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I'm in the top 1/3 at UIUC. Don't have much of a scholarship here (less than 50%), and I'm wondering if it's worth it to send a transfer app to Gtown, and or Michigan/NU (regional bump, if that's a real thing)? Goal is BigLaw , and am hoping that transferring may make that more of a possibility. Thanks everyone.

Anonymous User wrote:I'm in the top 1/3 at UIUC. Don't have much of a scholarship here (less than 50%), and I'm wondering if it's worth it to send a transfer app to Gtown, and or Michigan/NU (regional bump, if that's a real thing)? Goal is BigLaw , and am hoping that transferring may make that more of a possibility. Thanks everyone.

For the past few years, top 20% has consistently transferred to NU, so I would definitely throw an app there. Our NU transfers tend to do pretty well. You probably won't have a ton of success negotiating (at least not enough to matter). If you can stomach the app fees, GULC is probably worth a shot, not so sure about Mich.

Also, rankings haven't been released yet, so how do you know where you stand?

Was top 20% last semester and gpa dropped a bit, but not out of the top 1/3 from last semesters cut off. So I'm assuming I'm in the top 1/3.

Anonymous User wrote:Was top 20% last semester and gpa dropped a bit, but not out of the top 1/3 from last semesters cut off. So I'm assuming I'm in the top 1/3.

You may not have fallen in rank at all (or further than top 25%) depending on your GPA dip-cutoffs will probably fall a bit, too. I'd still throw an app at NU and probably GULC. If you don't drop rank at all, I'd throw an app at Mich-someone top 20% last year got into Mich. Otherwise, apply to Mich only if you can afford the app fee.

If the goal is BigLaw, do you think I should stay if I remain in the top 25%? Or are my odds greater if I transfer? I'm also trying to get BigLaw in Chicago, if that matters at all. Thanks for the advice.

Anonymous User wrote:If the goal is BigLaw, do you think I should stay if I remain in the top 25%? Or are my odds greater if I transfer? I'm also trying to get BigLaw in Chicago, if that matters at all. Thanks for the advice.

I'd still transfer, more specifically to NU. In my class, about 25% or so got biglaw + Art III clerkships. Biglaw options outside top 15%-ish aren't great and mostly went to IP/very strong resume students. You'd be taking a big risk if you stayed. My class had four students in the top 20% who transferred to NU, and all got something.

I'd say your odds at NU are better if you can get it, but you should weigh that marginal increase in odds against any scholarship you'll lose.