Transfer Guidelines

The following steps serve as a guide for the transfer process.

1. To apply, please visit our Online Application page for the Transfer Application.
   
2. Transfer students must have completed at least one full academic year of law school by June of the year in which you are seeking the transfer, and the courses must have been completed at an ABA-accredited law school.  We will accept a minimum of 24 hours of credit and a maximum of 30 hours of credit from another law school.
   
3. The transfer application deadline is June 1. Materials supporting your application, including your Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS) report, official law school transcript, report of law school class rank, and a letter of good standing from the dean of your law school should be on file in the College of Law as soon after the deadline as possible. All of these items must be received by the College of Law before your application will be considered.
   
4. Write a statement explaining why you want to transfer from your current law school to the University of Iowa College of Law (please attach separate sheets).
   
5. If you previously applied to the University of Iowa College of Law and your application was submitted within the last four years, you may ask us to review your previously submitted personal statement in lieu of submitting a new personal statement. Otherwise, write and submit a personal statement (limited to two pages) that addresses the following topics: a) Why do you wish to study law?; b) What has been your most significant accomplishment?; c) How would you contribute to our law school community and the legal profession?; and d)Describe any life experiences that would indicate your drive, determination, motivation, or leadership characteristics.
   
6. You must submit letters of recommendation from your current law school that evaluates your work during your first year.
   
7. When evaluating your first year's performance, we primarily look at your law school rank. Most accepted transfer students are within the top 10-15% of the class.
   
8. A non-refundable $60 fee ($85 for international students) is required of all applicants and must accompany your application in order for your request for admission to be considered. Payment should be in the form of a check or money order. Make check payable to "The University of Iowa." Do not send cash.

If you have any further questions, please Contact Us.