Top Law Schools

I realize I only have one semester of grades, but I'm wondering where I have a realistic shot given my GPA and school ranking. I currently have a 4.1 (on a 2.7 curve), the rankings weren't released yet but I'm likely within the top 2%, and my school is ranked between 90 and 100. Even if I do finish ranked first, HYS are all likely out of the question, but I'm wondering where I should focus my efforts. I'm not definitely set on transferring, but if accepted into Penn, Chicago, or Columbia I'd probably go. Are any of those schools realistic based on my numbers? (not willing to go ED at Chicago) Thank you in advance for any advice.

If you can maintain, H might be worth the app. They do take a fair number of transfer applicants from T2s, and have over the years. Not a ton that are that far down in T2 for the most part, but if you look at their ABA 509 disclosure from last year they took a few from schools ranked in the 60s, 70s, and even up to the high 80s. Chicago definitely took from lower tier 2s. Mostly they're regional/midwestern schools, but I'd still say worth it. Columbia, same situation as Chicago--definitely do take lower t2's, high 80s into the 100s, but primarily other NY schools in those cases (though Miami is there and I think they're 70s or 80s). And ditto to Penn--their T2s are mostly coming from Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York. I don't think I would read that as regional T2s getting an advantage--I would read it as self-selection in the applicant pool. Most people can't justify the cost of transferring AND moving/starting over in an often more expensive city. I think with your GPA, especially with such a rough curve, you've got a great shot at those schools. Get your applications in as early as possible after they're released if you feel like your spring performance is going to be similar. (i.e., don't wait to apply until you have spring grades)

Thanks for the specifics, and yeah I probably will apply to Harvard just because it's worth a shot.

T2 top 5% has a good (>50%) shot at CCNP.
T2 top 2% has a great (>75%) shot at CCNP.
T2 top 2% has a good (>50%) shot at H.

Would you transfer to Georgetown? It may be worth applying there EA.

Nebby, it probably sounds ridiculous, but I have a full scholarship to my current school and other significant ties, so at this point, I'm probably not willing to go to transfer to Georgetown. Although, I've definitely given thought to the idea, and if I look into it more I might be convinced.

Liszt1811 wrote:Nebby, it probably sounds ridiculous, but I have a full scholarship to my current school and other significant ties, so at this point, I'm probably not willing to go to transfer to Georgetown. Although, I've definitely given thought to the idea, and if I look into it more I might be convinced.

That's not ridiculous at all. For a lot of people, staying put is the right call.

Just found out that I'm ranked in the top 2ish percent of my class. Only considering CCN, would falling slightly outside of the top 2 percent ruin my chances?

Liszt1811 wrote:Just found out that I'm ranked in the top 2ish percent of my class. Only considering CCN, would falling slightly outside of the top 2 percent ruin my chances?

No, if you stay within top 5%, then you've still got a good shot.

transferring to Georgetown with a 4.1 would be a total waste of your GPA and transfer opportunities. You're looking at a pretty easy T10 if you maintain.