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How I’m Preparing For Law School Applications As a UCLA Transfer Student

prelawtransfersoci

Updated: Jan 29


My name is Jennifer Ulloa De La Torre and I’m the Networking Director for UCLA’s Pre-Law Transfer Society. I’m a third year political science student who transferred from De Anza College in Cupertino, California. I’m planning to attend law school (hopefully Stanford!) straight after undergrad, so I wanted to share how I was preparing for application season! 


  1. GPA: I’m being very intentional with maintaining a high GPA as much as possible. Since you’re only allowed to take 3 classes your first quarter, I enrolled in 4 classes for winter (2 of them related to my major); and, plan to maintain a rigorous course load throughout these two years. I aimed for a balance within my course load, taking a notoriously academically rigorous course, a course related to my passion,  2 light-hearted electives. GPA is important when applying to law school, and I don’t want my GPA to be a factor I worry about later on!


  2. LSAT: Paired up with GPA, I’m really focusing on LSAT scores as well. I took a diagnostic full-length LSAT test in September to know where I landed on the scale and to get a feel of how the exam is. I was happy with my diagnostic score, so I chose to focus on my academics for the fall quarter, but with LSAT exams approaching in a few months, LSAT studying begins now! I’m currently working on an LSAT study schedule, and my goal is to study Monday through Friday, and taking a reading comprehension/logical reasoning section of the exam on the weekend. As a transfer, it can sometimes feel that you’re currently transferring! From high school to community college to undergraduate to law school, it’s a lot of mental stress. That’s why I’ve made sure to reach out and maximize the resources UCLA offers (especially for low-income first-generation students!), and I’ve attended free LSAT study sessions that pre-law clubs host. 


  3. Extracurriculars: Outside of my classes, I’ve strived to involve myself in UCLA social and professional development life. I recommend finding a balance of extracurriculars that put you in leadership positions, but also light-hearted events where you can meet fellow students and build strong friendships. “It’s not what you know, but who you know” way of thinking will get you very far in networking! I’ve taken on leadership roles on campus like Networking Director for UCLA’s Pre-Law Transfer Society, Undergraduate Council member for UCLA’s Academic Senate, and External Affairs Director for the Transfer Student Representative office in student government. I’m now on the search for an opening at an off-campus non-profit organization, local government internship, or a legal assistant position at a law firm. 


  4. Professors: As transfers, finding and building meaningful connections with professors for letters of recommendation may sound like a daunting task! I’ve made sure to take classes I’m passionate about to be able to actively participate in class, show up to office hours, and keep in contact with some professors. My extracurricular choices have also put me in close proximity to faculty members! If you’re not having any luck with your professors, I recommend enrolling in a program and/or extracurricular that will allow you to meet other faculty.


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