J.D. Program

Transfer & Visiting Students

Vanderbilt Law School welcomes transfer applications for currently enrolled first-year students who have demonstrated superior academic excellence. Each year, we admit a handful of exceptional transfer applicants and visiting students to join our community.

Transfer & Visiting Students
Section Contents

Transfer Applicants

Each year, the law school considers applications from J.D. students at other ABA-approved 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.

Transfer FAQs:

  • How many credit hours transfer to Vanderbilt Law?

    If admitted, transfer students may transfer up to 30 credit hours. Courses satisfactorily completed at the other school are usually accepted, even when the number of credits for a particular course differs from the number of credits for the same course at Vanderbilt.

  • How are transfer grades recorded?

    Transfer grades are recorded as “Pass” grades, not as the numerical or letter grades originally awarded, and they are not included in the cumulative grade point average.

  • What are the semester requirements for transfers?

    Transfer students are required to complete 4 full-time semesters at Vanderbilt to receive a J.D. degree.

  • Can transfer students participate in journals?

    Transfer students may participate in the student journal selections if they enroll prior to the start of the competition.

  • Can transfers participate in Order of the Coif?

    Because Vanderbilt accepts transfer credits but not grades, it is unlikely a transfer student can meet the 75% rule to qualify for Order of the Coif.

  • Are transfer students eligible for dual degree programs?

    Although transfer students are not eligible for joint-degree programs, they may apply to the Ph.D. in Law and Economics program as second-year J.D. students at Vanderbilt.

  • What financial assistance is available for transfer students?

    Transfer students are not provided Vanderbilt Law School merit- or need-based scholarship assistance. Federal loans are available; complete the FAFSA listing Vanderbilt's Title IV code 003535, and you may be interested in exploring external scholarships.

Dates & Deadlines for Transfer Applications

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 on-campus interviews.

Transfer Early Action: Application opens February 15

Priority Early Action Application Deadline: April 15

Applicants who apply between February 15 and April 15 will have the opportunity to participate in the Early Interview Program and the Virtual Interview Program (formally On-Campus Interview Program) should they be admitted and deposited before the bidding deadline.

Early Action Deadline: May 1

We will consider Early Action applications from students who have completed the first semester of study in an ABA-approved J.D. 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.

You will be required to submit a $1,000 non-refundable deposit by a deadline provided with your contingent admissions offer in order to participate in any Career Services interview programs.

Transfer Regular Decision: Apply by July 1

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.

Required Transfer Application Materials

We are committed to providing a thorough evaluation of 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:

  • Application Form

    Complete your LSAC Application Form as instructed and attach your résumé and personal statement.

  • Credential Assembly Service (CAS) report

    You must register with LSAC for CAS at LSAC.org. Your CAS report will include your LSAT score(s) (if applicable), LSAT writing sample, letters of recommendation, photocopies of your academic transcripts, and a transcript analysis.

  • Two Letters of Recommendation

    Letters should be from people who have worked closely with you and who know you well. One letter must be from a faculty member at your current law school. Letters from faculty members who have taught you tend to provide information most relevant to you as a law student and most helpful to readers of your application. Faculty members who have served as your advisors, research supervisors, or have taught you in more than one course are often good choices. Letters from employers who know you well can also provide helpful and relevant information for your application. Letters of recommendation should be submitted through CAS.

  • Law School Dean's Letter

    Transfer applicants must provide a law school dean's letter indicating good standing. The letter should be submitted directly to the Admissions Office.

  • Transcripts

    Original official law school transcripts must be submitted through CAS.

  • A $70 application fee

    The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online by credit card.

Visiting Students

J.D. students at other ABA-approved law schools may apply through LSAC for visiting student status during their third academic year of law school by submitting the same materials required for transfer applicants.

Students who visit Vanderbilt Law School for a semester or a year are required to pay Vanderbilt Law tuition at the prevailing full-time JD program annual tuition rate. All students pay one-half the yearly tuition rate per semester and must enroll in at least 10 credit hours per semester. Please note that Vanderbilt does not offer a part-time or evening academic program or a per credit tuition rate.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall Only

    August 1

  • Fall/Spring

    August 1

  • Spring Only

    December 1