UChicago Student Considering transferring to GATech

Graduate School Law School
1

<p>*Cross posted in parent forum
Hello,
I am a First Year at the University of Chicago majoring in International Studies and definitely want to attend law school. I decided to attend UChicago because I thought that its rigorous curriculum would prepare me for the analytical thinking and writing necessary for law school. So far I have not been disappointed; the Core classes that I have taken have been amazingly challenging. However, due to the financial situation my parents struggled to put together my tuition for last quarter, and I was almost unable to register for classes for Spring quarter. Thankfully, they (my parents live in Nigeria and not the U.S. so times are even more difficult there) were able to send money in time for me to register late this week. Currently, I will graduate roughly $40,000 in debt and have already taken $13,500 for first year alone (perhaps even more, if my parents cannot rally funds together in coming years) even with a $10,0000/year merit scholarship from UChicago I will still owe alot after graduation.</p>

<p>This scare of registering late due to financial issues led me to contemplate the decision to transfer to a cheaper college. I lived with my aunt and uncle in Georgia during high school and have a permanent resident card, so will be counted as in-state student. I have been researching Georgia Tech and have become intrigued with their International Affairs major and International Plan program. However, I am worried that UChicago's prestige might be a pushing factor to admittance into T14 law school. Plus GA Tech is not exactly a liberal arts type of institution. I would like to attend NYU or Columbia law and specialize in international law, and I am aware that admission to these schools are very selective. After two quarters of course work, I have a 3.61 GPA and have become involved with various clubs on campus. I love it here, but I also tend to stress out and worry about money alot during my spare time. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions? </p>

<p>P.S. Transfer admission for fall of next year deadline was Feb. 1, but spring semester deadline is on Oct. 1.</p>

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<p>I’ve known people who had to transfer to less prestigious schools for financial reasons who still made it into top law schools.</p>

<p>You might also consider making an appointment with your financial aid office. Worth checking into whether some additional aid may be available to you.</p>

3

<p>there is a thread on CC about the University of chicago not necessarily being the best place for a pre-professional student. I know that the life of the mind thing is cool, but as I told my son, also a freshman at UChicago, pay attention to your GPA and game the system a bit by taking 3 courses when you have a rough quarter with demanding courses. Search out the thread, it may help you in your decision. Eevn with a 3.4 from UC and decent LSATs you should be fine.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the advice guys! It looks like I will be staying at Chicago at least through second year. God willinly, my financial situation will not cause me to transfer.</p>