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Right now I have a 3.71 GPA at Fordham after completing my first year. This puts me a but above the top ten percent threshold.

However, I had to take this past year off due to several things going on (some health issues, some family issues). I'll be returning this fall but I've been toying with transferring for a better shot at biglaw.

First, how will having taken a leave of absence affect me? I haven't seen anything about this issue affecting transferring but I can't see how it wouldn't affect my transfer applications.

Second, is transferring beneficial to me if I'm really pursuing biglaw? I know the usual advice for somebody in my shoes would be to stay put, but I'm sure the issue of my leave of absence will come up during OCIs. Is it any less of a red flag if I transfer?

Third, what are my odds of acceptance? Based on the 509 data, I'd be around median for Columbia and above the 75th percentile for NYU.

Fourth, should I be looking at any other schools if I'm working towards NYC biglaw?

Thanks for all of your help.

I think you're better off staying at Fordham if you want to maximize your biglaw chances

gasfard wrote:I think you're better off staying at Fordham if you want to maximize your biglaw chances

Why do you say that? I know the usual reasons (being the big fish in a smaller pond, etc), but do you not think the leave of absence will affect me? Or do you think that transferring won't help minimize it as a red flag?