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Another transferring thread but please offer any advice....

I attend an east coast T25-30 school that I am not happy with for both academically and personal reasons. After applying to transfer I was accepted at a school in my hometown (midwest), where I went to undergrad, and where I hope to work after school. The cost would be the same with in-state tuition but the new school is higher ranked (eight spots).

At my previous school I made the moot court team and a secondary journal. I am currently interning with a judge for the summer in the city where I was recently accepted. I asked him what he thought and he cautioned me against transferring because I would no longer be on a journal. This really concerns me.

It seems like transferring is really popular, do I have anything to worry about as far as a stigma on transfers?

Is it a big deal that I am giving up a journal? I don't have an awesome GPA so I don't feel I am losing anything in that regard...

Any help would be great!

I think you're one of the people who could transfer with no real adverse affects.

1. Keep in mind who is advising you: a judge.

If you want to be a judge or work for one, participation in a journal is huge. Obviously, he will view this as a priority; others may not. Also, the judge is incorrect to assume you will be unable to participate in a journal at your new school. Contact the transfer institution and ask if you can participate in any transfer write-on competitions.

2. Your employment connections seem to be in the transfer school's location

You worked in the Midwest town this summer, not on the East Coast. If you use this summer to develop connections in the area, you'll actually be better off transferring than staying.

3. The cost is the same.

This is a non-issue

4. Good luck deciding.