Applying to HLS as a Community College Graduate

FAQs

• Am I eligible to apply to HLS having transferred from community college to a four-year institution?

  You can apply to the J.D. program at HLS if you have completed a bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) by the time you expect to enroll. If community college credits transferred towards your bachelor’s degree, great! Rest assured you are eligible to apply to the J.D. program.

• I took community college courses while in high school. Do you need to see those transcripts?

  If the courses you took in high school contributed towards a post-secondary degree, you will need to submit the community college transcript reflecting those grades with your application.

• How does HLS view community college coursework?

  We review community college coursework in the same manner that we review the rest of your academic record. We look closely at the classes you took, how you performed in those courses, and how your GPA developed over time. We will see your community college GPA reported separately on your community college transcript, and we will also see a cumulative GPA that combines your community college GPA with your bachelor’s GPA. Note that the grades you received in the individual courses are of more interest to us than either GPA alone.

  We also understand that many community college students must balance a range of external obligations, whether it’s a full-time job, caring for a family member, or supporting loved ones. Don’t hesitate to make us aware of the full context of your academic record by sharing more in your Written Statements or in an addendum.

   

• I was enrolled in community college for more than two years before transferring to a four-year institution. Will I be disadvantaged in applying?

  Not at all. As noted above, we understand that many community college students must balance a range of external obligations that may impact the timeline in which they are able to complete their studies. Don’t hesitate to make us aware of the full context of your academic record by sharing more in your Written Statements or in an addendum.

• Is it OK to have a community college professor write a letter of recommendation?

  We are always glad to hear from a professor who knows you well and can speak to your academic successes and classroom engagement. One caveat – if it’s been some time since you were enrolled in community college, consider opting for a letter from a professor who knows you from a more recent academic experience.

• What course of study would you recommend for a community college student hoping to apply to HLS after their bachelor’s degree?

  Above all, we would encourage you to prioritize meeting the requirements of your program so you can transfer to a four-year institution to complete your bachelor’s degree. Beyond that, Harvard Law School considers applications from all undergraduate majors. There are no fixed requirements with respect to the content of pre-legal education. We review the nature of a candidate’s college work, as well as the quality of academic performance.

  However, in preparing for law school, a broad college education is usually preferable to one that is narrowly specialized. The Admissions Committee looks for a showing of thorough learning in a field of your choice, such as history, economics, government, philosophy, mathematics, science, literature or the classics (and many others), rather than a concentration in courses taken primarily as vocational training.

• How can a community college student start preparing for the law school application process?

  First, we recommend that you prioritize meeting your immediate educational goals. An important pre-requisite to applying to law school is, of course, first completing your bachelor’s degree.

  Second, embrace opportunities to challenge yourself academically. Law students must read and analyze huge amounts of information, as well as communicate ideas and arguments with precision. If you can, take courses that will allow you to hone your reading and writing skills during your time in community college and beyond.

  Third, don’t discount your experiences and accomplishments in community college. The HLS community benefits from having students with varied backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those that community college students bring.

  Fourth, nurture your passions and reflect on your motivations for law school. Seek opportunities to gain experiences in spaces that energize you, whether it’s taking an elective course on a potential legal interest area, or finding ways to engage with communities or populations you hope to work with as a lawyer. Let your interests and passions guide your decision-making, regardless if that leads you to law school, or down an entirely different path.

• How does HLS view extracurricular involvement (or lack thereof) for community college students?

  We understand many students who attend community college don’t have the flexibility to participate in extracurricular clubs and/or campus activities to the same extent as other applicants. Don’t discount the very real obligations and responsibilities you undertook in place of these extracurricular activities. We are eager to hear from candidates who demonstrate a sustained commitment to supporting themselves, their families, and their communities alongside their studies.

• Is having an associate’s degree helpful for getting into HLS?

  Not necessarily. We know many students are able to transfer community college credits towards a bachelor’s degree with ease due to articulation agreements. We don’t expect or require you to complete your associate’s degree. Plenty of students accrue enough credits to transfer to a four-year institution without formally completing their associate’s degree, and we evaluate those candidates the same way as those who have completed their associate’s degree.