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Hello all, I don't usually post around here, just lurk. I've been thinking a lot recently about the possibility of transferring. I'm at a T2 around NYC, currently with a 4.06. I'm a little hesitant about this because I'd be giving up affordable tuition, but it's also my dream to go for a federal appellate clerkship and the reality is very very few at my school get a shot at those. I'd prefer to stay in the area, so I was thinking of applying to either NYU or Columbia. Should I bother, do I even have a chance?

As I said, the whole idea is a little scary for me, but I see it as an opportunity to make up for my past mistakes as well as a chance to pursue a dream for once. I'd appreciate any advice, tips, comments, anything really. I don't have many people I can talk to about this.

Given your goals, a transfer seems like it's to your benefit. You can look at the 509s for NYU and Columbia to see if they admit people from your school--with that GPA, you're at least competitive by the GPA number. Being local will also help.

Anything I should be wary of, or focus on doing? If I aim to submit my app by May 1st, is that helpful at all?

EDIT: I should add generally I’m looking to apply to Harvard, Columbia and NYU. The first as a huge long shot and the latter two because they’re near by and would allow me to commute from home.

Anonymous User wrote:Anything I should be wary of, or focus on doing? If I aim to submit my app by May 1st, is that helpful at all?

EDIT: I should add generally I’m looking to apply to Harvard, Columbia and NYU. The first as a huge long shot and the latter two because they’re near by and would allow me to commute from home.

I don't think Harvard is that huge of a long shot if your grades remain that high. Harvard takes a big class which routinely includes transfers from Brooklyn, Rutgers, Northeastern, the Philly T2s, and high-T2 schools (think rank 51-80) from around the country, and this year they took a transfer each from Albany and Baltimore. It's true that you're not a "lock" there---basically nobody is, unless they're already at CCN and doing well---but I like your odds.

Columbia and NYU should both let you in with those numbers, particularly given that you're coming from another school in their broad market. For example, both took transfers from Brooklyn, Cardozo, Rutgers, and Seton Hall this past year, and you're above their 75%ile for transfer GPA.

As for your goals, I'll cosign Pennoyer's advice and just add that, as a transfer who clerked, it is a long road ahead whether you stay or go, but it's much easier if you go.

Thank you so much for your response! How did feel transferring, and did you find it hard getting good LORs for the clerkship app?

Transfer. I go to a T20, had the grades to trade up a good clip, and regret not even trying. Your profs will try to talk you out of it but ignore them.

Anonymous User wrote:Thank you so much for your response! How did feel transferring, and did you find it hard getting good LORs for the clerkship app?

I formed good relationships with professors early on, but it wasn't quite early enough to make the main wave of clerk hiring in Jan/Feb. In hindsight, I wished I'd gotten a LOR from a 1L prof for clerkship apps, but my letters were strong as it was (if a bit late). Transferring is hard at first, but I made friends pretty quickly and got involved in extracurriculars/law review, so it worked well. I would also try to get a LOR from your first-summer employer (especially if you work for a judge).

Ah, that’s interesting! I’ll be sure to watch out for that! Thank you so much!!!