Duke v. Northwestern Forum

[strokes788]

Mitigating Factors:

1). Will have just turned 22, and on occasion, am still mistaken for a high school senior or junior. Thus the age of the class and having in the 22-25 range is preferred

2). Cost of living is a factor, in that, I don't want to be super in-debt when I graduate and I know big cities tend to have higher COL (went to undergrad in La and can say at least with La the big city big cost assessment is accurate)

3). Biggest preferences for practicing law, from first to last: California (preferably LA/Socal), D.C., New York, Boston, Chicago. Heavily leaning towards California as first priority for future career

4). Aiming for a career in Biglaw

5). Type of environment, i.e. collegial, competitive but not cut-throat, friendly atmosphere, etc.

6). Faculty - both the strength of the faculty and availability to their students

I attended admitted student weekend at Duke, and absolutely loved it, however I also love big cities as well, having lived in and gone to school in them my entire life, and so I could see myself loving Northwestern after visiting as well. If anyone has any thoughts based on the mitigating factors above, I would greatly appreciate any input. Thank you!

[strokes788]

Also, I'd greatly appreciate any perspectives from current students at either school. Thank you!

[scribelaw]

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you a definitive answer. You're getting more $$ from Northwestern, but the COL difference will balance that out somewhat. They are equivalent choices with very similar job opportunities. It's just too close of a call to say one is better.

You might want to check out the OCI list for each and find out about California placement. I bet at both, it will be possible but not exactly a lock to get Cali Biglaw.

[strokes788]

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you a definitive answer. You're getting more $$ from Northwestern, but the COL difference will balance that out somewhat. They are equivalent choices with very similar job opportunities. It's just too close of a call to say one is better.

You might want to check out the OCI list for each and find out about California placement. I bet at both, it will be possible but not exactly a lock to get Cali Biglaw.

Yeah, I think ASW at NW will be the final piece, and give me enough info to definitely choose one or the other (I wish NW didn't move the deposit deadline to April 16th for scholarship recipients. Way more stresssful that way)

[yourdadcalled]

They are two very different-feeling schools. I preferred Duke, but you should check out both schools and see which one you like more. I doubt that one lessens your career opportunities significantly over the other.

[scribelaw]

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you a definitive answer. You're getting more $$ from Northwestern, but the COL difference will balance that out somewhat. They are equivalent choices with very similar job opportunities. It's just too close of a call to say one is better.

You might want to check out the OCI list for each and find out about California placement. I bet at both, it will be possible but not exactly a lock to get Cali Biglaw.

Yeah, I think ASW at NW will be the final piece, and give me enough info to definitely choose one or the other (I wish NW didn't move the deposit deadline to April 16th for scholarship recipients. Way more stresssful that way)

That's awesome that you got an offer from Northwestern! So far, I've gotten stiffed from them.

Bump this thread when you finally decide. I'd be interested to see.

[09042014]

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you a definitive answer. You're getting more $$ from Northwestern, but the COL difference will balance that out somewhat. They are equivalent choices with very similar job opportunities. It's just too close of a call to say one is better.

You might want to check out the OCI list for each and find out about California placement. I bet at both, it will be possible but not exactly a lock to get Cali Biglaw.

Yeah, I think ASW at NW will be the final piece, and give me enough info to definitely choose one or the other (I wish NW didn't move the deposit deadline to April 16th for scholarship recipients. Way more stresssful that way)

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 0&t=113281

Come to the meetup, there will be NU students who will talk you into NU.

[strokes788]

Ah wish I could but unfortunately my flight arrives pretty late Thursday evening so I won't be able to make it. I am leaning pretty far to Duke right now however I want to go into the weekend with an open mind to see if NW has more pros than cons over Duke and sways me in their direction

[strokes788]

I don't think anyone is going to be able to give you a definitive answer. You're getting more $$ from Northwestern, but the COL difference will balance that out somewhat. They are equivalent choices with very similar job opportunities. It's just too close of a call to say one is better.

You might want to check out the OCI list for each and find out about California placement. I bet at both, it will be possible but not exactly a lock to get Cali Biglaw.

Yeah, I think ASW at NW will be the final piece, and give me enough info to definitely choose one or the other (I wish NW didn't move the deposit deadline to April 16th for scholarship recipients. Way more stresssful that way)

That's awesome that you got an offer from Northwestern! So far, I've gotten stiffed from them.

Bump this thread when you finally decide. I'd be interested to see.

And definitely, as soon as I've sent my seat deposit at whichever school I choose to attend, I'll definitely let you know and why I made the decision I end up making

[Dignan]

OP,

The schools are so close in quality, and the overall COA so similar, that this really should come down to which environment you feel more comfortable in. Neither is going to have a significant advantage over the other for a California firm job.

[thecubiclelife]

Mitigating Factors:

1). Will have just turned 22, and on occasion, am still mistaken for a high school senior or junior. Thus the age of the class and having in the 22-25 range is preferred

2). Cost of living is a factor, in that, I don't want to be super in-debt when I graduate and I know big cities tend to have higher COL (went to undergrad in La and can say at least with La the big city big cost assessment is accurate)

3). Biggest preferences for practicing law, from first to last: California (preferably LA/Socal), D.C., New York, Boston, Chicago. Heavily leaning towards California as first priority for future career

4). Aiming for a career in Biglaw

5). Type of environment, i.e. collegial, competitive but not cut-throat, friendly atmosphere, etc.

6). Faculty - both the strength of the faculty and availability to their students

I attended admitted student weekend at Duke, and absolutely loved it, however I also love big cities as well, having lived in and gone to school in them my entire life, and so I could see myself loving Northwestern after visiting as well. If anyone has any thoughts based on the mitigating factors above, I would greatly appreciate any input. Thank you!

Haha, I was just about to post the same poll but I guess you beat me to it. I can't attend the upcoming NU ASW, but let us know how it goes...