2015 Transfer Taking Qs Forum

[Anonymous User]

Transferred from a T50 to a T10. Feel free to hit me up with any questions.

[CheddarArachnid]

How did the transfer process go for you?
How would you rate your new school?
Have you had to retake any classes?
Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?
How did OCI's go?
How much time did you put into your personal statement?
What are your "stats"? (To transfer into a T10)
Would you do it again?
Did you make law review?
Did you pursue a clerkship?
How have faculty relationships been?
ARE YOU HAPPY?

[Itwasluck]

I'm a 2014 transfer. Went from T2 to Columbia. Happy to answer any questions. This site was very helpful to me so I'd love to give back

[CheddarArachnid]

Same questions as above!

[Anonymous User]

How did the transfer process go for you?
How would you rate your new school?

Excellent! No joke.

Have you had to retake any classes?

Nope.

Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?

Been a very smooth transition. Definitely worth the switch.

How did OCI's go?

Very well. V10.

How much time did you put into your personal statement?

A fair amount, but I think it is more about numbers. Read the ABA 509s to get a sense of GPA ranges (your LSAT does not matter).

What are your "stats"? (To transfer into a T10)

Top 25%, excellent recs, and solid app

Would you do it again?

100%

Did you make law review?

Didn't try

Did you pursue a clerkship?

In the process

How have faculty relationships been?

Really great

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Definitely. Transferring is the right move (assuming you can afford to do so, etc.)

SEE ABOVE ^^^

[CheddarArachnid]

In pursuing the clerkship have you been using contacts at your old T50?

[Goldie]

Not OP, but a 2015 transfer who made a similar jump (mid30s to HLS).

How did the transfer process go for you?

Transferring itself (the process of applying and enrolling) went very easily. I didn't decide to file transfer apps until the last minute (literally the Saturday before the Monday deadline) but I was able to quickly put together an application and then I just had to wait to hear the results. Other than that, there were some administrative details and finding housing and everything. The process of integrating into a new school was a little rockier, but overall it was good.

How would you rate your new school?

HLS has some incredible faculty/resources/opportunities. I'd rate it highly. But I also have a very high opinion of my 1L school.

Have you had to retake any classes?

I haven't had to retake anything, although HLS requires a Legislation/Regulation class and an International/Comparative Law class during 1L, so transfers have to make those up (at least the Comparative Law class, anyhow).

Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?

There were 55 transfers and most of us know each other. There are also plenty of student organizations and journals and opportunities. But it's not like 1L where you have a section to grow close to for an entire year, so you definitely have to work harder to integrate. I think some transfers more or less slipped through the cracks. But if you're willing to work for it, you can make great new friends.

How did OCI's go?

OCI's were our first week on campus. For a lot of us, it was a smooth process. For others, it wasn't so smooth. I was lucky to land a summer associate job at a V20 in DC and a shorter state government internship for the last part of the summer. To be fair though, I'm sure I could've ended up in the same position if I didn't transfer.

How much time did you put into your personal statement?

Very little. 2hrs maybe? And this personal statement was not tailored to HLS at all - I didn't even mention HLS by name. It was a general statement about me and why I wanted to transfer to a "top school." Looking back, I may have done this differently, but apparently the rest of my application was strong enough.

What are your "stats"? (To transfer into a T10)

#1 at a mid-30s school, top 1-3 grade in each 1L class. Mid-160's LSAT and 3.75+ GPA (not that either of those mattered.)

Would you do it again?

Yes. There were times (throughout the first semester especially) when I wouldn't have been as sure about that answer, but yes, I'd absolutely do it again. My first semester went better than I expected so that really validated the transfer decision. If I'd done poorly here, though, I'm not sure I'd give the same answer.

Did you make law review?

No. I wasn't planning to transfer when the HLS write-on happened. But secondary journals were available and so I've done that instead. It is my biggest regret though - I wish I'd made the decision sooner and done the HLS write-on. I don't know if I would have made it on but I wish I would have given it a shot.

Did you pursue a clerkship?

Yes. Landed a COA clerkship earlier this semester. Similar to what I said in my OCI answer, I think I could have landed this clerkship without transferring. All of my recommenders were from my 1L school and one of them had clerked with my judge.

How have faculty relationships been?

Last semester, I didn't make a single real faculty connection. Two of my professors knew who I was, but I'm not sure my other professor did. This semester, I have one solid faculty relationship and I'm hoping to develop more throughout the remainder of my time here.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Yes. Life is good.

[NoDayButToday]

.

[Itwasluck]

Transfer process was pretty smooth. Getting letters can be a little awkward, but if you are humble and normal the professors will understand. I would go in with a solid answer for why you want to transfer aside from prestige. I had no problem integrating into the new school, but I have a fairly outgoing personality. I have more non-transfer friends now than those that transferred in with me.

I would rate CLS highly. Has access to opportunities I would not have had otherwise. Being able to take classes taught by partners at big firms is a nice plus to break up the academic monotony.

I have not had to retake any classes.

I will echo a lot of what others have said with respect to adjusting to the new school socially. People are very nice and happy to talk with you. At least at CLS there doesn't appear to be any outward hostility towards transfers (no "they took our jobs" mentality). Most people are interested in where you came from and are willing to help you out. Getting outlines and everything is simple.

OCI was great. I ended up getting my top firm choice as well as 3 out of the "V5" branding. I will caution that not everyone had success at OCI, and just because you transfer in does not mean you will coast to a job.

I put almost no time into personal statement. Not tailored and overall probably pretty poor. I am not sure these matter much at all.

My stats were #1 at a strong regional school in the middle of T2. I had the grades and LSAT to get in initially at CLS, but as others have stated I don't think this matters.

The question of would I do it again is tough for me. I chose my 1L school because it was completely free including cost of living. My fiancee was also attending medical school in the same city. Leaving that was tough, and I consider myself very lucky to still be with my fiancee and still have my friends from my old school. The debt is certainly tough. Fortunately, I avoided 1 year and paid for almost an entire semester with summer associate money and savings. If I were more risk adverse, I would have stayed at my 1L school and taken the regional biglaw job there. I definitely chased prestige with transfer and job and I do regret it sometimes. Graduating in a few months with a very large debt load between my fiancee and myself (med school makes law school look cheap). tl;dr I would probably do it again, but its not a no brainer.

Did not apply to Law Review and I do not regret not doing it. Never came up in any interviews.

Did not pursue a clerkship because I am doing corporate.

Faculty relationships have been great. I have had 2 TA positions and I am currently doing research for a well known professor on an extremely cool and cutting edge project. Have also had faculty support to publish a few articles and am currently working on a larger article in a field I had some experience with before law school with a law school and b school professor. I have at least 5 professors that would very much go to bat for me if I needed them too. I cannot recommend enough talking to professors and volunteering to be a TA if you do well and are interested in building relationships. Its been my best experience at CLS.

I am very happy. Just found an apartment for after graduation (my fiancee matched for residency at a NY area program) and we are getting a puppy. Life is pretty great.


Happy to answer any follow-ups, but would prefer specific questions be asked via direct message. Thanks and I hope this helps

[DoveBodyWash]

Transferred to Chicago from T20 (or at least it was when i left, not sure where it is now) Happy to answer other questions.

How did the transfer process go for you?

Transfer process was fine, no problems. Pretty straightforward.

How would you rate your new school?

Not sure how to answer this really. it's been great

Have you had to retake any classes?

nope

Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?

not at all. Am close with some of the transfers, most of my friends are non-transfers

How did OCI's go?

Went great. Had offers from the stronger firms in Chicago, Boston, NY. Going V5.

How much time did you put into your personal statement?

Not that much, maybe a solid day

Would you do it again?

100%

Did you make law review?

Didn't do write on. So glad i didn't

Did you pursue a clerkship?

Am pursuing one now. Several ppl in my transfer class have circuit clerkships lined up

How have faculty relationships been?

No problem developing relationships. Have close relationship with a few profs

ARE YOU HAPPY?

yup

[sdancer89]

T-40 to Berkeley

How did the transfer process go for you?

It was relatively easy, but very fast. I was paranoid and applied EA to GT in case my grades dropped 2nd semester and became so convinced that they would that I had basically just planned to go to GT. When all of my second semester grades came out, I was pleasantly surprised and applied to a handful of other schools knowing that the dream had always been B (California resident).

How would you rate your new school?

I love it. I really liked my 1L school, but have been amazed and impressed with the difference in opportunities here- from the professors to the classes offered. The grading system and student body here is incredibly chill and collegial.

Have you had to retake any classes?

Nope.
Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?

This was actually harder than I thought. I lived in the Bay for a long time prior to 1L and thought the transition would be much easier because of it. However, the first few weeks of school where I walked into classes where I literally knew no one were a bit isolating. I think transfers can sometimes get lumped in with 1Ls, which also made me feel a little isolated. Once I got into the swing of things, I started to get to know people and now have made new friends. I still miss the closeness of my 1L section.

How did OCI's go?

Didn't participate because I'm PI. I did the PI "fall interview program" and it was fine.

How much time did you put into your personal statement?

Not a ton, but I did put some thought into why I wanted to go to each school, what the opportunities there would be, and why I thought it would be a good fit.

What are your "stats"? (To transfer into a T10)

T1 top 10%

Would you do it again?

Absolutely. I now am set up to have the job I want in the area that I want to work that just would not have been possible from my old school. I also feel like I have geographic flexibility that I did not have before, which makes the whole post-grad job search less scary.

Did you make law review?

Didn't try but am on a secondary.

Did you pursue a clerkship?

Thought about it and originally intended to, but the future PD in me just wants to get into court

How have faculty relationships been?

Really good. Like my 1L school which was about 1/3 of the size of B, I have always felt like professors want students to come talk to them and get to know us. I've also had a TON of practitioner professors who work in the area, which is really helpful in finding internships/jobs/etc. and makes school a little bit more connected to the real world.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

I am. There were definitely some lonely moments first semester where I wondered if I made the right choice, but looking back I absolutely did.

[AK135]

This thread is fantastic! Thank you to all the former transfers who are taking the time to answer these questions!

[tebowtime23]

This thread is fantastic! Thank you to all the former transfers who are taking the time to answer these questions!

Seconded! I am sure I speak for most of us who are considering transferring when I say your advice is invaluable! (and much appreciated)

[Manali]

Transferred from T30 (BC) to third tier (Drexel). Very unconventional cycle.

How did the transfer process go for you?

Extremely nerve wracking. I was rejected at 3/4 of the schools I applied to. Got my one and only acceptance really late in the cycle (August 5), and had until August 14 or so to make a decision. Required an interview with one of the Deans. Orientation was the following week.

How would you rate your new school?

Very friendly and welcoming. Administration bent over backwards to accommodate my needs. Good selection of classes. However, poorer employment stats than my old school.

Have you had to retake any classes?

Yes, because only 35/58 of my credits transferred. I retook Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Advanced Legal Research. Will have to retake Con Law, too.

Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?

Somewhat, but not really since I was raised in the area where my transfer school is in (already have family/friends in the area).

How did OCI's go?

Did not do OCI (public interest). I did EJW and direct-applied to places and got a summer gig in late December.

How much time did you put into your personal statement?

I just re-used the personal statements that I've used for other applications and plugged in the name of the school. Put a lot of effort into the addendum.

What are your "stats"?

Bottom of the class (Barely a 3.0 GPA)

Would you do it again?

Yes, but I kind of had no choice.

Did you make law review?

The deadline for the write-on competition was before I was accepted, so I did not get a chance to compete. However, I do have the option of trying out for 3L year.

Did you pursue a clerkship?

Currently applying for clerkships.

How have faculty relationships been?

I'm already formed close mentoring relationships with several faculty members, who have written letters of recommendation for me.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Somewhat, but feel anxious about the future career-wise since my school is so new and doesn't have the alumni base that BC does.

[Backpacker]

How did the transfer process go for you?

It was the best decision for me. Applied late in the process after getting second semester grades, got in within two weeks, and had less than a week to prep for OCI and move after my 1L SA ended. Easy to do when you dont have family obligations etc., but can see how it may be hard for others.

How would you rate your new school?
T10. Opened many doors immediately (since OCI is the first thing that happens), and still is opening doors.

Have you had to retake any classes?

No - others in my transfer class did, though.

Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?

It was probably harder than it was WRT to 1L, but you can fall in with the other transfers. Also, as you can start choosing classes in 2L, youll find a lot of the same people will be in many of your classes because of the shared interest.

How did OCI's go?

Good, got the job I wanted.

How much time did you put into your personal statement?

Not that much, but I did tailor one to highlight ties I had with that particular school.

What are your "stats"? (To transfer into a T10)

Top 1% at 60-70.

Would you do it again?

Absolutely

Did you make law review?

Didn't try, but did make secondary journal.

Did you pursue a clerkship?

Yes - SSC now, Fed dist ct next year.

How have faculty relationships been?

Great

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Wouldnt change my decision, very happy.

[champloo]

not OP; T1 to lower t14

How did the transfer process go for you?
smooth, nothing complicated, everything was pretty quick

How would you rate your new school?
great. students are older and have more accomplished backgrounds but smart/stupid/lazy people are smart/stupid/lazy/etc. regardless of where they go. professors are great at both schools

Have you had to retake any classes?
nope

Has it been hard to adapt to a new social setting?
don't have that 1L camaraderie but not hard to establish relationships via mutual interests

How did OCI's go?
not good

How much time did you put into your personal statement?
like an hour or so

What are your "stats"? (To transfer into a T10)
T1 20%-25%

Would you do it again?
yup

Did you make law review?
didn't try. if you want secondary journal you can get it easily though

Did you pursue a clerkship?
nope

How have faculty relationships been?
great, but same as most other schools i presume

ARE YOU HAPPY?
very

[Anonymous User]

I'm the OP.

Here's my final piece of advice: If you can afford to make the transfer, DO IT. Seriously. Transferring was perhaps the best decision I have ever made. Better school, access to a larger (perhaps greater) alumni network, better employment prospects, better clerkship chances, more accomplished professors, and possibly a cooler city/state (depending on if you transfer out of your current state).

All in all, it's the move. You'll make new friends, etc., and you will excel academically. It's literally the same experience you had 1L...but you're at an infinitely better school.

Word? Word.

[ontopoftheworld]

has anyone went from 60% in first semester to Top 20% by the end of the year (fall + spring gpa combined)?
Is this possible? mathematically.