Transfer spots are hyper-competitive. All of the T14 schools accept transfers, but the acceptance rate for transfer applicants is ten percent or lower, meaning the school receives 10 or more applications for every available spot. Accepted transfers are typically in the top quintile of their 1L class, if not the top 10 percent, and have a strong 1L academic transcript.
You may not receive funding. While some schools offer scholarship opportunities for transfer students, you shouldn’t count on it. If merit-based scholarships or other funding is important to you, you should speak with the admissions team at your programs of interest to learn the specifics about transfer students’ eligibility for scholarship money.
Schools have varying policies for transfer students and how credits earned from another school can be utilized. As a transfer student, you will still have many opportunities. You will likely be able to find a place on a law review, obtain a research position with a professor, or earn a spot in the top ten percent of the class. But dig into the details before making your final decision.
How to apply:
Some schools offer early decision options and/or rolling admission for transfer applicants. Apply as early as you are able to put together a strong application package.
Requested applicant materials for transfer students are similar to those you submitted initially, with some updates necessary to include your 1L year.
Transfer application
Resume: Updated to include 1L experiences
Personal statement: Updated to include recent growth and meaningful experiences, and a compelling reason for your desired transfer
Letters of recommendation: Updated to include at least one recommendation from a current law professor
Transcripts: Updated to include your 1L academic records
GRE or LSAT test score: Generally, for transfer applicants, standardized test scores hold less weight in admissions decisions than 1L transcripts and performance.
Letter of good standing from your current law school