SCU to Hastings??? Forum

[2013Hopeful]

I finally received my last grade of the semester and my GPA has traditionally ranked in the top 15% (official rankings don't come out until next month, I believe). I love SCU but I hate the area and would much rather live in Oakland and commute to Hastings. My question is would a transfer to Hastings be worth giving up a decent rank at SCU? Also, even with my scholarship at SCU the difference in tuition between SCU and Hastings isn't that substantial.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

[iheartlaw]

This is the question of the century for an SCU Law student who performs well their first year. And unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer. I think it really depends on what you want, what you are looking for out of your law school experience, and whether you will be able to achieve it at SCU or if you think it would behoove you to go to Hastings. Further, I have heard stories of students transferring to Hastings, going mid of their class at Hastings and being left with even less job opportunities then they would have had, had they stayed. Though I am not certain that I am any better served staying at SCU to be honest. In the end it is going to come down to what you want to do, and the risks you are willing to take. But I am confident that you will succeed in whatever decision you make and wish you the best of luck.

I also attend SCU, and this will be the hardest question I have to face, if I am only admitted to Hastings (as I hope to practice in LA). I still struggle with what I would do, and don't even have a clear answer for myself to be honest. I am just praying I get in to an LA school and won't have to worry about this difficult choice.

edit: in case I came across as if Hastings is not a great school, that is not what I meant. Hastings is an amazing school with grads having tremendous opportunities in both SF/LA. it is just that in my particular situation, it would be difficult for me to give up my GPA and start anew, and there is no guarantee that I will perform just as well as I did at SCU at Hastings.

[2013Hopeful]

Thank for your thoughtful response! Since posting this I've decided to stay at SCU. Hastings (as you recognize) is a great school but giving up my rank and the extracurricular activities I'm involved in at SCU isn't worth a Hastings degree for me. Especially since I want to practice in the bay area and am not interested in biglaw.

Good luck with your transfer apps! I'm sure with your fantastic GPA/rank you'll have no problem getting into the schools you want.