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Advice on transferring

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:45 pm
by nelaw2010
I'm top 20% at TT ranked in the mid-60's.

When I applied to law schools, my highest acceptance was GWU with no $. I chose this school b/c of location and money.

Now I'm thinking of transferring to USC or UCLA. Any chance with my stats?

1) Top 20%

2) Great LOR

Any thoughts on UCLA/USC? Or if not, perhaps Davis? I want to stay in California.

Re: Advice on transferring

Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 5:41 pm
by nelaw2010
bump --> just in case.

Re: Advice on transferring

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 4:52 am
by Tiresias
I hate to be the bearer of difficult news... but I think your chances are unlikely. However, I would still try. Especially if you have strong connections with SoCal.

Here is a bit of info I can provide to give a clearer perspective.

1. I go to USC, was dinged on my transfer app to UCLA. Was Top 4-5% at a T2 school in the 80s. Older student. No SoCal ties. Plenty of WE.

2. More people will apply to UCLA because (a) they are more transfer friendly and (b) they have lower sticker. So competition is probably fiercer to get into UCLA.

3. Generally speaking, the people who were admitted to USC from schools in the 60s were top 5-10%. I do know someone from Hastings (bottom T1 if I am correct) who was top 20-25%. However, this student had a hard science background and had strong SoCal ties.

4. There is one person I know of (there may be more, but unlikely) who got in from a T3 by being in the to 10%. However, I believe she had strong SoCal ties.

5. General perspective. This is just my personal experience and perspective. I emphasize this so that you keep my perspective in perspective. The fundamental question is, "What are your reasons for transferring?" If it is merely to go to a higher ranked school, I would say it is not a wise move. Too much will be lost, and very little will be gained (particularly a transfer to Davis). If you have more compelling reasons, such as, (a) wanting to be closer to family or (b) wanting to be around a more conducive law school culture, then I say give it a shot. I cannot emphasize this enough, do not transfer if you think you will have better OCI prospects. It is unfortunate to say, but it is true.

I hope this has been helpful. I wish you the best. If you have any further questions, PM me.