How do I transfer to a better, higher-tier law school?
Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 08:53AM
Brad Dobeck

The law school transfer application process works most effectively in the following scenario.

An applicant applies to a top law school, with a strong file, a strong GPA, but with a relatively low LSAT. Because of the top school's LSAT sensitivity, the applicant is rejected, but reluctantly.

The applicant is admitted to a lower-tier school. The applicant, now a 1L law student at the lower-tier school, works very effectively, earning top grades. At the end of year one, when the grades come out, this student is easily within the top 5% of her 1L class. Maybe she's even number one or number two in her 1L class. She has cultivated an excellent relationship with three professors--over the whole year--never once mentioning a transfer desire. Now, with top grades undeniably earned, she asks for their help as recommenders on a transfer application to the higher-tier law school. They reluctantly agree, not wanting to lose a top student, but certainly understanding her desire, and recognizing that their law school does benefit to some degree if a few of their top students can win a transfer to a higher-tier law school. These professors regard her as one of the best students they've ever had. They say so, in writing. She writes a brilliant personal statement, which has zero whining. She employs the principles advocated by PrelawAdvisor.com. She launches this carefully crafted application, early in the target school's transfer cycle (late spring, early summer).

Because the LSAT scores and college GPAs of transfer students are not publicly measured (like enrolling 1Ls are in the US News & World Report), these don't play any great role. A check back at her original application reveals that she previously had a deal-making application--except for her LSAT score. But her brilliant performance at the lower-tier school in her 1L year convinces them that she really has tier-one talent. She is admitted.

So, what you have to do is build a brilliant first year, and then "market" it to thoughtfully and realistically chosen target schools. At PrelawAdvisor.com, I'm ready to help you.

I have of course helped people with less than this dream scenario. Let me know about your situation, and I'll help you move forward, to the best of my ability.

Article originally appeared on PrelawAdvisor.com (http://prelawadvisor.com/).
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