Harvard Law School's transfer application typically opens in early May and the deadline is usually in mid-June, giving applicants a very tight timeline compared to regular admissions.
Transfer applicants must have completed no more than one year of full-time study or one-third of the total credits required in a part-time program at an ABA-accredited law school.
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The transfer application requires a non-refundable $85 fee, payable directly to Harvard Law School, rather than through the LSAC.
While LSAT scores are usually crucial for first-time law school applicants, they are not as heavily weighted for transfer students, who are evaluated more on their 1L academic performance.
Harvard Law prioritizes transfer applicants who demonstrate strong academic achievement, typically with a 1L GPA of 3.7 or higher, although the exact cut-off can vary year-to-year.
In addition to the application form and transcripts, transfer applicants must submit a letter of good standing from their current law school.
Harvard Law's transfer class is relatively small, with only around 30-50 students admitted each year out of a typical applicant pool of 200-300.
Gaining insights from Harvard Law alumni or current students can be extremely valuable for transfer applicants to understand the school's culture and expectations.
While the transfer application timeline is compressed, admitted students are eligible for the same on-campus recruiting opportunities as their 2L and 3L peers.
Harvard Law has a need-blind transfer admission policy, meaning financial aid considerations do not impact admissions decisions.
Transfer students come to Harvard Law from a diverse array of backgrounds, including over 20 different languages represented among recent cohorts.
Successful Harvard Law transfer applicants often have prior work experience, internships, or involvement in relevant extracurricular activities that complement their strong academic records.
The transfer application process at Harvard Law is highly competitive, with acceptance rates typically ranging from 15-25% in recent years.
Once enrolled, Harvard Law transfer students are fully integrated into the 2L class, participating in the same courses, organizations, and recruiting activities.
Harvard Law provides a variety of academic and professional resources to support transfer students as they transition into the school's rigorous curriculum and community.
While the transfer timeline is accelerated, Harvard Law encourages applicants to take the time to thoughtfully reflect on their motivations and fit for the school in their personal statements.
The small size of the transfer class means admitted students often develop close-knit connections with their new classmates and the broader Harvard Law community.
Transferring to Harvard Law can provide students with unparalleled opportunities for advanced legal training, prestigious internships, and high-profile job placements upon graduation.
Harvard Law's commitment to public service is reflected in the transfer admission process, which aims to identify students who will contribute to the school's tradition of community engagement and social impact.