Transfer Application FAQs

The evaluation process for transfer students is similar to the process used to evaluate incoming students for admission. We look for well-rounded students with a diversity of perspectives, experiences, backgrounds and ideas who have successfully completed their first year of law school. While standardized test scores (LSAT or GRE) and undergraduate GPAs are not part of the transfer application evaluation process, we do look for students who have done well academically in their first year of law school.

No, your transfer application will be reviewed as a new application. Your previous application materials will still be on file with our office, however you will be required to submit a new personal statement along with the transfer application form.

There is no preferred GPA for transfer students as law schools use differing grading scales. However, competitive transfer applicants typically rank in the the top 20% – 30%  of their class at the end of their 1L year.

We do consider applications from students whose current law school does not provide a class rank, however  we will need something in writing from your current law school verifying that the school does not provide class rank. This information can be included in the letter from your current school (this letter also needs to certify that you have completed the first year, are in good standing and are eligible to continue at your law school).

We will consider a transfer application from a student who has attended a law school which is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) and is a member of the American Association of Law Schools (AALS).

You can use the Online Status Checker to monitor whether these documents were received by Temple Law. A link to the Online Status Checker is contained in the email confirming receipt of your application.

You cannot transfer to Temple Law if you have completed 2 years of law school as a full-time student. Only first-year course work (a maximum of 32 credits) is accepted for purposes of granting advanced standing to transfer applicants. Full-time students who would like to attend Temple Law School for their third year of law school should apply as a visiting student. Visiting students complete their final year of coursework at Temple, but will receive their law degree from their home school.

We typically begin reviewing transfer applications in late June/early July. We will only review applications which are complete and for which we have received a letter of good standing, class rank (if applicable), CAS report, and transcript showing all 1L grades.

Once you have been admitted as a transfer student, you will meet with a representative from the Office of Student Services who will review your 1L transcript with you and notify you as to which courses and credits will transfer to Temple Law. At this meeting, you will also receive guidance on registering for 2L courses. Students admitted as transfers to Temple Law must complete any of the courses of our mandated first-year curriculum which were not completed at their original law school.

Transfer students are not considered for admissions merit scholarships but are considered for endowed scholarships based on academic or law school involvement after their first semester at Temple. Transfer students may be eligible for federal and private loans and work study at any time during their enrollment at Temple Law.

No. Your Temple GPA and class rank will be determined only by your performance at Temple Law.

Yes. Transfer students will be eligible for Order of the Coif and for summa, magna and cum laude honors.

Once you have been admitted and have reserved your seat, the Office of Career Services will work with you to facilitate your participation in the early rounds of OCI.

No. The write-on competition for Temple Law Review and the Temple International and Comparative Law Journal takes place before decisions are made on transfer applications. However, transfer students are welcome to participate in the write-on competition after their 2L year.

Similarly, try-outs for Temple’s National Trial Team and Moot Court Competition Team take place before decisions are made on transfer applications. However, transfer students are welcome to try out for these teams after their 2L year.