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I am a Virginia resident with a 3.8 gpa, top 10%, at an out of state law school ranked in 80s unfortunately (left VA because of full scholarship). I worked in law enforcement in Virginia two years before law school and went to undergrad in Virginia. I also grew up in Virginia (lived in VA 25 years between Richmond, Harrisonburg, and Norfolk). Obviously I am trying to return so what schools do I have a good shot at?

Hoping for Richmond, William and Mary, or UVA. I know UVA is the least likely of the three but I actually have stronger ties to UVA than the other two for whatever it is worth.

For the summer, I am currently waiting to hear back from the US attorney in the state my law school is in.

Any advice from recent transfers would be appreciated.

I actually think UVA is well within reach with a strong app (and the same grades next semester)

That is very impressive grade inflation from a T2. That will be helpful for transfer purposes. I'd also consider Duke and GULC. You won't be in VA for school, but you'd have a good shot at working in VA. You could probably get into GULC, and that's way better than W&M.

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Thanks for the input. I didn't think about GULC or Duke. I will definitely look at those schools now. Also good to hear I have a chance at UVA since it is definitely my top choice.

Will admissions offices meet with transfer applicants in person? I am going home for spring break soon and I am within an hour and a half of all the schools discussed. I would kind of like to express my interest and show them I truly am established in Virginia.

Harrison wrote:Thanks for the input. I didn't think about GULC or Duke. I will definitely look at those schools now. Also good to hear I have a chance at UVA since it is definitely my top choice.

Will admissions offices meet with transfer applicants in person? I am going home for spring break soon and I am within an hour and a half of all the schools discussed. I would kind of like to express my interest and show them I truly am established in Virginia.

No idea. Can't hurt to ask them.

Harrison wrote:Thanks for the input. I didn't think about GULC or Duke. I will definitely look at those schools now. Also good to hear I have a chance at UVA since it is definitely my top choice.

Will admissions offices meet with transfer applicants in person? I am going home for spring break soon and I am within an hour and a half of all the schools discussed. I would kind of like to express my interest and show them I truly am established in Virginia.

When I toured at WUSTL prior to applying, I was on the tour with a guy who was looking at transferring in. So, at the very least, some schools do it. Can't imagine it could hurt.

OP, I transferred into UVA with basically the same numbers. Top 10% at a T2 in the 80s-90s depending on the year. UVA openly admits they give Virginia residents a bump. I was also UVA undergrad which I think gave me another little bump. You've got a very solid chance at UVA if you keep the grades where they are or better. Cross Richmond off your list. It isn't worth transferring there and paying sticker (look at their LST score report. It's probably no better than your current school's). W&M hardly takes any transfers. Not worth the application.

Apply to UVA, GULC, Duke, and maybe GW/GMU. You will almost certainly get one of those. I'd also throw apps to the rest of the T14 on the east coast and just see what can happen.

Thanks will do. I appreciate the advice. Glad you could make the UVA transfer happen.

It's funny you say that about W&M. I talked to them briefly and they pretty much said the same thing.

hoorahray wrote:OP, I transferred into UVA with basically the same numbers. Top 10% at a T2 in the 80s-90s depending on the year. UVA openly admits they give Virginia residents a bump. I was also UVA undergrad which I think gave me another little bump. You've got a very solid chance at UVA if you keep the grades where they are or better. Cross Richmond off your list. It isn't worth transferring there and paying sticker (look at their LST score report. It's probably no better than your current school's). W&M hardly takes any transfers. Not worth the application.

Apply to UVA, GULC, Duke, and maybe GW/GMU. You will almost certainly get one of those. I'd also throw apps to the rest of the T14 on the east coast and just see what can happen.

+1 best advice

I would even group GMU into the Richmond/W&M pile. I think you're in at GW & GULC easy, if you can work up a few spots this semester.

I am applying to transfer to VA schools (personal connection and familial reasons) from a T2 (3.54, top 15% in fall semester)
Already got accepted to Richmond but deadline is April 28th to let them know. Is a chance at UVA worth waiting it out since they wont let me know until after April??

IPlaw09 wrote:I am applying to transfer to VA schools (personal connection and familial reasons) from a T2 (3.54, top 15% in fall semester)
Already got accepted to Richmond but deadline is April 28th to let them know. Is a chance at UVA worth waiting it out since they wont let me know until after April??

According to UVA's 509 reports, I think you'd be a fringe candidate; definitely not guaranteed. There's a lot of advice above Re: Richmond. GULC is probably worth an app.

don't go to GMU or W&M giving up a full scholly, apply UVA DUKE GULC