Transfer from DNC to Berkeley/Stanford Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm debating whether to even attempt a transfer and figured TLS could help. I'm top 5% at DNC and want to clerk and then work in SF BigLaw after graduating. I have ties to SF through undergrad and family and basically the only reason I moved away was because I got rejected from Berk/Stanford. I have an 80% scholarship where I am at and figure that if I remain in the top 10% or so I have a really good chance of fulfilling both my goals from here for little cost. Another part of me thinks it is safer to try and get to Berk/Stanford.
Lastly, my wife's family is in SF and I know she would love to live there for the next two years, conversely we have made a lot of friends here and moving across the country is a huge hassle it'll be nice to avoid.

So questions:
1. Do these schools offer transfers scholarship money anywhere near what I already have?
2. Are my chances at clerking and then SF Biglaw more than marginally greater if I transfer?
3. Are all the downsides I hear about transferring true? (Mostly I've heard that the faculty doesn't get to know you or feel close to you, so chances at a Clerkship are much, much worse than staying where I already have strong ties with well-connected Professors).

Thanks for the help.

[brotherdarkness]

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[Tiago Splitter]

Probably worth it to try for Stanford if you are eligible for need based aid. The top grant approaches 80% of tuition. Berkeley wouldn't be worth another 80k in debt.

[Anonymous User]

Op here.
Thanks for the feedback. If Stanford doesn't consider parent income then I'm about as broke as possible. Might be worth it just for a shot to send one their way.
Besides that though it sounds like I'll stay put and keep my scholly and just wait a few years before returning to CA. Thanks again.

[Jsa725]

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[SandScale004]

Normally I would say yes as to SLS and a definite NO to Berkeley, but I'm not sure considering your situation. You have an 80% scholarship, that's HUGE. You will not get an equivalent to that in financial aid at SLS (and yes, they do take parents income into account unless you are over 28) so you will definitely be paying more. If this is your concern, don't do it. Berkeley - there is not enough of a prestige jump to make a difference or justify the extra price tag and you already have ties to the Bay area, so you are not improving anything.

At top 10% at a T14 school, you stand a good chance for a clerkship especially if you have good connections with your professors. It's true that it is harder to get a clerkship as a transfer. PM me if you want anecdotal stories that I know of.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. All things considered I think I am staying put, not even going to send out the transfer apps. The scholarship concerns and the ties I have made to Professors here that I want to strengthen for clerkship apps is too important. Thanks for the advice guys!