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My career goal is JAG. I'm applying to every selection board for every branch until I pick something up. No military experience, 1 year out of undergrad.

Assuming I hold onto the top 5-10%, is the lower T14 an option? Michigan, Penn, UVA, or Duke?

Transfer Pros
-If I don't get picked up by JAG, I'll have significantly better private practice/government career options in the T14
-If I do get picked up by JAG, upon exiting and rejoining the workforce, I'll have a better school on my resume
-Theoretically, better school MAY influence JAG applications slightly. But this is probably negligible, as they seem to care much more about class rank than school

Transfer Cons
-Way more money (in-state tuition + scholarships + grandfather donations = can graduate debt free from my current school. would probably incur debt if transferred)
-No law review
-Lose friends
-Moving away from family

Thoughts?

Congrats on doing well first semester! because you've done well so far there's no need to abandon your dream of being a JAG. With those grades you should be in a great position to join a branch and get your commission after law school. Financially JAG's do not make as much firm attorney's. Would going T14 and taking on the debt give you the financial freedom to join the military out of law school? or would it force you to take a firm job to pay off loans?

Graduating without debt and JAG position from your current school seems like the best option because you'll start building financial security the day after graduation.

School is not a huge factor for JAG, and grades even aren't the key factor (though decent grades are important). Really no reason to transfer IMO. Keep your rank, law review, and scholarships. Even if you strike out on JAG, top 10% will be competitive for jobs.

Thanks a lot guys. Quite helpful.