Marks: hannah - ring up
Maggie Liston and ask her what kind of GPA you'll need with your UAI. Your UAI
does count, see
here.
One of my friends was applying as well, so I inquired about marks (my marks were okay enough to get me in). Maggie read me a list of GPA & UAI pairs of people who got in. Unfortunately, I didn't write it down, and I'm not going to hazard a guess about what GPA you'll need with your UAI because 1. it changes every year, and 2. I'm not going to guess.
The thing to note is that it's a balance. If you got a GPA of 3.75 or above, I suspect you'll get a place. Anywhere above 3.5 and you should be 'competitive' for a place, but you're in no way promised it. I also suspect that the written application itself does have weight - my friend got a UAI of 85, had a GPA of 3.9, and had work experience at a barrister's office with me. The barrister (a Senior Counsel) wrote us both references, as well. The thing to note is that she got in with those marks. Whilst a GPA of 3.9 is tough, it's just a reflection of wise subject choices, not overloading on units, and working hard.
Applying internally and externally: You should also apply to transfer externally - ie via UAC. I don't know if it'll give you a better chance, but my attitude is that every little thing may help!
You can not transfer internally straight after your first semester, you have to have completed a full year. I'm not sure about UAC (externally), but you should ring up and find out if you could transfer externally straight after first sem. It's not so much a hassle if you can't, just get all your arts credit points up in the mean time. One year of not doing law is not a bad thing, it won't delay your degree too much. In fact, if you get in via an external transfer (like a student on this forum), it won't delay your degree at all because of the way you can pick up units. Hence I think applying both internally and externally is the way to go - remember that you can reject both the internal and external offer at any time.
Choosing arts units: The last thing to ensure is that you chose arts electives in which you will go well. Yes, it's fun to try new things, but if you want to maximise your chances of getting into law, you need to make sure you have a lot of Distinctions/High Distinctions, and less of everything else. Compare units to what you've done at school. Also, there is no need to overload in first or second semester, you do not need to do more than 3 units a semester. If doing 3 units may ensure that your GPA is high enough to do law, why risk it and do 4 units?
Hope that helps, and it isn't confusing. Things to remember:
1. Ring up Maggie liston and ask about the marks and whether you can apply for a mid-year external transfer,
2. chose units which you are likely to enjoy and do well in,
3. don't do more than three units a semester, because it just gives you a greater chance of having a lower GPA,
4. apply externally and internally,
5. it's quite realistic to get into it with a UAI of 92, if you're willing to work.
Good luck!
[edited for spelling error]
