Top Law Schools

Just got grades back today. I'm at a TTT in Texas. My official rankings aren't out, but based on the past few years I will unquestionably be in the top 5%, perhaps in the top 3 or 4%. I am going to put in an application to UT, where I'd love to go because of my Texas ties but don't want to regret limiting myself if I could do even better than that.

I am considering putting in an application to Georgetown, Columbia, and maybe some California schools (UCLA & USC). Am I reaching too far or not far enough? Any other thoughts as to where else I should be looking?

Georgetown, Michigan, Northwestern, UTexas and Vanderbilt could be good options for you. Maybe Duke if you don't mind smelling $100 on an app (they accept few, but don't seem to have any rhyme or reason to their acceptances)

OP here, thanks for the reply. Right now my list cosists of UT, NYU, Berkley, Northwestern, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt. I'm concerned I'm wasting my time and money with most of these. Any thoughts?

Anonymous User wrote:OP here, thanks for the reply. Right now my list cosists of UT, NYU, Berkley, Northwestern, Georgetown, UCLA, and Vanderbilt. I'm concerned I'm wasting my time and money with most of these. Any thoughts?

UCLA/Berkeley: Don't apply unless you can demonstrate ties
UT: Apply, and you'll likely get in
GULC/NU: Apply
NYU: Waste

I appreciate the help. Anywhere else you'd suggest (mainly so I can use as leverage)?

Anonymous User wrote:I appreciate the help. Anywhere else you'd suggest (mainly so I can use as leverage)?

Leverage with your current school for scholarship money, or leverage with the possible schools you'd transfer to?

If the latter, then I don't believe leverage is possible with schools in the transfer process. I don't think they'd really care, since they will have many other well-qualified applicants willing to pay their sticker.

No, I meant leaverage my current school. I'm aware that I'll almost certainly have to pay sticker at the transfer school. Truthfully, UT is my endgame. If I got in, I'd drop everything and head to Austin immediately. You really think I've got a good shot, even if the rankings come back and I'm only at 5%?

As a quick comment, the schools that accepted me for transfer all commented on the specific reasons I referenced in my personal statement for desiring a transfer to that specific school during the acceptance calls. Make sure to tell UT (or others) why you want to transfer there in your statement and not to just simply say because they are a good school with good career prospects, they all already know they are a good school with good prospects. Oh, and the only way to know if you've got a shot is to apply! Good Luck!

Anonymous User wrote:Truthfully, UT is my endgame. If I got in, I'd drop everything and head to Austin immediately. You really think I've got a good shot, even if the rankings come back and I'm only at 5%?

Yes, barring a terrible application packet, top 5% + Tex resident should be a shoe-in.

rogerrogerson wrote:As a quick comment, the schools that accepted me for transfer all commented on the specific reasons I referenced in my personal statement for desiring a transfer to that specific school during the acceptance calls. Make sure to tell UT (or others) why you want to transfer there in your statement and not to just simply say because they are a good school with good career prospects, they all already know they are a good school with good prospects. Oh, and the only way to know if you've got a shot is to apply! Good Luck!

Appreciate it. Any chance you can give some specifics? My rationnalle for the transfer is likely the same as everyone else; placement.

transferror wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Truthfully, UT is my endgame. If I got in, I'd drop everything and head to Austin immediately. You really think I've got a good shot, even if the rankings come back and I'm only at 5%?

Yes, barring a terrible application packet, top 5% + Tex resident should be a shoe-in.

Man, I really appreciate all the encouragement. I think I'm probably closer to a coin flip than a "shoe-in" but maybe I'm wrong. (I sure hope so)

Specifics: Your specific reason could be some program or specialty of the specific law school that drew you to their school over other highly ranked law schools. For example, if the law school is known for its excellent environmental law program and you have an interest in pursuing environmental law. Just a suggestion to perhaps give you a slight advantage.

rogerrogerson wrote:Specifics: Your specific reason could be some program or specialty of the specific law school that drew you to their school over other highly ranked law schools. For example, if the law school is known for its excellent environmental law program and you have an interest in pursuing environmental law. Just a suggestion to perhaps give you a slight advantage.

Appreciate this. The app went in the mail today. Fingers are crossed and any other UT transfer anecdotes are welcome.

Because UT transfer apps are all on paper and not through LSAC, do transfer students just have to hold their breath until they get an email or phone call?

Anonymous User wrote:Because UT transfer apps are all on paper and not through LSAC, do transfer students just have to hold their breath until they get an email or phone call?

Yes. And mine came by regular mail, arriving 5 days after the date on the letter (even though I was a 1-day by mail distance)! I understand some students did learn by phone/email. Not sure why the difference.

BVest wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:Because UT transfer apps are all on paper and not through LSAC, do transfer students just have to hold their breath until they get an email or phone call?

Yes. And mine came by regular mail, arriving 5 days after the date on the letter (even though I was a 1-day by mail distance)! I understand some students did learn by phone/email. Not sure why the difference.

Out of curiosity:

1. How long did it take you (from when you sent in your app) to get your acceptance?

2. When did you find out (what date)?

3. Did you transfer?

a. What has been your experience as a transfer student there/how'd you perform?

I sent in my app as soon as I had grades (including an unofficial transcript) in mid-June. About 10 days later UT received my official paperwork (transcript and dean's cert). Acceptance was dated the following day. I learned 5 days later in early July. So that was about 16 days total turnaround.

I did transfer. You can PM me for the other question.

So I just got an email requesting a skype interview. Have any others done this in the past? Any advice?