Need Advice on a long shot with 1 upside Forum

[darkatillam2]

So I'm going to a higher school in the T2.

I wanted to transfer to Boalt, but my grades put me somewhere in the top 25-20% (no spring yet, but finals didn't go perfectly, so I assume no huge upswing to put me into the top 5-10%). Obviously this is clearly a no go.

However, one of my LORs will be coming from the Vice Dean of the law school whom I also had as a professor. Our relationship is good and even as Vice Dean, is willing to write me a targeted transfer letter to the dean of whatever law school I would be applying. My question is, how much weight would a LOR like this have? Should I bother even wasting the money for a Boalt app or just ask for a target letter to another school?

On a side note, I cannot tell you how much I respect this individual. Get to know your profs to anyone reading this. It's a rewarding experience despite whatever you plan to do.

[jbiresq]

So I'm going to a higher school in the T2.

I wanted to transfer to Boalt, but my grades put me somewhere in the top 25-20% (no spring yet, but finals didn't go perfectly, so I assume no huge upswing to put me into the top 5-10%). Obviously this is clearly a no go.

However, one of my LORs will be coming from the Vice Dean of the law school whom I also had as a professor. Our relationship is good and even as Vice Dean, is willing to write me a targeted transfer letter to the dean of whatever law school I would be applying. My question is, how much weight would a LOR like this have? Should I bother even wasting the money for a Boalt app or just ask for a target letter to another school?

On a side note, I cannot tell you how much I respect this individual. Get to know your profs to anyone reading this. It's a rewarding experience despite whatever you plan to do.

I don't think it will make any difference. Grades are the #1 factor and I feel a rec like that would only push you over if you're on the border.

[darkatillam2]

Fair enough. Thanks for the input

[lasersgopewpew]

I'd definitely rather have two (or at least one) really quality LORs than two average ones, but generally speaking, I don't think they'll do much more than give you an edge over others with similar numbers. I doubt they're much (if any) of a bump.