Anaya Nolan
Aspiring law students often don't get into their desired law schools, and many consider transferring after their first year. The law school transfer market is shrinking, and the number of successful transfer applicants has declined over the past decade.
Transferring to a higher-ranked school is a common reason for switching law schools. However, it's important to note that top-tier schools are extremely difficult to transfer into, and applicants with exceptional grades are usually considered.
If you're thinking about transferring law schools, it's crucial to start preparing early. Achieving a high GPA in your first year of law school is essential, as law schools typically weigh 1L grades most heavily when evaluating transfer applicants.
In addition to academic records, transfer applications may require letters of recommendation, personal statements, resumes, and undergraduate and law school transcripts.
The application process for transferring law schools typically occurs between May and June, with admissions decisions made soon after.
Before deciding to transfer, it's important to carefully consider the opportunities and resources offered by both your current and prospective law schools, as well as the potential disruptions and challenges that may arise from transferring.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application timeline | Applications open in the spring, and close in early summer. |
| Application requirements | Personal statement, resume, letters of recommendation, undergraduate and law school transcripts, LSAT and/or GRE scores, letter of good standing, application fee. |
| Application evaluation | Admissions committees weigh law school grades and performance most heavily, followed by LSAT scores and undergraduate transcripts. |
| Transfer timeline | Students typically transfer after their first year of law school, applying in late spring or early summer to begin a new school in the fall. |
| Transfer reasons | Transferring to a higher-ranked school, more career opportunities, specific career focus, financial aid, location change, better fit with campus environment. |
| Transfer challenges | High expectations for grades, loss of goodwill and connections, disruption to activities and extracurriculars, reduced bargaining power for financial aid. |
What You'll Learn
Application deadlines
Georgetown Law has a two-round application process for fall 2024 admission. Round 1 has a rolling deadline, with the final date for applications being May 1, 2024. Round 2 also has a rolling deadline, with a final deadline of June 17, 2024.
Stanford Law School had a deadline of June 1, 2024, for fall 2024 transfer admission.
It is worth noting that early decision or early action deadlines for transfer applications may differ from regular decision deadlines. For example, Georgetown Law School accepts early action transfer applications by March 15.
The application process for law school transfers usually happens very quickly between May and June, with an admissions decision soon after. Therefore, it is recommended to prepare applications well in advance of the deadlines.
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Transfer requirements
Transferring to a different law school is a viable option for students who are unhappy with their current school or believe they could have gotten into a better one. However, it's important to note that transferring can be challenging and disruptive, and the overall law school transfer market is shrinking.
Most students transfer after their first year of law school, typically applying around the conclusion of their first year or during their second year, to begin a new school in the fall. The application process is usually very quick, taking place between May and June, with admissions decisions soon after.
Academic Performance:
Law schools generally place the most weight on 1L law school grades when evaluating transfer applicants. Strong academic performance in the first year, including high grades and class ranking, can compensate for lackluster credentials in other areas, such as low LSAT scores.
Target Schools:
When considering transfer options, it's important to research the median GPAs of prospective schools and target those with similar or slightly higher median GPAs. The higher the ranking of the school, the higher your grades and class rank should be.
Application Materials:
A transfer application is similar to an initial law school application but with a few key differences. Here are some common requirements:
- Application Form and Fee: Most schools require an online application and a non-refundable application fee, typically around $85.
- Personal Statement: This should include your reasons for transferring, background, and goals.
- Resume: A one-to-two-page resume describing your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, professional experiences, and any honours or awards.
- Letters of Recommendation: Typically, one or two letters are required, preferably from law school professors or faculty members.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from your current law school, including full first-year grades and class standing.
- Standardized Test Scores: Some schools may require LSAT and/or GRE scores, usually from tests taken within a specific time frame.
School-Specific Requirements:
Each law school may have unique requirements for transfer applicants. For example, Stanford Law School requires applicants to have completed their previous law study at a school that is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Additionally, they only accept transfer applicants to the extent that vacancies exist in the second-year class.
It is important to carefully review the specific requirements, deadlines, and application processes for each school you are considering for transfer.
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Application components
The application components for law school transfers are similar to those of the original application process. However, there are some key differences and additional requirements to be aware of:
Personal Statement
The personal statement is a crucial part of the transfer application. It should describe important aspects of yourself that are not apparent in other parts of your application and provide your reasons for wishing to transfer. This statement should be approximately two pages in length and submitted electronically. It is your opportunity to explain your motivations for transferring and showcase your unique experiences and qualifications.
Academic Records and Transcripts
Most law schools will require you to submit transcripts from your undergraduate programme and your first year of law school (1L year). The admissions committee will evaluate your academic performance and may have specific grade point average (GPA) requirements. For highly competitive schools, a perfect or near-perfect GPA may be expected. Your law school grades will be weighed more heavily than your undergraduate GPA.
Standardised Test Scores
Standardised test scores, such as the LSAT and/or GRE, are typically required for transfer applications. Make sure to check the specific requirements of your desired law school, as some may only accept certain tests or have cut-off dates for when the tests were taken. For example, Stanford Law School requires applicants to have taken the LSAT and/or GRE no later than June 2023.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are an important component of your transfer application. Most law schools will require at least two letters, one of which must be from a law professor at your current law school. It is important to build close connections with your professors, even if you are planning to transfer. Don't be afraid to ask for a letter of recommendation, as professors want their students to be in the best learning environment for them.
Resume or CV
A resume or CV detailing your academic, extracurricular, and professional activities is usually required. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience gained during your time at your current law school, such as clinic work or moot courts. It is important to stand out, so try to make your resume as impressive as possible.
Application Fee
Many law schools charge a non-refundable application fee, which must be submitted with your application. For example, Stanford Law School's application fee is $85. If you are unable to pay the fee, some schools may offer a fee waiver, so be sure to review the instructions and submit any necessary forms.
Additional Requirements
Depending on the law school, there may be additional requirements, such as a college or dean's certificate, which provides information about any academic or behavioural disciplinary actions. Some schools may also require a letter of good standing from your current law school. Always review the specific requirements of your desired law school to ensure you have all the necessary components of your application.
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Transferring to a higher-ranked school
Application Timeline
Transfer applications are typically due between late spring and early summer, with admissions decisions made soon after. For instance, Harvard Law School's transfer application deadline is usually in mid-June, with notifications sent out in early July.
Academic Requirements
To be considered for transfer, students must have completed one full year of law study, typically with excellent grades. The higher the ranking of the target school, the better the grades required. For instance, Stanford University transfer students have a median GPA of 4.0 in their first year.
Application Components
The transfer application components are similar to the initial law school application. However, instead of a personal statement, students usually write a statement of interest in transferring. The focus of the admissions committee is on understanding the student's motivations for transferring.
Letters of Recommendation
Obtaining letters of recommendation, particularly from law professors, can be challenging soon after starting law school. It is advisable to get to know professors by attending office hours and discussing their interests and experiences.
Test Scores
While test scores like the LSAT are still required for transfer applications, they are generally less important than law school grades.
Other Considerations
Students should carefully research their desired school's transfer policies and requirements. Additionally, they should consider the opportunities and resources offered by their current and prospective schools to ensure the transfer is a true upgrade.
While transferring to a higher-ranked law school is challenging, it is achievable with careful planning, excellent academic performance, and a strong application.
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Reasons for transferring
Higher-Ranked or More Prestigious School
The most common reason for transferring is the desire to move to a higher-ranked or more prestigious law school. This can be challenging, as more competitive schools are harder to get into, and applicants may be disappointed unless they have exceptional grades.
Specific Career Focus
Some students may discover a specific area of interest, such as election or international law, and find that their current school does not have a strong program or the necessary faculty support in that field.
Financial Aid
Transferring can be a way to secure more financial aid. A new school may offer a better aid package and the opportunity to negotiate new terms. However, transfer students may have less bargaining power over their aid package, and it is advisable to first discuss financial options with the current school.
Location Change
A change in personal circumstances may prompt a transfer. For example, a student may need to move to a different location to be with family or a partner, as in the case of Justice Ginsburg, who transferred from Harvard to Columbia to live with her husband in New York.
Better Fit or Improved Opportunities
Students may feel that they would be better suited to a different campus environment, preferring a smaller or larger school. Additionally, they may seek a school that provides more career opportunities, such as access to top-tier law firms for internships and future employment.
Academic Performance
Students who perform exceptionally well in their first year may consider transferring to a more prestigious school or a program that better aligns with their academic strengths. Conversely, those who struggle with their grades may seek a fresh start at a different institution, especially if they feel their current school does not adequately support their academic needs.
Dream School
Transferring provides an opportunity to reapply to a "dream school" that initially rejected the applicant or was out of reach due to previous academic performance.
Employment Prospects
The employment outlook of a law school is an essential consideration. Students should research and compare the job prospects of their intended transfer school with those of their current institution.
Personal Circumstances
While not an exhaustive reason for transferring, personal circumstances can play a role in the decision. For example, a student may wish to transfer because they don't like a particular professor or the campus events at their current school. However, these reasons should be carefully evaluated, as they may not justify the challenges and disruptions of transferring.
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Frequently asked questions
Law schools differ in their transfer application deadlines. If you have a law school in mind, you should explore the deadlines posted on their admissions page.
The requirements vary by school. For example, Yale Law School requires applicants to be enrolled in the first year of law school, while Harvard Law School requires applicants to have completed one year of full-time study in a J.D. program. Most schools require applicants to have a high GPA and impressive law school grades.
The materials required for transfer applications are similar to those required for regular law school applications. In addition to an application form and application fee, you will need to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a dean's appraisal or certification.
There are several reasons why someone might want to transfer law schools. They may be seeking a more highly ranked or prestigious school, a specific career focus that their current school doesn't offer, more financial aid, or a location change.
