Not Your Average Transer Q Forum

[DwightSchruteFarms]

Hello,

So I go to a mid-T2 in Southern California and I am currently in their JD/MBA program. After the first year in the program, I have already taken 80% of the 1L classes and by the end of my second year in the program, I would have taken a full 1L course load with a full MBA course load. My question is this: If I perform well enough, let's say I finish in the top 1/3 or 40% of the class, could I transfer to another JD/MBA program or am I allowed to transfer to only another JD program....or is it too late. ANd if so, which school would I have a shot at

Ideally, NY or LA or SF schools are what I am looking at.

Thanks and all advice is welcome!

[TuNeCedeMalis]

You might be able to transfer to the MBA and JD programs independently, but most likely you would have to transfer to the JD program and apply directly to the MBA. JD/MBA programs aren't, to the best of my knowledge, really singular programs, so they typically require separate applications.

[DwightSchruteFarms]

Which schools do I have a shot at with the numbers I posted?

[jlockhart6]

You might be able to transfer to the MBA and JD programs independently, but most likely you would have to transfer to the JD program and apply directly to the MBA. JD/MBA programs aren't, to the best of my knowledge, really singular programs, so they typically require separate applications.

This is correct, I actually had a friend do just this. He/she had to apply to the MBA program at the new school, then also apply separately for the JD program at the new school.

As far as what schools you have a shot at with top 1/3, judging by the transfer #'s from this year's cycle I would say you probably won't make a school that is meritorious enough to make the leap. What I mean by that is when you transfer, you really have to start all over in many aspects ... and generally doing so is only worth it when you can make a BIG leap. With merely top 1/3 at a mid T2, you may get mid to lower T1, but you likely won't get high T1 to T14, thus, it may just be best to stay where you have developed prof relationships, friends, etc.

[DwightSchruteFarms]

Thanks for the advice jlock. But suppose I wanted to work in NYC (Fordham) or SF (Santa Clara or Davis) or DC (American or GW), would those schools be worth it if I wanted a change of scene? I know GW would be a stretch, but if I book a 3.6+ in an MBA program, apply to an East Coast MBA program and then separately into their JD (I know, a little confusing), would that work?

[DwightSchruteFarms]

any takers? haha

[jlockhart6]

Thanks for the advice jlock. But suppose I wanted to work in NYC (Fordham) or SF (Santa Clara or Davis) or DC (American or GW), would those schools be worth it if I wanted a change of scene? I know GW would be a stretch, but if I book a 3.6+ in an MBA program, apply to an East Coast MBA program and then separately into their JD (I know, a little confusing), would that work?

If you want to work in NYC then yes Fordham would be worth it, but bear in mind they do not let transfers do OCI which really blows. I can't speak to whether American would be worth it, likely not. What you have to keep in mind is not only will you be coming the median at these schools, but you will also be fighting for competition with ALOT of other grads (DC = GULC, GW, etc), (NYC=Columbia, NYU, Fordham, Cardozo, etc). Neither NYC or DC is going to be easy to crack, especially as a transfer unless you have some baller ties. As far as SF goes, I would look at all the job placements in the career path of your choice and look for attorneys coming from your school. See how much your school places in San Fran, if it is a decent amount I really would consider staying, if it isn't, try for Davis or UC Santa Clara. Hope this helps and makes sense, I think your best shot is at the CA market IMO.