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In the top 10 percent at a T20 after fall semester. Weighing an early decision app to UChi.

Goals include federal clerkship and then BigLaw. These seem attainable from my current school if I maintain, but that's far from a guarantee. It would be nice to have the security of an ED admission.

Wondering how much of a long-term boost I would get if any from having a T6 on my resume. Also interested in whether UChi would get me access to more secondary markets than my T20.

Assume that transferring wouldn't increase my debt load at all. Worth it?

Taking your assumption as true, it will absolutely help you re: job prospects/geographic mobility. The decision to transfer becomes difficult when trading no debt --> massive debt. This seems like an easy call (if you get in). Other folks may have different opinions though.

If the debt load is equal, and you really want clerkship followed by Biglaw, then it's absolutely worth an ED app. UChi will give you sizable boost in secondary markets and likely an even bigger boost in getting Art. III clerkships.

And you can always use the UChi acceptance to negotiate more aid out of your current T20 if that sounds preferable to you. I won't speak to chances of getting UChi, but it makes sense to give it a shot.

UVA2B wrote:And you can always use the UChi acceptance to negotiate more aid out of your current T20 if that sounds preferable to you.

Are you saying that an ED acceptance would leave me the option of staying? I was under the impression that I would be required to attend if admitted.

Anonymous User wrote:

UVA2B wrote:And you can always use the UChi acceptance to negotiate more aid out of your current T20 if that sounds preferable to you.

Are you saying that an ED acceptance would leave me the option of staying? I was under the impression that I would be required to attend if admitted.

You're right, forgot ED was binding. I was thinking along the lines of just a transfer app. Forget that part.

Its binding regarding other transfer apps, not for staying at your school.

This seems like a no-brainer. Do it

OP here. I did not explain this well enough. I'm on a substantial scholarship at the T20 and would obviously be paying sticker if I transfer. I just wouldn't need to take out loans to pay for it. Does this change anyone's opinion?

Anonymous User wrote:OP here. I did not explain this well enough. I'm on a substantial scholarship at the T20 and would obviously be paying sticker if I transfer. I just wouldn't need to take out loans to pay for it. Does this change anyone's opinion?

Well, if your source of paying sticker is cool with it, then absolutely give it a shot. It's a lot of money, but if the cost to you is the same, UChi is a substantial improvement over your current job prospects (not that your job prospects are bad now, but the outcome would be easier/more assured).

Wait and see if you can improve, Chicago will still be there after the second semester.