<p>I would really appreciate some input. I am currently a sophomore at the University of Central Florida. I am a dual biology/anthropology major and I want to go to law school. I would like to go to a top 5 program.</p>
<p>I was just accepted to UF as a transfer student.</p>
<p>Is it better to stay where I am at and get a higher GPA (currently 3.68 but following a significant upward trend), or to go to UF where it is more challenging but much more prestigious?</p>
<p>From a purely strategic perspective, you're probably better off maxing out your GPA at your current school, unless you feel a more rigorous program will help develop your LSAT skills. Most law schools will probably care more about the higher GPA than the greater prestige of a UF degree. </p>
<p>Of course, there are other reasons to attend a better undergrad, beyond law school applications. (like getting better prepared for law school itself.)</p>
<p>I have been doing good in the LSAT prep-tests up to this point, but Cardozo, I guess its hard to objectively reason transferring while trying to sort out the amorphous reasons behind wanting to leave.</p>
<p>UF would be more difficult, but in a sense, it is a much more of a university, an all-encompassing experience, whereas UCF is still largely Sun Tan University (why do we need a resort beach-style pool and luxury apartments?) and a commuter school. Strategically speaking, the classes are a piece of cake, but is it worth it to have a much more (potentially) fulfilling undergraduate education at the expense of several GPA points? Or, would being in a much more fulfilling undergraduate program contribute to more motivation on my part, and an equally high (or higher) GPA anyway? I don't know these things, and its frustrating!</p>
<p>Sometimes it seems like you don't know unless you just do it...</p>
<p>If you're really serious about trying for a top five school, you should transfer to a more challenging school, and work as hard as you can to get a 4.0 there.</p>
<p>Your present GPA puts you at or below the 25th percentile among students admitted to the top five law schools in 2003. Things have gotten tougher since 2003. Most people who didn't attend one of the most competitive undergraduate schools who gain admission to a top five law school had close to a 4.0 as undergraduates. </p>
<p>But don't think you have to go to a top five school to have a rewarding career as a lawyer.</p>
<p>Focusing too much on getting admitted to law school can be a mistake in many cases. Being admitted to a law school and ending up last in your class can be worse than not being admitted and pursuing some other interesting career. You need to be well-prepared to excel in law school. The answer to your question is simple -- transfer to the more difficult school AND dedicate yourself to getting very high grades. If you miss a few parties and spend a few extra weekends studying in the library, you will be like most every other student hoping to gain admittion to a top law school.</p>