Top Law Schools

• Hi TLS,
  
  I've read through several threads on the topic, but wanted to create my own. I apologize for the redundancy.
  
  Currently, I am a first year student at a T1 school ranked in the 40's. I have a 3.92 on a 4.0 scale with three CALI awards (I only mention them because I don't know if they make a difference or not, though I presume they don't). I am considering a transfer, and I cannot decide between applying to the University of Chicago's ED program or waiting for a shot at the Holy Trinity. My immediate career goals are an AIII clerkship, and then biglaw or federal government work. I am concerned about my ability to write-on to my new school's law review (along with my current school's) if I have to compete in multiple competitions; getting into Chicago early would solve this problem for me. But I also understand that there is at least some difference in prospects between Chi and HYS. I would be very grateful for any advice.

CheddarArachnid wrote:Are you applying ED to Chicago because you are worried about dropping 2nd semester? Why are you not interested in CLS/NYU? In other words, is there something specific about UChicago vs. another CCN or is it just grade anxiety?

dabigchina wrote: CLS and NYU don't serve his interests as well as Chicago IMO. The choices here should be ED Chicago or H (which is the only HYS he really has a realistic chance of getting into IMO)

Bartolomeus wrote: How important are my letters of recommendation in determining chances of admission? I know I have two letter writers who are very enthusiastic to recommend me, but I don't know if LoR's are really irrelevant unless particularly lackluster.

Sorry for the big heap of questions. This is an incredibly anxiety-inducing prospect.

Joscellin wrote:
I know there are a few of us who went through this process last year who are looking forward to helping out folks this cycle. I know TLS was a big help to me last year.

As to LoRs, I'm fairly certain that one of my letters in particular was part of the reason I got in. I actually feel like you have the reasoning on them somewhat inverted.

Schools will expect somewhat generic/lackluster LoRs as that's what most professors probably write. The ones that are really strong, though, stand out.

Bartolomeus wrote:

Joscellin wrote:
I know there are a few of us who went through this process last year who are looking forward to helping out folks this cycle. I know TLS was a big help to me last year.

As to LoRs, I'm fairly certain that one of my letters in particular was part of the reason I got in. I actually feel like you have the reasoning on them somewhat inverted.

Schools will expect somewhat generic/lackluster LoRs as that's what most professors probably write. The ones that are really strong, though, stand out.

Thank you for the advice. Speaking to my professors, it seems they are willing to write very strong letters in my favor with the kind of comparative language I expect schools like ("Best in X years," for example). It seems like all the facts lean in favor of Chicago, and I suspect it's only delusional prestige-whoring that could make me think waiting for the possibility of Harvard without law review is better than going to Chicago and writing-on (assuming I'm even good enough to write-on at all).

This thread gives me a lot of food for thought.

Bartolomeus wrote:Thanks again for the helpful advice. I'm going to consult with family, friends, and faculty members in anticipation of making this decision. My bottom line essentially comes down to this. If the probability of being accepted to Harvard is negligible, then I think I will cut my losses and just apply for Chicago. But, if there is a reasonable chance at the H-bomb, I couldn't help but throw my hat into the ring.

Joscellin wrote:

Bartolomeus wrote:Thanks again for the helpful advice. I'm going to consult with family, friends, and faculty members in anticipation of making this decision. My bottom line essentially comes down to this. If the probability of being accepted to Harvard is negligible, then I think I will cut my losses and just apply for Chicago. But, if there is a reasonable chance at the H-bomb, I couldn't help but throw my hat into the ring.

Do you know your rank? That would help inform the question

Bartolomeus wrote:

Joscellin wrote:

Bartolomeus wrote:Thanks again for the helpful advice. I'm going to consult with family, friends, and faculty members in anticipation of making this decision. My bottom line essentially comes down to this. If the probability of being accepted to Harvard is negligible, then I think I will cut my losses and just apply for Chicago. But, if there is a reasonable chance at the H-bomb, I couldn't help but throw my hat into the ring.

Do you know your rank? That would help inform the question

I'm #3 in my class

Joscellin wrote:

Bartolomeus wrote:

Joscellin wrote:

Bartolomeus wrote:Thanks again for the helpful advice. I'm going to consult with family, friends, and faculty members in anticipation of making this decision. My bottom line essentially comes down to this. If the probability of being accepted to Harvard is negligible, then I think I will cut my losses and just apply for Chicago. But, if there is a reasonable chance at the H-bomb, I couldn't help but throw my hat into the ring.

Do you know your rank? That would help inform the question

I'm #3 in my class

You're probably in the ballpark, then, to have a shot at H. You'll need to repeat your performance, though, and also probably move up a bit. I know multiple #2's or #3's at top 30 schools that got rejected at H this past cycle. That said, I know a few that got in too, so who knows.

I made the decision to roll the dice and it panned out, but I very nearly decided to take the ED route. The tipping point for me was that I was okay with the alternative of staying where I was if I dropped (since I figured I didn't want to transfer below T6).

Best of luck with your decision and your semester!

CheddarArachnid wrote:

Joscellin wrote:

Bartolomeus wrote:

Joscellin wrote:

Bartolomeus wrote:Thanks again for the helpful advice. I'm going to consult with family, friends, and faculty members in anticipation of making this decision. My bottom line essentially comes down to this. If the probability of being accepted to Harvard is negligible, then I think I will cut my losses and just apply for Chicago. But, if there is a reasonable chance at the H-bomb, I couldn't help but throw my hat into the ring.

Do you know your rank? That would help inform the question

I'm #3 in my class

You're probably in the ballpark, then, to have a shot at H. You'll need to repeat your performance, though, and also probably move up a bit. I know multiple #2's or #3's at top 30 schools that got rejected at H this past cycle. That said, I know a few that got in too, so who knows.

I made the decision to roll the dice and it panned out, but I very nearly decided to take the ED route. The tipping point for me was that I was okay with the alternative of staying where I was if I dropped (since I figured I didn't want to transfer below T6).

Best of luck with your decision and your semester!

An even stronger case to go for the prize! Stay strong and go for H!