from VLS, and one hour from Albany. I have a home in New York and would like to save money by staying at home rather than an apartment.
Thank you,
Nicole
Nicole,
Should be feasible if you’re in the top 1/2 of your class but do everything you can to do as well as you can.
Hi Ann,
I think it’s great that you’ve been answering these questions for two years now. Thank you, this website is a gold mine.
I’m a 4th year undergrad at UCI with a 3.2 GPA. I have yet to take the LSATs but have been scoring in the 170s consistently on practice exams. I know my GPA is holding me back from making it into the top 20 schools. Is applying to school with the intention of transferring a good idea? Should I be looking into schools that are very low in the rankings?
Thank you so much. Any advice would help a lot.
Don
Ann,
I am currently a 1L at Tulane Law looking to transfer to UC Boulder for cost, personal, and locational reasons. I would also like to practice in Colorado, which has brought on the transfer impitus.
As the two schools are essentially ranked the same (45th), do you think that my chances are reasonable? My numbers were within UC Boulder’s range, a just didn’t apply there during my apps last year.
*impetus …woops
Jane, sounds reasonable to me so long as you’re in the top 1/2 of your class and UC Boulder takes transfers regularly. Last year they took only 13.
Don, I’m so happy the blog is helpful. I’m coming to UCI to talk to the undergrads on 11/1 so keep an eye out for notices about that.
I never think it’s a good idea to have an intention to transfer because it may not work out. The better plan is to apply to some schools where your LSAT alone puts you in range, and some where your LSAT is above the 25th percentile. You will do just fine with strong application materials! I wouldn’t count you out of a Top 20 or Top 14 if you play your cards right.
Ann,
I recently got my Lsat back and got a 164. do you think that coupled with my 3.1 gpa and early decision gives me a chance at UIUC? or should i go to kent/loyola and try to transfer after L1?
Hey Ann,
I’m a senior at Cal State Long Beach and before I knew I wanted to be a lawyer I was a biology major.
Unfortunetely, the science classes required by my original major really killed my grades.
This year I finally dropped the biology major for a minor and added economics as a second major to philosophy, which I declared my sophomore year.
My GPA in philosophy classes (I’m only 12 units from a BA in philosophy) is a 3.7 and I expect to have a similar GPA in economics. I added the second major to boost my UGPA.
However, with the science classes I’ll be able to graduate with a 3.3 at best.
I’m also the editor-in-chief of CSULB’s Daily 49er.
My question is, what can I do, beyond doing really on the LSATs, to improve my chances of getting in to a Top 25 school. I expect to get a high score – I test well — but I want to everything I can.
Thanks!
Zien, you are doing everything right – your grades are good in challenging majors and you’re doing an intellectual and time-consuming activity that you are dedicated to and that shows leadership. Just keep doing what you are doing, get letters of rec that really show your academic prowess, and you will be doing everything just fine. Really.
Hello,
I am attending the University of Toledo College of Law, in my first year. ( I will set aside the discussion of how good I will do, lets move on assuming its top 10%, because otherwise the discussion is not necessary). What are my chances for transferring to a school in the top 30, 20, or 10? Particularly, NYU, Berkeley, or Michigan.
Hi Ann,
I am a part 1L at a Tier 4 law school. I am traveling about 5hrs round trip for school right now. I am looking to go to a law school that is working on getting its provisional ABA approval. I would think that these schools would be worried about bar passage rates so I was wondering what type of GPA would be needed to transfer. I have had a couple of meetings with the Dean at the school I am looking to transfer and everything looks ok on that front I am just wondering what type of grades I need to go along with that good relationship. Also the school I am transferring from has class’s that are 6 hours compared to 4 hours for the school I want to transfer to. How do they normally work that out?
Thanks!
Ann,
I’ve just submitted an application for an accelerated January start program at a T-3 law school in my area. The program gets you through your first year between January and July so I would start 2L in the Fall 2012 semester. My question is, do you know how feasible it would be to look to transfer out at that point OR alternately, since I’m sending out all my other applications for programs which START in Fall 2012 to just accept another offer and start there in the fall? The school I just submitted an application to for the early start will be getting back to me fairly soon, all the others with Fall 2012 start dates wont be getting back until after I’d already be enrolled in the early start program. I like the idea of starting in January and going to class straight through the summer to get the first year complete…but I have a high enough GPA and LSAT score to get into a much better law school than the T-3 with the accelerated first year program.
Dan, if you wouldn’t have your complete 1L grades back in time to apply for transfers I think this is going to be a very difficult sell. I wouldn’t rush to start this program in January unless you’d be happy graduating from that institution. It sounds to me like you want to keep your options open so I wouldn’t rush into anything.
Ann,
I was wait-listed at a high T2 and did everything I could to get in (went on a visit, sent letter of continued interest and extra LOR, etc), however they finally axed me in July the following summer. I instead attended a T4 about 45 min away and finished with a rank just out side of the top 1/3. I missed the deadline, but I’m wandering what if: would my wait-listed interest and just “ok” class rank likely have gotten me in? just curious.
Thanks!
I am currently a 2L evening student a Nova southeastern university. I am raked 5/75, while at the same time holding a job as a Director at a national investment firm. I have an overall 3.5 GPA. I have been accepted into Seton Hall on the transfer. Do you think I have a shot transferring into George Washington’s part time evening division?
Hi Ann,
I am in the second semester of my first year at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. I had a 3.4 GPA during my first semester. I am thinking of transferring to Chicago-Kent and would be able to start in spring if successful. The application deadline is December 1but i will be done with my 2nd semester finals on December 20th. That will mean that i will only have my first semester transcript available. Is it possible to transfer with my first semester GPA or do you think i will stand a better chance if i apply as a part-time student rather than as a full-timer considering the circumstances?
I’m currently a 1L at a law school and about to finish my first semester. I was on the waiting list for the school I really wanted to go (Cardozo) to and eventually realized I didn’t want to wait any longer to finalize my plans. Cardozo has a Spring admissions process, and I was wondering if you know if it is possible to apply as a first year after already taking classes at another law school, and worrying about possibly transferring later. I’d rather get there as soon as possible, and if I could do it now, that would be preferable to waiting a whole year. Thanks!
Danny, If Cardozo is where you want to end up and you have the opportunity to start there, that’s what you should do.
If Kent takes people after one semester then give it a shot, Abbie. Not much to lose.
Brian, you might!
Jimmy, there’s no use wondering or second guessing at this point. Just make the most of the situation you are in.
I was recently accepted to University of Indiana at Indianapolis for Fall 2012. I am originally from California so going to the mid west concerns me for any future employment back in California. Most recently I was also accepted to Thomas Jefferson in San Diego Ca but that is a lower tier school which starts in January 2012. I need to make a decision soon and it has been difficult since I want to stay in beautiful San Diego for a better quality of life but feel that for any future job Indiana might make it difficult to transfer out. Any insight? Anyone?
Charles, Indiana is a much better school. You’ll have to make a lot of effort to make contacts with people back in San Diego, go back during summers and breaks and network, but go to the better school in this case, unless it’s a question of not having family and friends near you during law school and you wouldn’t function well without them, or if you have a history of not doing well academically during times of transition.
Hi Anne,
I am a 1L at GW and am toying with the idea of transferring to GULC. My only real motivation for transferring is prestige/national reputation and possible increased job opportunities. Does it make sense to give up a secured spot on law review at GW for Georgetown (where I’d have to do a write on competition)? I am not receiving any scholarships from GW.
Ann,
I was a law student at George Washington (1.5 semesters) and had to take a year off of school to take care of my father back home. I got him in a good situation and then transferred the Southern Methodist University to be close to him and make sure everything was in order while finishing my degree. I have excellent grades, a 3.8 at GW and a 4.0 at SMU, however, I was wondering if I could transfer back to GW? The credits I have obtained at SMU would be less than the 29 credit limit under the ABA rule, and if I did my last semester at GW, I would have the residency credits are required by the school.
SMU is a huge hit financially and in rankings. I just couldn’t stay and GW while my dad was sick . . .
Thoughts?
Hi Alex,
You’d have to get GW to make an exception for your case. I’d call and ask them, but it sounds unlikely that they could take you as a transfer.
Hey I’m a 1L at Albany Law School in the top 1/3rd of the class (3.3 GPA). Is this a good enough gpa to transfer to a school like Maryland, American, or GW? Thanks in advance for the advice?
Froggered,
You should talk to people who have faced the same choice and see what they say. If you get into GT, GW may offer you some money to stay.
Hi Ann,
I am a 1L at University of Denver, I’m considering transfering to the University of Colorado which is quite a few spots above ranking than DU if my grades are good. I’m not sure, because the grades have not yet come out. I’d transfer because I could get in state tuition at CU, as opposed to the high tuition cost at DU. My undergrad stats aren’t too impressive, I had a 3.2 GPA (from CU) and a 162 LSAT. I didn’t receive money from DU, however, I could’ve from similarly ranked schools.
I think I have a possibility of doing pretty well, but I’m not totally sure. How well do I have to do to transfer? Is it better to apply for transfer even before grades are released so I don’t miss deadlines? Thanks in advance!
Hello Ann,
I was accepted (so far) to two T4 schools. The schools are Cooley and Phoenix Law School. I am still waiting on responses from 5 more schools. Assuming I do very well my first year (top 5%); what are my chances of transferring to a T1, T2 or T3 school? Additionally, what books would you recommend I start reading before I start law school? Also, I was told that students with low GPA’s and low LSAT scores generally do not perform well in law school. How true is this statement?
Lisa,
It’s highly unlikely you’d be able to transfer from those schools to a higher ranked school. It is true, statistically, that people with low GPAs and low LSAT scores do not perform well in law school.
I don’t think there are any particular books I recommend, but I would read intellectually stimulating things, get your brain moving, and do read some of the books that are out there about law school courses.
MM, see how your grades are and give it a shot. You wouldn’t be the first to make this switch. You won’t miss deadlines – CU can’t make a decision without your grades.
Ann,
Just to follow up on your response, would it be worth it to attend law school if I cant xfer to at least a T3 school? Wouldn’t I be wasting time and money attending either Cooley or Pheonix law? Would I instead be better of pursuing a masters?
Hi Ann! My first semester 1L GPA at Golden Gate is 3.5. I don’t have my rank yet. What kind of odds am I looking at for USF or Hastings?
Hi Ann,
I’m a 1L at Rutgers Newark, and when I applied to schools I was accepted to Quinnipiac and Albany(with scholarships), and waitlisted at Rutgers Newark and Camden, Seton Hall, Drexel and Hofstra. Once I got my acceptance from Rutgers Newark I had myself taken off the other waitlists, since I did a lot of thinking, comparing cost for the 3 years, as well as housing, etc.(my family lives decently close to Newark, so I can commute).
Thing is, I know I want to go into Health Law(I am getting a Masters in Biomedical Science, and I hope to go to med school after law school as well).
Rutgers doesn’t have many health law classes, whereas Seton Hall and Rutgers Camden do(and Quinnipiac did, but the Tier 3 status and price even after scholarships led me to choose Rutgers).
Seton Hall just sent me a follow up packet, telling me that even though I wasn’t accepted in the 1st go, I can reapply if I’m not in school or apply as a transfer if I am.
I really do love Rutgers, the students the faculty and deans, the look of the school..you get the idea. I’m happy. I’m involved in student gov and many clubs, and even started a health law organization. But will I be able to practice Health Law and look good to employers if I stay at Rutgers Newark? Should I try to do a visiting student thing? (I already thought about just taking some classes at Seton Hall which is nearby, but apparently Rutgers has a 6 credit limit on courses taken at other schools. Would the ‘visiting student’ status circumvent that, or am I stuck with only 6 non-Rutgers credits no matter what, barring transfer?)
As you can see I’m kind of confused and a little torn here. I love Rutgers, but know I want health law in the future. Any suggestions?
Granted, I don’t even know if I would be accepted to Seton Hall.
Hi!
I’m currently a 1L at Southwestern University and have a GPA of 4.124 (3 A+’s one A, one A-). Do you think it would b wise for me to transfer to USC/UCLA (and what are my chances)? Do I have a chance at Harvard? If my school offers me a full scholarship for my grades, should I take that or transfer?
I have a 2.88 GPA honor roll once, stetson U. I want to transfer, what schools (anywhere in Florida/California/NY/Chicago) do you think will take me, if any?
Thanks!
HI Ann,
I am a 1L at Cooley Law and will be looking to transfer. In one of your posts you stated that it would be hard to transfer out of Cooley Law School. I was curious as to why that was?
Thanks,
AM
Hi Anne,
I just finished up my first semester at a Tier 4 (Barry Law) with straight A’s (4.0 GPA). The school has a fairly harsh curve, somewhere around the 2.5 range. I also received a book award in property with my professor willing to write me a fantastic letter of reccommendation. What are my chances going EA at GULC? I will be applying to some other tier 1 schools, but would love to take a shot at the T14. Thoughts?
Correction- “Ann” my apologies…
Hi Ann,
I currently just finished my 1st semester at Seton Hall law and did fairly well. 2 A’s and 1 A+ (only 3% maximum can receive an A+), therefore I’m going to assume that I’m in the Top 5% of my class. I currently have a $35K scholarship, and tuition is $45K+. Of course I would love to go to NYU, Columbia, or another top school in the NYC area because that’s where I’d like to practice; and although Seton Hall is an exceptional school for New Jersey, I’m not convinced it is enough to find a good solid job in NYC. Should I consider transferring and losing my scholarship? Is that even an option for me? I had a 3.3 undergraduate and a 162 LSAT. Thank you.
Justin, First congrats on your fabulous grades and your scholarship. You need to see where people from the top of SH’s classes have been hired and whether those are the jobs you’d want. Then you have to see where the middle/bottom of the pack at Columbia/NYU are being hired. You can try to transfer and see if you get in, and it’s also possible that SH will increase your scholarship based on your performance this year.
Hi Anne,
I am currently a 1L at Chicago Kent and am considering applying as a long-shot transfer to Northwestern, UIUC, UChicago, Cornell (I did my undergrad in engineering there), or some other good schools in the region like Michigan or IU Bloomington. I finished first semester with a 3.3 GPA and an A in legal writing – no idea what my rank is. I believe I could get solid recs from law professors + have good work experience. Do you think it is worth putting apps in at any (or all) of these places? Also, what is the best way to set myself apart on my transfer apps? I love Kent, but given the economic climate and competitive legal market, I just want to graduate from the school that will give me the biggest advantage in 2 yrs when I graduate. Any advice would be appreciated!
Hi Ann,
I am interested in going to law school. My undergrad GPA is 3.12, and I haven’t taken the LSAT yet.
Do I have any chance of getting into Tier 4 schools like Whittier, Western State, Cal Western, or Thomas Jefferson School or Tier 3 school like Southwestern?
I am a 1L at Touro. I got a 2.87 my first semester. I received an A in Torts. I still have the spring semester to go. Since, I like Touro alot but since I am originally from New Jersey the financial burden of living here is too much. I would like to know my chances for getting into Rutgers, Seton Hall, NY law or Cuny. I received a 152 on the LSAT
I am a 1L at Touro. I got a 2.87 my first semester. I received an A in Torts. I still have the spring semester to go. I like Touro alot but since I am originally from New Jersey the financial burden of living here is too much. I would like to know my chances for getting into Rutgers, Seton Hall, NY law or Cuny. I received a 152 on the LSAT
Raul, I think your GPA shows you are at the right school academically. Unless you bring things up to a 3.5 this semester, you are unlikely to be able to transfer. With CUNY, it’s a public interest oriented school so it really depends on your career goals.
Hi Ann,
I am currently at Charlotte School of Law and I have finished my first semester with a GPA of 3.2 my current class standing is top 23%. My school applies a C curve to all of our 1L courses. I am planning to turn some of my B+ to As which I believe it will be do able by the time I finish my 1L. I am thinking of transferring what range of school should I be aiming for?
Thank you so much