Multiple Undergrad Transfer Forum

[FlyingReality]

Multiple Undergrad Transfers

I am a URM (puertorrican) in my 3rd year. During my freshman year, I went through a bad medical situation, which affected my GPA (ended up with 1.8 ) and made me transfer to a location closer to my hometown. I changed majors, but in my new University, there wasn’t the major I wanted (Political Sciences) so I choose to continue in Criminal Justice. Now, after two years, I’m about to graduate with a 3.78 GPA, but with doubts.

I am wondering if I should transfer – again – to a University that will transfer my Criminal Justice credits, and allow me to get a dual degree. First, it will allow me to fulfill my academic desires, and secondly, it will help me raise my GPA to ~3.9.

My question is, how will this look in my transcripts? Is law school wary of students with multiple transfers? Do I wait until I graduate and then seek a second degree (it’s only an extra year)?

In my actual University, my GPA is 4.00, so I’m not doing badly, and I’m involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. However, I feel a little afraid of the technical aspects of a B.A. in Criminal Justice, because it doesn’t develop logical thinking or writing abilities as a classic major (POLS) would.

What do you suggest? Any recommendations? Comments?

[fatduck]

I have 4 undergrad transcripts and it hasn't noticeably affected my cycle. If you want to transfer, go for it, especially if it helps raise your LSAC GPA. LSAT/GPA/URM status are infinitely more important than something tiny like how many times you transferred in undergrad.

[bk1]

1. Law schools don't care about your major so having that extra major isn't going to make you a better applicant, it is just going to make you personally feel better about having those extra words on your resume. If those words on your resume saying "Major - Political Science" are worth it then transfer, if not don't.

2. A second degree is also meaningless to law schools. In fact, your second degree grades won't even affect your LSDAS GPA (the only GPA that matters).

3. Law schools don't care about you transferring multiple times.

4. The GPA that will matter for you will be your LSDAS GPA which combines all grades you get up until you receive your first bachelor's degree. This will include the first college you went to with the 1.8 GPA, your current college, and any college you transfer to prior to getting that degree.

[ladybug89]

1. Law schools don't care about your major so having that extra major isn't going to make you a better applicant, it is just going to make you personally feel better about having those extra words on your resume. If those words on your resume saying "Major - Political Science" are worth it then transfer, if not don't.

2. A second degree is also meaningless to law schools. In fact, your second degree grades won't even affect your LSDAS GPA (the only GPA that matters).

3. Law schools don't care about you transferring multiple times.

4. The GPA that will matter for you will be your LSDAS GPA which combines all grades you get up until you receive your first bachelor's degree. This will include the first college you went to with the 1.8 GPA, your current college, and any college you transfer to prior to getting that degree.

I don't think OP is trying to get a second degree; it sounds like he/she wants to transfer from the current school before graduating and end up doing a longer undergrad.

Also, in general law schools don't care about your major, but I do think there's a bit of a stigma attached to vocational majors like criminal justice, so that might be worth thinking about. And if money/impatience to graduate isn't an issue, then...why not? You'll feel more fulfilled and have a higher gpa.

[bk1]

I don't think OP is trying to get a second degree; it sounds like he/she wants to transfer from the current school before graduating and end up doing a longer undergrad.

Do I wait until I graduate and then seek a second degree (it’s only an extra year)?

It sounded like OP was considering doing either.

[EricBerry]

I had 4 undergrad transcripts and, if anything, I outperformed my numbers. However, it might possibly be a negative for some of the top schools.

[FlyingReality]

I had 4 undergrad transcripts and, if anything, I outperformed my numbers. However, it might possibly be a negative for some of the top schools.

This is what I'm concerned about. I'm interested in the Top 30, because I have good cold diagnosis LSAT. Which schools do you think will consider this a negative? Will I have to write an addendum?

[EricBerry]

I really dont think it'll hurt you man. Especially with your GPA. But listen to someone else if they know something that I dont.