Law School Discussion

Good luck everyone!

Cicero: So, is it UF?

I would refrain from giving a history lesson on your life. Not that your family history is unimportant, but you should expand more on why it has shaped you- what about it? Also, there seems to be a bit of a disconnect between the second-to-last and the last paragraph. From reading, I can telling that you have had a very interesting life; however, the statement itself does not convey that. 

Did you end up negotiating with the Dean or did they increase your scholarship without you having to ask? 7K a year is a great deal if you are happy with your school, and from your posts, it sounds like you really like it there.

The school's I'm looking at are $14-16K a year, so it's not too much more considering the T increase and the many other reasons motivating me to transfer. Losing law review bothers me more than the small tuition difference.

Tsmdiver, you heard back pretty quickly. Does Emory do rolling admission for transfer applications or was there something amazing about your application, like you being #1 at your school that made them respond so quickly?

Cicero: I did hear back quickly. In fact, Emory was the last school that I applied to and the first to accept me. My acceptance came via email two weeks after my application was received. I am not sure about rolling admissions, and I was not number one. I did, however, fall in the top 10 percent, and I had three of my law profs write my letters of rec.

Although I am excited to have been accepted to Emory, I will not be attending Emory as a transfer. I was accepted to Emory, FSU and UF. For various reasons, I am leaning toward UF. Where will you be this fall?

The best way to successfully plan to transfer to another law school after your first year: do not "plan" anything. Believe me, whether you are at a T4 or a T1, one thing is certain, you will have A LOT of work to do. Transferring up a notch or two will hinge mainly on your ranking and first year grades. So, it makes sense to focus all of your energy on preparing for 1L classes and studying, not transferring. Further, your file will likely not be considered "complete" until the rankings have been released, which usually takes a month or so after your finals. The point: worry about your transfer apps after you take your finals.

Also, keep in mind that you should devote quality time to preparing your applications. Research the schools. Customize your personal/diversity statements to fit neatly with each school that will receive an application from you. Personalize yourself!

Last but not least, keep your head held high. There are many students, plenty to be found on this forum, who are quick to bash a particular school or a particular type of school. Remember, if you really want to transfer- then make it happen. 

This advice is coming from a T4 to T1 transfer student.

My gut feeling was right. Acceptance came today