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Thinking About Transferring to UB School of Law? Here's What You Should Know
Published May 25, 2022
With more than two hundred accredited law schools across the country, the search for the perfect fit is no easy feat for aspiring law students. Sometimes the first year doesn’t turn out how you quite hoped, and it’s time to consider transferring. Many universities, including the University at Buffalo School of Law, are proud to offer transfer opportunities to students finishing up their first year of law school ABA-accredited institutions. We got together with Vice Dean for Admissions, Lindsay Gladney, to get answers to the top asked questions for transfer students.
Q&A with Vice Dean Gladney
Vice Dean of Admissions, Lindsay Gladney
What does the admissions committee look at in a transfer application? How does this differ from a traditional application?
While the transfer Committee considers undergraduate GPA and standardized test score(s), they focus more closely on law school performance, including 1L grades, class rank, writing abilities, and recommendation letters from law faculty. Take each transfer application component seriously!
How can a transfer applicant stand out?
Want to stand out in the transfer application process? Be sure to focus on academics during your 1L year! Since 1L grades are a primary factor in the transfer application process make sure you’re spending adequate time reading and preparing for class. Attend all lectures, sit in front, ask questions, and seek help when needed. You’ll need to acquire at least one letter of recommendation from a law professor so get to know them from day one by engaging in class and taking advantage of office hours.
Tip: Meet with faculty to discuss your transfer plans before requesting a letter of recommendation.
When should I (transfer applicant) apply?
You may apply after you have completed a minimum of 24 law school credits. For most law schools this means waiting until mid-to-late May, after your 1L spring grades are in, to submit your transfer application. Be sure to have all required application materials in by the July 1 transfer deadline.
What are the application requirements?
Transfer applicants must apply through their LSAC.org account after completing 24 or more law school credits. We require an official copy of your law school transcript, a letter of good standing (with class rank) from the appropriate dean at your law school, at least one recommendation letter from a law professor who taught you in a first-year course, an updated resume, and a personal statement addressing your reasons for pursuing transfer admission.
Transfer admissions rates are fairly low universally, what’s the chances a transfer student will be accepted?
While the acceptance rate varies from university to university, our transfer acceptance rate also fluctuates from year to year and is entirely dependent on the strength of our transfer applicant pool. (We do not set transfer quotas or limits.)
Still thinking about the pros and cons of transferring? Check out our blog on 3 Things to Consider Before Transferring Law Schools.
We hope this summative Q&A with Dean Gladney was as interesting to you as it was for us! The transfer process may be different from university to university, but to discover more about the University at Buffalo School of Law’s transfer application process and requirements you may visit our website.
