Transferring Within T13 Forum

[triplegmahimahi]

I'm a current 1L with a slightly below median GPA at a middle-tier t13 school. I have a 3.44 on a 3.5 scale. I had a severe medical issue last semester and I'm very confident I can be above median this semester (I got near average after missing a ton of classes and readings due to a medical issue so I'm hoping this is a good sign now that I'm healthy?idk).

I've heard conflicting information about transferring within the t13. My Dean and career counselor here have told me as long as I'm around the middle of the class I should have a great shot of getting into NYU or Berkley because my school is a "peer school". I know I have absolutely no shot at Harvard or above. I'm very unhappy here, I love the law, but it's been hard with the medical issue (now resolved) and I'd like a new start. I don't entirely trust my dean or counselor because I've seen the average transfer GPA to NYU and Berkely and class rank and I'm going to be probably top 50-40% after spring semester but no way I'm top 25% or above. I working abroad at a law firm in Europe this summer and am an active duty firefighter so I'm hoping that could help?

I was waitlisted by NYU and Berkeley when I initially applied (172 LSAT, 3.72 GPA). I don't know how this affects anything.

[talons2250]

What exactly is the point of transferring to NYU or Berkeley if you're already at a T13 school that, in the grand scheme of things, is viewed by most people as a peer school to NYU or Berkeley? What makes you think you'll be happier at NYU or Berkeley as opposed to your current school?

[Access]

I doubt you'll be happier elsewhere. Culture between schools isn't that different. Unless you're already paying full ticker, you'll incur a ton of extra debt too. I'd also be a bit more cautious about predicting future grades, grade are more about exam approach than readings imo and you never know what health issues may hit.

Your best bet is to just focus on your health, grades, get a job offer, then check out, maybe do a few practicums or visiting semester. Don't center your life around your school - it gets easier after 1L.

[existentialcrisis]

I agree with all the advice about not transferring here.

Also you could look into being a "visiting student" one of those places for 3L.

[Lawman1865]

I'm a current 1L with a slightly below median GPA at a middle-tier t13 school. I have a 3.44 on a 3.5 scale. I had a severe medical issue last semester and I'm very confident I can be above median this semester (I got near average after missing a ton of classes and readings due to a medical issue so I'm hoping this is a good sign now that I'm healthy?idk).

I've heard conflicting information about transferring within the t13. My Dean and career counselor here have told me as long as I'm around the middle of the class I should have a great shot of getting into NYU or Berkley because my school is a "peer school". I know I have absolutely no shot at Harvard or above. I'm very unhappy here, I love the law, but it's been hard with the medical issue (now resolved) and I'd like a new start. I don't entirely trust my dean or counselor because I've seen the average transfer GPA to NYU and Berkely and class rank and I'm going to be probably top 50-40% after spring semester but no way I'm top 25% or above. I working abroad at a law firm in Europe this summer and am an active duty firefighter so I'm hoping that could help?

I was waitlisted by NYU and Berkeley when I initially applied (172 LSAT, 3.72 GPA). I don't know how this affects anything.

I'm generally inclined to agree with the other responses. Unless you have a good reason for transferring to a peer school (e.g. such peer school is close to family, you know for some X factor that the peer school will almost certainly be better for your physical/mental health, etc.) I would be wary of doing that. In any case, I would definitely suggest going abroad for a semester during your 2L (if you apply for the fall, maybe you can just stay in Europe after the summer ends), so that will knock a bit more time off of the time spent at your current school.

Otherwise, look at the 509 reports (they are called something like that) and you can see the general stats of acceptance from NYU and Berkley. I think NYU is pretty generous with their transfer acceptance if you have a good story, but as stated above, you should think carefully about the reasons you are moving and if it makes sense for you.

Happy your health issues are resolved, good luck with everything.

[cbc25]

Another aspect of this is financial. As a transfer, I'm unsure what scholarship money you could tap into. Do you get financial aid from the school you're currently at?

I understand wanting to start fresh, but perhaps your current school is also in a better position to support you under these circumstances.

[lawschoolsplit2023]

Suppose you’ve had a perfect record and are up in your 30s and want to attend law school, as you have some goal of utilizing that degree in a non legal capacity.

Also suppose that while always having a clear record there may be a pending case open based on false allegations you don’t want to deal with now since there isn’t a warrant or open case, while could be charges filed with some court being unserved not knowing your current address. So you want to attend law school and want to assure acceptance, but not interested in sitting for the bar

If you fill out you have no criminal history and get accepted at ucla or southern cal could they background anyway and see an unserved case?

After 1l if you transfer to Berkeley or Stanford would they background check or likely not either? And how do you know? Hoping for a no for both