UCLA/USC to Berkeley/Stanford, chances? worth it? Forum

[Anonymous User]

1L at UCLA/USC and currently around top 16-18% after fall semester. Goal is Big law anywhere in CA. I have ties to LA and OC but none in NorCal. Do I have a shot at Cal/Stanford? I'm guessing I need to break it into top 10% this semester to have a decent chance? Assuming I could transfer, would it be worth it? Have $$ scholly so I would be giving up 60k~ or so. Also, any other schools I should consider?

[TheRealSantaClaus]

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[SemiReverseSplinter]

Stanford will probably give you a boost for being at a good Cali school, but they don't take many transfer iirc so you might be out there. Not sure about your Berkeley odds. Check the ABA 509 website for info on transfer stats.

As to whether it's worth it: I'd say likely no based on your goals. If you can stay around the top 15% at UCLA and want biglaw in CA, you're in a good spot.

Maybe a transfer from USC to Berk could make sense if you wanna expand your opportunities beyond SoCal.

Your decision should not depend whether you are at USC or UCLA, they are equal in big law placement. If you have a 50% or more tuition discount, I would stay. With good interviewing skills, you have a great chance of getting into almost any CA big law firm.

[Cerberaus]

PM me if you want to know what it's like as a transfer at Berkeley. I would say that your chances are high for Berkeley; but given your goals, I don't think it's necessary to transfer. I wanted a school that had an international presence. If you're only concerned with Big Law in CA, transferring might not give you much of a boost.