Top Law Schools

Dear TLS:

Long-time reader, first-time poster. After one semester at UT, I have a 4.00 GPA (roughly Top 4%). That, by itself, hasn't prompted me to think about transferring; rather, I have compelling personal reasons to be in California, and that is where I would like to end up practicing. I took UT in the first place because my LSAT was just a shade too low to get into HYSCCN, and I didn't really see myself at the rest of T14 (that, and UT gave me a nice financial aid package).

But, now that I have my first semester's grades, I'm seriously considering transferring to the following schools, listed in order of preference:

(1) Stanford
(2) Bezerkeley (The Notorious B.O.A.L.T.)
(3) Yale
(4) Harvard

Every school but Yale has a write-on for Law Review for transfer students, so that really isn't a concern. Also, I feel like coming from UT will make the transition a little smoother as far as convincing people that I'm transferring for personal reasons (which is true) and that I'm not an uber-gunner looking to show everyone up (also true).

With all that being said, it would be a huge help if people could discuss with me the following:

(1) Whether UT has draconian anti-transfer measures;
(2) How to go about asking for a letter or recommendation without setting off too much inquiry into my attempted transfer;
(3) Whether I have a legitimate shot at any of those schools;
(4) Whether my performance at UT will ameliorate potential anti-transfer biases on behalf of employers; and
(5) Whether it's worth it to transfer (my own personal scale is tilting heavily toward yes, so I want to hear horror stories)

Thanks in advance for all the feedback!

Publius wrote:Every school but Yale has a write-on for Law Review for transfer students

I'm pretty sure they do.

Publius wrote: (1) Whether UT has draconian anti-transfer measures;
(2) How to go about asking for a letter or recommendation without setting off too much inquiry into my attempted transfer;
(3) Whether I have a legitimate shot at any of those schools;
(4) Whether my performance at UT will ameliorate potential anti-transfer biases on behalf of employers; and
(5) Whether it's worth it to transfer (my own personal scale is tilting heavily toward yes, so I want to hear horror stories)

Thanks in advance for all the feedback!

1) Not that I know of
2) That's tough, try to get in and have something to talk about OTHER than transferring and sneak it in. "If you were in my position, would you transfer?" is a good way to feel them out. You don't want somebody who thinks you shouldn't be transferring anyway writing your rec.
3) You have a fantastic shot at all of those schools. (speaking of - 4.0 is only top 4%, how many fucking A+s does UT give out?). See, e.g., the yahoogroups transferapps database.
4) You'll be in great shape coming from a good school with good grades. The just-under T14 group of schools has some of the strongest transfer upside, in my opinion - you get more opportunities at the new school, but employers know your old school was great and will be impressed by your performance.
5) See above... you'll give up any relationships with profs you may have built up, and the time line for clerking will be screwy if you want to do it out of your new school, and you'll have to be 'new' again... I wouldn't expect major increases in employment prospects, but I can't see any downsides other than inconvenience.

Congrats & best of luck

disco_barred wrote:
3) You have a fantastic shot at all of those schools. (speaking of - 4.0 is only top 4%, how many fucking A+s does UT give out?). See, e.g., the yahoogroups transferapps database.

Congrats & best of luck

Haha, that was a conservative estimate for my first-year class, but I know of three other kids with a 4.00 or better in my section (~100 students). We may have just had generous teachers; but I booked the two classes I got A+s in, so I feel like I earned those at least.

Also, good to know that Yale has a write-on for the Journal. Thanks for the helpful response!

Publius wrote:After one semester at UT, I have a 4.00 GPA (roughly Top 4%).

Talk about grade inflation... This has to be around as bad as NU. Is a 3.7 close to median there at graduation?

XxSpyKEx wrote:

Publius wrote:After one semester at UT, I have a 4.00 GPA (roughly Top 4%).

Talk about grade inflation... This has to be around as bad as NU. Is a 3.7 close to median there at graduation?

I think about 10% of the class of 2009 were above a 3.85 at graduation, but I don't know what the median was. Median after the first year is around 3.35-3.4 - most classes are curved to a B+

I figure grade inflation doesn't really matter, as long as its curved...employers seem pretty smart at figuring out what GPAs really mean.

Esc wrote:

XxSpyKEx wrote:

Publius wrote:After one semester at UT, I have a 4.00 GPA (roughly Top 4%).

Talk about grade inflation... This has to be around as bad as NU. Is a 3.7 close to median there at graduation?

I think about 10% of the class of 2009 were above a 3.85 at graduation

XxSpyKEx wrote:

Esc wrote:

XxSpyKEx wrote:

Publius wrote:After one semester at UT, I have a 4.00 GPA (roughly Top 4%).

Talk about grade inflation... This has to be around as bad as NU. Is a 3.7 close to median there at graduation?

I think about 10% of the class of 2009 were above a 3.85 at graduation

wutev

Publius wrote: (1) Whether UT has draconian anti-transfer measures;
(2) How to go about asking for a letter or recommendation without setting off too much inquiry into my attempted transfer;
(3) Whether I have a legitimate shot at any of those schools;
(4) Whether my performance at UT will ameliorate potential anti-transfer biases on behalf of employers; and
(5) Whether it's worth it to transfer (my own personal scale is tilting heavily toward yes, so I want to hear horror stories)

1.) Unlikely.
2.) Go to your professors with positive, persuasive reasons for wanting to transfer. I seriously doubt your professors would dissuade you from pursuing your dreams. They probably will probe you to make sure you've thought everything through, which is a natural, paternalistic impulse. I think that is something you should welcome, not avoid.
3.) T14 schools are looking for students in the top of their class.
4.) Unlikely. Biases are irrational.
5.) Your desire to practice in California likely outweighs the pros of remaining at UT.