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3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 12:25 am
by midwesTT
I go to a lower TT in a midwestern city (think Slu/Marquette/IU Indy). My first semester grades put me at a 3.8+ GPA. I am well above top 10%, realistically around top 2-5%. I would be happy working in the city I'm in, and figure I can get a good job with my grades. Ideally though, I'd prefer to be in Chicago.

Chances at Northwestern/UChi?

If admitted to either, would there be any reason to not go?

Here's the kicker, I'm currently paying sticker...

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 1:50 am
by quiver
Should have a good shot at NW at least with those grades. Chicago is tough because they take so few transfers to begin with; definitely worth the app fee though IMO (assuming you maintain your grades).
midwesTT wrote:If admitted to either, would there be any reason to not go?
midwesTT wrote:I'm currently paying sticker...
Looks like you answered your own question. Unless your current school throws money at you to stay there's really no reason not go transfer. The inconveniences of transferring (getting recs, app fees, condensed timeline for finding housing, preparing for OCI, etc.) are negligible relative to the opportunity.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 8:51 am
by keg411
I would also add Michigan to your list of schools.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:55 am
by midwesTT
Hey guys, thanks for the replies!

Additional questions:

1) Should I do EA to UChi? Would this hurt my chances at either UChi or other schools (like NW)?

2) I was considering Mich. What other schools would be good for Chi?

3) If my grades improve, should I submit to H?

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:50 am
by Should I Transfer??
1) I don't see how applying ED would hurt you. Even if you don't get in ED, my guess is that it looks good for your RD application b/c you are more likely to matriculate. I don't see how it would hurt you wrt other schools.

2) I am in a similar position (similar grades, higher ranked school) as you. I am looking at UChi, Columbia, NU, Michigan, Penn, and H.

3) If you improve, mind as well see what H would say so you are not left wondering.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 1:59 pm
by Vronsky
A friend of mine applied UC ED last year with a 3.8 from TT (without a definitive class rank) and was rejected outright, not deferred. So yes, you can hurt your chances. Best case scenario is that you gun like hell during second semester, and finish in the top 1-2% with a definitive class rank, and then apply.

Based on my experience, I'd say that the whole EA/ED thing is overrated, aside from the fact that it forces you to have all your LOR and UG what-not into LSAC early. This is a solid benefit b/c when grades come out in June, your application schools already have everything and are just waiting on your final transcript.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 2:30 pm
by quiver
Vronsky wrote:A friend of mine applied UC ED last year with a 3.8 from TT (without a definitive class rank) and was rejected outright, not deferred. So yes, you can hurt your chances. Best case scenario is that you gun like hell during second semester, and finish in the top 1-2% with a definitive class rank, and then apply.

Based on my experience, I'd say that the whole EA/ED thing is overrated, aside from the fact that it forces you to have all your LOR and UG what-not into LSAC early. This is a solid benefit b/c when grades come out in June, your application schools already have everything and are just waiting on your final transcript.
Yeah I agree with this. Everyone I know of who applied Chicago ED last year from a T2 was outright rejected except me. I was deferred then rejected for RD. Chicago takes such a small class that they have their choice of top people at T1s before dipping to T2. That said, I heard they over enrolled our class so maybe that had a small part in their selectivity. Overall, I think Vronsky's advice is TCR; make sure you're in the top 1-2% and apply RD along with other T14s you like.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 3:32 pm
by midwesTT
Thanks guys! I had hoped that my one semester would be good enough (fearing my grades may drop). With my TT being so low, however, it's probably best to wait until RD to apply to UChi. I guess I'm gunning this spring...

Not sure if this is relevant to transfer apps, but I'm hard science undergrad, 2 years W/E. Also, I have a biglaw position lined up for 1L summer.

I read Arrow's post on transfers, but was wondering your input.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 4:03 pm
by keg411
I applied last year from a TT to ED Chi (same grades as you) and was rejected outright. You're probably best not to bother with Chicago, and probably have a better chance at CLS/NYU.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 5:41 pm
by midwesTT
keg411 wrote:I applied last year from a TT to ED Chi (same grades as you) and was rejected outright. You're probably best not to bother with Chicago, and probably have a better chance at CLS/NYU.
I looked at employment data for NYU. It appears that very few graduates end up back in Chicago. The majority (80%) stay in the NY region. Is this likely self-selection? Or would it be hard to leave the midwest and then come back for employment. I don't want NYC.

Also, couldn't find CLS data on geographic employment.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 5:56 pm
by Vronsky
midwesTT wrote:
keg411 wrote:I applied last year from a TT to ED Chi (same grades as you) and was rejected outright. You're probably best not to bother with Chicago, and probably have a better chance at CLS/NYU.
I looked at employment data for NYU. It appears that very few graduates end up back in Chicago. The majority (80%) stay in the NY region. Is this likely self-selection? Or would it be hard to leave the midwest and then come back for employment. I don't want NYC.

Also, couldn't find CLS data on geographic employment.
The reason there are more grads from NYU in NY than Chicago is a combination of 1. self-selection 2. more jobs in NY and 3. the requirement of ties for most chicago firms. There is also the idea that NYU and CLS are equals for the NY firm market, but outside of the city, CLS is held in higher regard and 'travels' better.

If you strictly want Chicago, then I would say CLS, UChi, UMich, and NW are your best options. In any case, start the process of getting your LORs (ideally from professors you aced), start drafting your PS, and generally get the ball rolling on applications so that you don't have to do it in a rush after finals.

Re: 3.8+, lower TT, chances?

Posted: Tue Feb 21, 2012 10:10 pm
by midwesTT
Got it! I really appreciate all the advice thus far. I'm gonna get the ball rolling on apps ASAP.

Another question (for those who have transferred), how did you approach the issue with you current school, without burning down bridges?

If I don't get into any of the T14 that I apply to, I would likely want to stay at current school (hopefully with some scholly negotiation).

I wouldn't want the school to rescind an offer to law review, have the social stigma of a failed transfer, burn bridges with facult etc. Does anyone know of this happening?