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Hi all,

Wondering if anyone can give me some advice as to my chances in transferring from a Tier 4 school.

Here’s my situation: I am currently at Duquesne Law (fourth tier) in Pittsburgh, PA. I am a 2E and am ranked 7th in a class of roughly 65. I havent mostly As and B+s. I have a fair amount of work experience, with a few months spent working as a legal secretary in a small law firm. I studied abroad this past summer studying EU/International law. I have strong references from professors. I'm also going to try for some summer interships which I hope will also give me a boost.

My undergrad GPA was 3.6 and I scored 152 on the LSATs. Not impressive, I know. How much weight will schools give to this as opposed to my first and second year grades?

What are my chances at transferring into either the day/evening program at Loyola Law in Chicago? Am I aiming too high? Are there any schools in the Chicago area where I’d have a better chance? Is Kent even an option?

Any advice is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Nicole

Honestly, in your situation I would probably just stay at Duquesne. My roommate, who is going to work at a biglaw firm in Pittsburgh, told me that Duquesne grads actually do quiet well in Pittsburgh. You are at the top of your class. I don't think it s worth transferring to marginally better schools in a different location.( I dont think you will get into Uchicago or NW) There is a huge gap between NW, Chicago and Loyola.. etc. Maybe you can take a look at Indiana or Wisconsin....

To answer your question... I think your chances of getting into Loyola is pretty good, however, I would not make the transfer.

Thank you for your advice.

I know Duquesne grads do well in Pittsburgh, however Pittsburgh seems to be the only place where Duquesne has any clout.

I do NOT want to practice in Pittsburgh, but rather in a larger city.

Will I really be out of luck compared to UChicago/NW grads, if I graduated at the top of my class at Loyola? Do you think a Loyola degree will carry any weight outside of Chicago?

P.S. Is transferring to an evening program more difficult than transferring to the day division?