Calling for Your Opinion:
So I've been struggling with the transfer question. I'm applying to the three schools I'd really like to go to. The problem is, I'd really like to stay here as well. By leaving I have to give up a) friendships, b) contacts with profs (including some sweet letters of recommendations), c) LAW REVIEW (this is big for me) d) my class rank (I did VERY well here) e) less debt (I lose my scholarship $$$ if I transfer, and tuition at the schools I'm looking at will run me $15,000 per year more than what I currently pay)
By transferring I get a) to move closer to my family/girlfriend, b) a "brand name" school (and all the attendant employment benefits), c) geographically closer to employers I'm going to want to work.
So dear readers, I seek your input. What would you do?
(of course this is all assumes I will actually GET IN somewhere... and there's a very, very good chance that I won't really have a decision to make)
By transferring I get a) to move closer to my family/girlfriend, b) a "brand name" school (and all the attendant employment benefits), c) geographically closer to employers I'm going to want to work.
So dear readers, I seek your input. What would you do?
(of course this is all assumes I will actually GET IN somewhere... and there's a very, very good chance that I won't really have a decision to make)
posted by Snubligent at 9:24 PM
4 Comments:
I'm going to say...B! The answer is B!
Seriously. Consider what's more important to you - long term benefits? Short-term benefits?
If you are going to a brand name school, you still have 2 years to get those sweet, sweet recommendations and further more, you can probably get the current school's rec letters stored on-file somewhere (my alma mater offers this rec letter storing service for a modest annual fee).
Second, consider the benefit of obtaining relevant coursework in prep for the bar exam within the city you want to work in. Remember, law school is just a tool to help you get a job. Keep your eyes on the job, not the school. If "brand name" school has better connection with the companies located in the geographic area you want to practice in, why not?
Thirdly, but not least, consider your family/romantic relationship. Do you love your family? Girlfriend? Support from your loved ones count a lot in this line of work. We are human beings, and we need healthy relationships with our loved ones. Becoming a lawyer doesn't mean you don't need people anymore. In fact, it's the opposite. You need their understanding, support, and presence to keep you sane and concentrated.
That's my take.
The answer is A. But only because I like to disagree with Shell. In all fairness though I'll try to make the case for answer A.
Closer to family and girlfriend is great but they can be unnecessary distractions and really, do you want them around when it comes close to finals? Not only would they be distracting but a lot of people tend to allow law school exam stress to adversely affect their relationships. So being away from family and girlfriend might not be such a bad idea. As for the employment benefits mentioned in subsections b and c of answer B, I think Law Review and the high class rank would compensate unless you're moving between tiers then the consideration becomes a bit more complicated. Also, while I don't doubt your ability to make friends at a new school, there is that special bond made during 1L among 1Ls that are tough to maintain if you transfer out.
Anyway, as I was saying, don't do what Shell tells you to do.
Everyone's made good points so far. The bar review thing isn't really that compelling for me (they're going to teach you that stuff in barbri, not law school..., and even if they did the schools I'm looking at aren't in the same state where I'll take the bar). The employment thing... I fould be jumping tiers, if I got into these schools. Jumping tiers in a big way. But still... law review is something I'm actually really interested in doing (because I enjoy pain and humiliation), and I am hesitant to give that up, especially when I may ultimately have the same shot at getting the job I want no matter what I do.
Phhewwwttt....
I motion to ignore all above advice (or mabye just Wayne's) and let the dice decide. Or the Magic 8 Ball. Whatever works.
It does sound like you already know what you want (either that or you're really lured by that Law Review). Are you worried that you won't make the try-outs at the new school? What's their policy on law review application process?
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