Top Law Schools

I am currently a 1L at a tier four school in Texas. Based on last semester, I am in the top 1% of my class. Without considering location, would you transfer to a T2 like SMU or U of H as opposed to staying at my current school and keeping my ranking with a near guarantee of law review? Additionally, I have a federal district court internship and mid/big law summer associate position lined up for this summer. I'd love all the advice I can get.

Even ITE, the top 1% at T4 can find pretty good employment. Whereas OCI at a TT could be a crap shoot for you.

InGoodFaith wrote:Even ITE, the top 1% at T4 can find pretty good employment. Whereas OCI at a TT could be a crap shoot for you.

unless the T4 is TSU, in that case good employment will still be hard to find.

I'm not at TSU.

I'm not too familiar with Texas schools (and I'll defer to others with more knowledge) but I would think that you have a decent shot at UT. Almost certainly enough of a shot to make it worth the application IMO.

quiver wrote:I'm not too familiar with Texas schools (and I'll defer to others with more knowledge) but I would think that you have a decent shot at UT. Almost certainly enough of a shot to make it worth the application IMO.

I probably will just in case. But, if I only got into one of the T2 Texas schools, I'm curious if anyone thinks it's worth the move. I'm really fine where I am. The only major consideration is if I did decide I wanted to clerk, I would think my chances would be considerably better out of a T2. Then again, I'm risking the possibility of not doing as well at the new school. It's really a toss-up and I'm not sure what to do.

My gut feeling (and i'm not basing this on anything), is that you don't have much to gain from giving up top 1% for a T2 school. The only school I would consider transferring to (in Texas), is UT. Otherwise, you give up cream of the crop status for potential mediocrity at a less than stellar school. UT or stay your ass put.

Enjoy being at the top!

wiscohopeful wrote:My gut feeling (and i'm not basing this on anything), is that you don't have much to gain from giving up top 1% for a T2 school. The only school I would consider transferring to (in Texas), is UT. Otherwise, you give up cream of the crop status for potential mediocrity at a less than stellar school. UT or stay your ass put.

Enjoy being at the top!

Thank you. I'm pretty much in agreement with you. And probably moreso once I know what scholarships I can get next year.

TexasStudent wrote:But, if I only got into one of the T2 Texas schools, I'm curious if anyone thinks it's worth the move.

No. Transferring into a T2 school is rarely worth it.

concurrent fork wrote:

TexasStudent wrote:But, if I only got into one of the T2 Texas schools, I'm curious if anyone thinks it's worth the move.

No. Transferring into a T2 school is rarely worth it.

Why are you aiming so low?

Apply to SMU Dedman and UT for transfer. UT is a long shot, but still possible if you can convince them to let you in. (Yes yes, I know they say something on their website about accepted only if possible the first time around...but still worth the shot).

If you are Top 1%, you are aiming too low at TT schools...IMHO.

Depends where you want to work. If you want to work in Dallas Transfer to SMU. UT might be ranked higher but having a presence in Dallas provides endless networking/job opportunities simply not available to those living in Austin. Same goes for U of H in Houston.

What firms interview on campus at your current school? Regardless of your rank, there are a lot of firms that simply won't hire from less prestigious schools.

Also, SMU let's transfers write on to law review so you don't necessarily lose the opportunity if you transfer.

University of Texas is worthwhile. UHouston if you want to work in Houston. SMU, which is a Tier One (#50), for Dallas.
I don't know anything about Texas Wesleyan or St. Mary's other than their locations. My best guess is that a #1 ranking at St. Mary's would be valuable for the San Antonio market.

CanadianWolf wrote:University of Texas is worthwhile. UHouston if you want to work in Houston. SMU, which is a Tier One (#50), for Dallas.
I don't know anything about Texas Wesleyan or St. Mary's other than their locations. My best guess is that a #1 ranking at St. Mary's would be valuable for the San Antonio market.

St. Mary's is T4...I did my undergrad in San Antonio. St. mary's use to have a good rep in San Antonio, but with UT only 45 minutes away, the good jobs are taken by UT grads. St. Mary's is hardly worth it. All the St. Mary's grads I know are jobless or started their own private practice.

I would say UT or stay where you are, if you're in a market where you would be willing to work.

@Coolgrnmen: Agree for the most part, but not for someone ranked #1 at St. Mary's (however, I'm still just offering my best guess).