Apply for Admission as a Transfer Student

Requirements for Admission:

1. Your current law school must be approved by the American Bar Association or be a member of the American Association of Law Schools.
2. You must be in good standing and have successfully completed 26 semester hours at your current law school.

Additional Information:

• If you applied to William & Mary Law during the past year, then we should have your application materials on file. Additional items needed include a letter of recommendation from a current law professor, an updated LSDAS report showing your conferred degree, a new personal statement, a letter of good standing, and the application fee.
• Generally, students should rank in the upper third of their class to be considered for transfer admission.
• The number of credits transferred from your previous law school to William & Mary may vary, depending on an individual evaluation of the courses compared to the William & Mary curriculum.
• Scholarships funded by the Law School are generally not available to transfer students. Transfer students are urged to explore scholarships from other sources as well as loans if they need financial assistance.

The Transition:

We hope to make your transition as easy as possible. Transfer students are encouraged to participate in Moot Court, Trial Teams, journal competitions, and other organizations on campus. Getting involved will make you feel more at home at William & Mary.

Deadlines:

We will accept transfer applications between April 1, 2010 and July 1, 2010 for enrollment in August 2010. Students generally receive admission decisions in July and early August.

Steps for Applying:

(1) Complete the Application
Applicants may use one of the following methods to submit their application by July 1, 2010:
• LSDAS Electronic Application or single school e-application; or
• Download the application from the William & Mary Law School website.

(2) Submit the Application Fee
Submit a nonrefundable $50 (U.S. dollars) application fee with the application by July 1, 2010. If applying by mail, include a check or money order payable to the College of William & Mary. If applying electronically, make a credit or debit card payment through LSAC.

(3) Submit a Personal Statement and Optional Essay
Submit a personal statement including your reason(s) for seeking transfer to William & Mary Law School (Question 33) and, if you choose, an optional essay (Question 34).

(4) Submit Letters of Recommendation
Submit at least two letters of recommendation by July 1, 2010. One letter should be from a faculty member of your current law school. You may submit letters of recommendation with your application, use the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service or the recommenders may send their letter directly to William & Mary Law School, Admission Office, P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795.

(5) Submit Letter of Good Standing
Submit a letter of good standing from the dean of your law school, written after grades for the last semester have been posted, stating that you are in good academic standing and unconditionally eligible to return.

(6) Send LSAT Report and Academic Transcripts
Make arrangements to have a copy of your LSAT score and all undergraduate, graduate and law school transcripts sent to William & Mary Law School. The Credential Assembly Service (LSDAS) subscription fee is valid for five years and individuals can update their file and request a new LSDAS report without re-registering for the LSDAS service. Transfer applicants must request updated transcripts with spring semester grades and, if available, class rank. Official transcripts will be required for matriculation.

(7) Apply for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges
Applicants claiming entitlement to in-state status must complete the Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges and mail to the Office of the University Registrar as printed on the form. For more information, visit the University Registrar's website.

Checklist:

1. Completed application form;
2. $50 nonrefundable application fee payable to the College of William & Mary or paid by credit or debit card to LSAC;
3. Personal statements(s) including reasons for seeking transfer;
4. Two letters of recommendation (one from a law professor);
5. Letter of good standing from the law school attended;
6. LSAT score report sent by LSAC or a copy of an official LSAT score report sent directly from the law school attended;
7. Transcripts of all undergraduate, graduate and law school courses with final grades  (official transcripts will be required for matriculation); and
8. Application for Virginia In-State Tuition Privileges if you claim Virginia domicile for tuition purposes.