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So here goes...

I'm a 2L in SW's part-time program, so technically the end of this school year will complete my first full year. I firmly believe that SW will not provide the same opportunities as UCLA or USC. The only problem is that things are pretty good for me at SW. I'm top 10% with a 3.7 GPA and the potential to be invited onto LR. I'm hoping to have a 3.8 by the the time I apply. I have great relationships with my professors (which could turn into excellent letters of rec)....and I have 100% scholarships. I don't know if it matters but I cali'd my legal writing course.

I'm not sure if a transfer is worth it. Also, I did not score very well on my LSAT (low 150s) which I'm sure is one reason I ended up at SW.

So my main question is whether I should even attempt to transfer? Secondly, I'd like to know what you all think my chances of getting in are?

I appreciate any advice.

there are at least 2 transfers from Southwestern at UCLA this year (there could be more I don't remember).

I'm not sure what your chances are, it seems like it is pretty competitive, and I think you would need to be higher then top 10% to get in.

Secondly are you even allowed to transfer after two years of law school even if you are part time?

USC Is tough because they really don't take many transfers at all.

Edit to add: 3.7 has to be higher then top 10% at SW right? It was higher then that at my old school which had a high curve, I can't imagine SW has that high of a curve.

Thanks for your response.

SW part-time students have transferred to UCLA before after two years, so I would assume I am allowed to transfer. I hope a 3.7 would put me higher than 10%, but SW only gives rankings in increments of 10s.

Hi

SW transfer to Loyola here (was top 20% and wrote on to LR). I'm pretty sure 3.8 is top 5% (or very close). 3.6 is usually top 10%. With a 3.8 you have a good shot at UCLA/USC. Be sure to apply broadly. Consider adding Loyola/USD/Hastings/Pepperdine to your list as safeties.

Good luck.

Great, thanks! Do you think I should re-take the LSAT, or are the schools only concerned with GPA?

Do not retake the LSAT. Law school grades are 95% of the decision.