Non-Legal Career Paths For Law Grads

How To Get Accepted Into Law School As A Transfer

A degree from a top-tier law school can mean a high salary and therefore an excellent return on investment.
Yet at most top law schools acceptance rates are less than 15%. For many students who have failed to gain acceptance to a top-tier law school on their first attempt, the next option is to transfer.
Julie Ketover, a contributor at U.S. News, recently published a Q&A piece for law students interested in transferring.
Interview skills are key
According to Ketover, an interview can serve as an opportunity to demonstrate strong oral advocacy skills — an important trait for lawyers.
“In many cases, the interview offer suggests that you are in a group of applicants about which the admissions committee wants to learn more before making a final decision,” Ketover writes. “Delivering a strong interview will go a long way toward getting the offer letter.”
Ketover advises applicants to accept interview invitations and further stresses the importance of researching the interview process for specific schools prior to an interview.
“Make sure to clarify all logistics; learn about your interviewers, if possible; review any frequently asked questions provided on the school’s website; and learn as much as you can about the school itself, including unique programs of interest, especially if the school is at the top of your list,” Ketover writes.
Shawn P. O’Connor, another contributor at U.S. News, says that while it’s important to prepare for interviews, it can be detrimental to over-prepare and come off as “scripted” during an interview.
“As you can imagine, this can be a turnoff to an interviewer, who wants to learn more about the real you rather than a rehearsed you,” O’Connor writes in a U.S. News piece. “While it is important to brainstorm key aspects of yourself you wish to get across to the interviewer, think of them more as bullet points than an essay. This will allow you to speak freely and authentically while sounding organized and coherent.”
Taking advantage of opportunities during 1L year
If you haven’t gotten into your dream law school, Ketover stresses the importance of putting in extra work during your first year.
The best way to maximize your opportunities as a 1L, Ketover says, is to engage with the curriculum and build relationships with staff and professors.
“Your 1L grades will be critical if you wish to transfer to a higher-ranked law school,” Ketover writes. “If you are looking to transfer to a T14 school, for example, superior grades and a top class ranking are musts. The better you do in your 1L year, the more ambitious you can be in your transfer strategy.”
Building relationships with staff and professors can be beneficial when it comes to applying as a transfer, Ketover adds.
“You will likely derive greater satisfaction from your classes if you develop these personal relationships, and you may learn more about the subject from one-on-one conversations,” Ketover writes. “Plus, having these connections will increase your chances of getting a compelling letter of recommendation in support of a transfer application.”
Sources: U.S. News, U.S. News

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