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Transfer students (from a T1 to a T14)--how did you answer the "Why did you transfer" question for OCI?

Is there an honest answer? That likely is the best place to start. I presume it was for a reason correct?

"So I'd have a better chance at interviewing at firms like [insert firm name]" is both honest and inoffensive

LBJ's Hair wrote: ↑

Mon Nov 09, 2020 1:46 pm

"So I'd have a better chance at interviewing at firms like [insert firm name]" is both honest and inoffensive

Assuming the firm example is theirs and not their competitor I suppose.

There was a broader selection of law firms from [such and such] city at OCI. Better career prospects. Better networking. etc.

Attorneys get all of the above. Many of them probably traded up in some way, too, in their careers.

I tied it to the practice area a few years ago when I was going through OCI. I said something like, “I want to practice in X law and felt like my former law school didn’t provide me with an opportunity to take classes in this area. I’m enrolled in X classes at my new school and also was accepted to X journal.” I would then try to pivot into how that law firm is known for X law or whatever. I think most interviewers understand why you transferred (prestige), but want to get a better sense of your “story.”

Most of my interviewers didn’t even ask. A few were transfers themselves. Everyone knows the reasons. Plus, they were all alums of my new school and were already inclined to think highly of the school. When they did ask, I mentioned making a geographic change and the opportunities available at my transfer school.