Transfer Applicant
RWU Law welcomes applications from transfer students. Transfer students are able to take advantage of our Clinical Guarantee and affordable tuition, while utilizing both of our campuses in Bristol and Providence.
What we look for
The Admissions Committee reviews applications holistically in making admissions decisions.
The applicant's undergraduate grade point average (UGPA), previous law school academic performance, and the LSAT score are important factors in determining admission to the School of Law, in addition to the other required application components including: the personal statement, resume, letter(s) of recommendation, optional diversity statement, and any addenda submitted with the application.
Also considered are other factors that indicate an ability to successfully complete the requirements for a Juris Doctor degree including: graduate degree, work experience, involvement in undergraduate extracurricular activities, rigor of undergraduate courses, community involvement, life experiences and other appropriate considerations. Each application is reviewed on an individual basis.
Prospective transfer students can submit an application to begin in the spring, summer, or fall terms. Applicants are notified promptly by U.S. mail when a decision has been reached. Applicants improve opportunities for favorable decisions and scholarship consideration by applying early.
A maximum of forty-five (45) credits will be accepted for credit toward the Roger Williams University School of Law Juris Doctor degree earned at a AALS member school. A maximum of thirty (30) credits will be accepted for credit towards the law degree earned at a non-AALS member school. Transfer credits from a law school that is not accredited by the ABA will be given only in the following limited circumstances: (a) the unaccredited law school has been granted the power to confer the J.D. degree by the appropriate governmental authority in the unaccredited law school’s jurisdiction, or if graduates of the unaccredited law school are permitted to sit for the bar examination in the jurisdiction in which the unaccredited law school is located, and (b) the courses were undertaken as a J.D. degree student and they satisfy RWU’s requirements for granting credit toward satisfaction of the J.D. degree. Transfer credit is only given for law school work completed with a grade of C+ or better. After acceptance, the applicant must arrange for a meeting with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. Upon review of the certified transcript, transfer students will be advised of required courses that must be completed.
Roger Williams University School of Law is committed to establishing a diverse student population and encourages members of minority groups, women and other traditionally under-represented groups in the legal profession to apply for admission.
Application Components
A Completed School of Law Application
Students apply to the School of Law by submitting an electronic application through the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
Apply Now - Transfer Application
Certified Transcript from prior law school
A certified transcript with two semesters/trimesters from any prior law school must be submitted with your CAS report. Alternatively, your prior law school(s) can mail your transcript directly to the Office of Admissions at 10 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809. Applications for transfer prior to completion of at least two semesters/trimesters will be considered only with the advance approval of the Assistant Dean of Admissions.
Letter of Good Standing from prior law school
Please arrange for a letter of good standing to be mailed to the Office of Admissions at 10 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809. If you cannot obtain a letter of good standing due to academic disqualification, please arrange for a letter of standing to be sent indicating you did not have any character and fitness or student conduct violations at your prior law school.
CAS Registration
Applicants are required to register with the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) or provide a copy of the CAS report which is on file with the current law school.
The CAS report includes the LSAT score(s) and transcripts from all the undergraduate and graduate schools attended. The RWU Law code number is 3081.
To register for the LSAT and CAS, please contact: Law Services, P.O. Box 2000, Newtown, PA 18930-0998. Telephone (215) 968-1001 or online at www.lsac.org.
Applicants who received their undergraduate degree outside the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada should review the requirements for International Student Applicants.
LSAT Score
Each applicant must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which is administered by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
Additional information on the LSAT – including test dates, test locations, sample tests, and online registration – is available from the Law School Admission Council at www.lsac.org.
Personal Statement
The Admissions Committee attaches significant value to statements made in this supplement, which should not exceed three (3) pages and should address:
a. Why do you want to pursue the study of law?
b. What educational, employment, or family experiences would be relevant to your application?
c. What unique factors in your background would enrich the RWU Law classroom experience?
The personal statement will be uploaded as an attachment through the LSAC application.
Letter(s) of Recommendation
One letter of recommendation is required to complete your application. The School of Law welcomes and reads additional letters. Letters must be submitted directly to the LSAC and will be forwarded to the School of Law via the CAS Report. If you have been enrolled in an academic program within the last three years, the School of Law prefers at least one academic recommendation.
Positive and meaningful recommendations concerning your analytical skills, communication, and writing abilities often prove helpful in the Committee's decision making. Therefore, the School of Law advises the submission of letters of recommendation from college professors who can attest to your ability to enter a competitive professional program. If you have been out of school for some time, letters from a supervisor or co-worker can be helpful.
The School of Law requires that letters be submitted through the LSAC Letter of Recommendation Service that serves all member schools. This service is included in the CAS Registration Subscription. Letters will be copied and sent to the Office of Admissions along with your CAS Report.
Resume
Submit a resume that outlines your academic and professional experience. The resume will be uploaded as an attachment through the LSAC application.
Mission Statement Essay (Optional)
You may submit an optional mission statement essay. The School of Law seeks to admit a class of varying backgrounds and experiences. In our judgment, exposure to widely diverse people, ideas, cultures, and viewpoints help prepare students to develop the skills and sensitivity necessary to succeed in today's classroom environment.
Character & Fitness
In addition to a bar examination, there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar in every U.S. jurisdiction. Applicants are encouraged to determine the requirements for any jurisdiction in which they intend to seek admission by contacting the jurisdiction. Addresses for all relevant agencies are available through the National Bar Conference of Bar Examiners.
Deadlines
The transfer application deadlines are as follows:
Spring Admission- December 15
Summer Admission- March 15
Fall Admission- July 1
Financial Aid
RWU Law believes that every qualified person should have access to a legal education regardless of financial status. The Financial Aid Office provides information about and access to a variety of funding sources to supplement each student’s available funds and any merit-based scholarships awarded at the time of admission. Major sources of funds include the Federal Government, private loan providers, and private foundations.
Financial aid is available for the full cost of attendance, including both direct costs (tuition, books, fees, and supplies) and indirect costs (housing, utilities, food, transportation, loan fees, etc.) of attending law school.
Additional information about financial aid may be found at:
Application Status
Log in to Applicant Status Online
Thank you for applying to Roger Williams University School of Law! We hope that you will monitor your application status using the Applicant Status Online (ASO) feature as your ASO will be updated promptly as any status changes occur.
You will receive an initial email from the Office of Admissions to confirm receipt of your application, which will include your username and password for ASO. If you do not receive this email, please contact the Office of Admissions at (401) 254-4555 or at admissions@rwu.edu for assistance.
Be sure to add @rwu.edu to your list of accepted email addresses to ensure that you receive all communications regarding your application.