Give up full scholarship at T30 for Chicago ED? Forum

[traehekat]

Just wanted to get some general opinions on this. I've asked a few people through PMs but I figure some more advice couldn't hurt.

I have a full scholarship at a T30 and I finished my first semester with a 3.87, which should put me somewhere in the top 5-10% range, possibly higher (traditionally 3.67-3.69 is the cutoff for top 12.5%). I want the opportunity to work in a large firm in Chicago (that is where I've spent pretty much my whole life), and my school typically places SOME students in Chicago, but with the economy it is getting tougher and tougher and I feel like transferring to UChicago might be a wise move. I would ED because I feel like only the T6 is worth transferring to for me, don't want to be in NY, and I don't think I have a shot at HYS.

The issue is the scholarship. I'd be paying an extra 100k or so if I transfer.

1. What are my chances, given I grew up there and want to work there?
2. Is it worth giving up the scholarship?

Thanks all.

[megaTTTron]

EDIT: see my PM from earlier, lol. Just remembered you. I'll let some others advise.

[tourdeforcex]

i would do it.

you seem pretty set and sure on working at a large firm in chicago and if transferring to chicago can substantively increase your chances of that, for $100K i would do it. the money can be recouped, especially if you carry out the large firm in chicago part of this.

can't really say much about chances

hope this helps

[XxSpyKEx]

I have a full scholarship at a T30 and I finished my first semester with a 3.87, which should put me somewhere in the top 5-10% range, possibly higher (traditionally 3.67-3.69 is the cutoff for top 12.5%).

Will you eventually get a class rank? Without knowing your exact grading curve, my guess is that you are actually well within the top 5%. Personally, I'd wait another semester and shoot for HYS in your position. Even if you keep the same grades after 2nd semester, you should have a good shot at UChi (assuming you are within the top 5%, which I suspect a 3.87 is). Chicago is a tough market, but I think you still have a shot with your grades from your t30 (at a minimum you will be above any grade cutoff the chicago firms that hire from your school have, meaning if you don't get chicago biglaw, it wasn't because of grades).

Just don't get excessively lazy and let your grades drop second semester (but if that happens, UChi can withdraw it's acceptance anyways, so there's no true comfort in ED'ing to UChi, like there would be if the acceptance was binding on them).