Each year, the law school considers applications from J.D. students at other law schools who request to transfer for their second and third years of legal studies. The Vanderbilt J.D. program is full-time only; we have no part-time or evening programs.
Early Action applications must be completed by May 15. Regular Decision applications must be submitted by July 1.
It is recommended that transfer applicants apply as early as possible in order to ensure participation in our complete on- and off-campus interview process/offerings. Depending on the date of application completion and admission, an incoming student may not be able to participate in OCI.
We will consider Early Action applications from students who have completed the first semester of study in an ABA-approved JD program. Early Action decisions are made on a rolling basis beginning in early March. Early Action applications may be accepted, denied, or deferred to the Transfer Regular Decision process. Deferred Early action applications will be considered under Regular Decision upon receipt of a law school transcript containing final grades obtained during the full first year of law school.
All Early Action offers of admission are contingent upon receipt of a final first-year transcript showing second-semester performance consistent with the level achieved during the first semester Accordingly, each admitted applicant is required to submit an official transcript containing final grades for the full first year of law school to the Admissions Office for approval and confirmation of admission. If approved, you will be required to submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit by a deadline provided with your confirmation of admission. By late June, all entering transfer students must provide a binding statement of intent to enroll at Vanderbilt, affirming withdrawal of all transfer applications to other law schools as a requirement for participating in on-campus employment interviews.
Transfer Regular Decision applications may be submitted through July 1. Admission decisions are made as soon as possible after completion of each file, including receipt of a law school transcript containing final grades obtained during the full first year of law school.
If you are admitted as a transfer under regular decision, you will be required to submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit by a deadline provided with your offer of admission.
We are committed to providing a thorough evaluation to each application, and the admissions process reflects our belief that the quality of the educational environment benefits from considering a range of information about individual applicants. First-year law school performance is particularly important in the transfer process.
The following items must be submitted to complete your electronic application:
APPLY:
| Vanderbilt J.D. Transfer Application |
J.D. students at other ABA-approved law schools may apply for visiting student status by submitting the same materials required for transfer applicants except an LSAC CAS report. Please provide a transcript from your law school showing grades for all academic work you have completed. Visiting students may not apply online, however, and must obtain forms and instructions by contacting the Admissions Office
Visiting student applications must be submitted by August 1 for the Fall semester and by December 1 for the Spring semester.
Questions? Contact the Admissions Office
615-322-6452 | admissions@law.vanderbilt.edu
