<p>I'm a freshman at Marquette University (#81 on USNWR to give you an idea) and predict that I will get at least a 3.8 GPA (most likely higher). Don't think I'm being presumptuous, but I've gotten all As on my quizzes so far (hopefully, they are an accurate predictor of performance on tests), and I seem to be the star student in every class (based on class participation). My professors are very impressed. I was also elected leader in a club, and another club sponsor tells me that I'm so strong in my particular field that he sees me being president of the club in my junior/senior years. </p>
<p>Now, here's my question: I have ambitions of going to a top law school (Harvard, Yale caliber). Should I transfer to a top undergraduate school (something like Duke or UPenn) where it might be harder for me to stand out or simply stay here and be the big fish? Would a ~3.5 at Duke/UPenn be more impressive than, say, a 4.0 at Marquette? For the record, I'm very happy here. In fact, I'm thriving. But I would like to know if transferring to a top school would make a huge difference (and please do assume I would be a mediocre student at that school in terms of GPA and leadership). Thanks.</p>
<p>I vote stay at Marquette, especially because you like it. A very high undergrad gpa is gold when you're applying to grad/professional schools. I have a close friend who went to Marquette, graduated summa cum laude, and went on to get a PhD at Yale. Law school is no doubt more difficult to get into than the field he was in, but it gives you an indication that a great gpa from a reputable place like Marquette can be a springboard to ANY other university--but you'll still need a really good LSAT score.</p>
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I have a close friend who went to Marquette, graduated summa cum laude, and went on to get a PhD at Yale. Law school is no doubt more difficult to get into than the field he was in, but it gives you an indication that a great gpa from a reputable place like Marquette can be a springboard to ANY other university--but you'll still need a really good LSAT score.
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<p>The admissions climates for any Ph.D program at Yale and Yale's JD program are entirely different. Your observation cannot be generalized.</p>
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I transfer to a top undergraduate school (something like Duke or UPenn)
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<p>Eliminate Duke from the list. They are not transfer-friendly.</p>
<p>Transfer processes are normally very difficult but highly possible if you have a good reason and stats that would've put you in the running while in high school (not your high school gpa but rather your SAT score).</p>
<p>It would probably be better to just focus on the LSAT and save that money to go to law school. Your ultimate degree is what matters the most in your career and where you should spend most of your money on (in terms of prioritizing your education).</p>