Top Law Schools

Hey guys,

Grades finally came in, and I got a 3.8 GPA my 1L fall semester at University of Miami School of Law. We don't officially rank students until spring semester, but that would place me top 2-3% in last year's 1L class. I'm not sure if it matters, but I graduated from a solid undergrad institution (don't want to give myself away too much just in case) with a 3.3 GPA and got a 160 LSAT. Do you think I have a shot at T14 if I keep these grades up in spring semester? I'm also thinking about early action UChicago and Georgetown law...thoughts? Finally, any insight on whether I'm better off staying at UM and being ranked highly (with all the accompanying perks: law review, ranking, etc.), or should I chance being in the middle of the pack at a T14 school (if that's even an option)?

Thanks a lot!

if you are dead set on staying in Miami (or have a full scholly/job lined up), then I say stay. If not, I think you have a great chance at T14. EDing to Chicago might not be such a bad option; I think you will have a pretty good chance. Otherwise, if you stay within the top 2-3% I think you are pretty much a lock for Georgetown. GL!

hokie wrote:Otherwise, if you stay within the top 2-3% I think you are pretty much a lock for Georgetown.

Apply to Georgetown ED, as they only look at your fall grades and the acceptance is not binding.

Miami1Lstudent wrote:Finally, any insight on whether I'm better off staying at UM and being ranked highly (with all the accompanying perks: law review, ranking, etc.), or should I chance being in the middle of the pack at a T14 school (if that's even an option)?

Thanks a lot!

This is really going to depend on your career goals, geographic preferences, etc. You likely have a solid chance at CCN, so, I wouldn't ED to Chi unless you are dead set on Chi. You'll almost definitely get into GULC, regardless of EA (still likely worth an app if you think you'd go there if accepted).

Wow, this is great to hear. I guess I'm still dealing with the big fish in the small pond vs. the small fish in the big pond dilemma. I know the top 5-10% of Miami grades are getting really solid job offers, and I know if I stay down here and keep my grades up, I have a very good shot at employment upon graduation. What I'm nervous about is transferring to a T14 like Georgetown, not doing as well due to the heightened competition, and graduating from a better school without a job. In short, I'm afraid that transferring would feed my ego, but harm my career. If you rank in the middle of your class at a T14, are your odds of employment the same as they are if you stayed down at Miami? Anyway, that's the issue that's keeping me up at night. Advice?

Miami1Lstudent wrote:Wow, this is great to hear. I guess I'm still dealing with the big fish in the small pond vs. the small fish in the big pond dilemma. I know the top 5-10% of Miami grades are getting really solid job offers, and I know if I stay down here and keep my grades up, I have a very good shot at employment upon graduation. What I'm nervous about is transferring to a T14 like Georgetown, not doing as well due to the heightened competition, and graduating from a better school without a job. In short, I'm afraid that transferring would feed my ego, but harm my career. If you rank in the middle of your class at a T14, are your odds of employment the same as they are if you stayed down at Miami? Anyway, that's the issue that's keeping me up at night. Advice?

If we're talking about Biglaw, OCI is all that matters, which means that your 1L grades are all that matters. How you do at the new school is largely irrelevant (assuming, of course, that you don't completely bomb).

One anecdote on GULC EA. Schools that don't officially rank at semester may be at a disadvantage, last year my old t-30 did not rank and no one got in EA out of something around 7 or 8 applicants.

Hmm...good to know. Thanks for the heads up. I'm thinking more and more I may just wait until the end of the spring semester to transfer so that I make a more informed decision; moreover, waiting allows me to apply to more than just UChicago and GULC.

Still the question remains: employment prospects when placing in the middle of the class of a T14 vs. top 3-5% of Miami...what do you think?

Miami1Lstudent wrote:Hmm...good to know. Thanks for the heads up. I'm thinking more and more I may just wait until the end of the spring semester to transfer so that I make a more informed decision; moreover, waiting allows me to apply to more than just UChicago and GULC.

Still the question remains: employment prospects when placing in the middle of the class of a T14 vs. top 3-5% of Miami...what do you think?

If you want to work in South Florida, stay at UM. To break into larger markets (NY, DC, etc.), consider transferring.