This post is geared toward current 1Ls thinking about applying to other schools for their 2L year, but it is also a good thing for 0Ls to keep in mind as they choose where to attend this year.
Here is a very detailed analysis by one person who transferred from Loyola-LA to Boalt – it has a lot of details but I haven’t checked these facts so read it with a grain of salt.
Previous Posts About Transferring:
Here are previous posts of mine on the subject of transferring law schools; I’ve personally responded to hundreds of comments on these posts, so be sure to read through them to see if your question is answered!
Thinking About Transferring as a 2L?:
The Empirical Legal Studies blog offers some great insights into what law schools are thinking when it comes to transfers.
A great option: Applying as a Transfer Student:
I go through some of my best success stories about transferring. Be sure to check out the 177 comments!
More on Transferring Law Schools: The Bluebook Legal blog breaks down the transfer student information. (Beware law school policies discouraging transfers!)
If you’re planning to apply to transfer after your 1L year and you’re looking for help, pleaseĀ contact me. I offer a special Transfer Student version of my “Works” package.
690 Responses
Hey, this was helpful information. You should also check out Law Riot!
Dear Ann,
I was wondering if you could give me advice about a big question I am facing. I would like to get into Georgetown because of their program. (I am particularly interested in international human rights.) However, I made the decision to go to law school a little late in the application season and took the Feb. LSAT. I scored way below what my practice tests were consistently at and wasn’t able to get into Georgetown for the Fall. I’m registered for the June LSAT and hope to get a score that will qualify me.
I’m 29 and a little reluctant to put law school off for another year. So, I’m considering attending another law school this Fall and transferring into Georgetown if my LSAT score comes back high enough. Do you think this is a wise course of action?
Secondly, if I get a score that puts me in Georgetown range, how much weight would they put on the ranking of the school I attend for my first year when they evaluate my transfer application? Would attending a third tier put me at a much greater advantage than a fourth tier? If I choose a first tier (which would cost more) would that put me at a much greater advantage than a third tier?
Thanks in advance for your help in this crucial question.