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Hello everyone,

I am currently a 1L at a regional third tier law school, and want to transfer to the upstate New York area to be closer to my family and because I realized I don't want to stay/practice in the area I'm in now. I am looking at Syracuse and Albany. I decided to attend the school I am at because of scholarships, but my first semester grades were not as great as I would have liked them to be. I have about a 3.0 GPA which puts me in the top half of my class, but only slightly above the 50% mark. I am planning to write a personal statement talking about my ties to the area in hopes that it will help me, but I'm not sure if I should even bother? From what I have read it seems that even to transfer to an even-tiered law school I'd have to be in the top 30% or so? What should I do?

Are you going to lose the scholarship you currently have?

No, I only have to stay in the top half. So as long as I stay where I am now next semester I'll be fine with my scholarships. But I would save the money in living expenses if I could transfer and live with my family, so it would still be worth it if I could get in.

The only thing to do is push hard this semester and apply. Doesn't hurt to apply (except for the app fee, the inconvenience of getting recs, etc.); with it only being a lateral transfer and with having significant ties you may be able to sneak in by being outside the top 30%.

Ok great, thanks for the advice. I think that's what I'll do.