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GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:33 pm
by nowinGA
Assume I don't have any particular area of preference other than wanting to go to a great school, get a great education, and have a good looking degree on my resume. I currently have some debt from previous grad school. I want to work in a private firm afterward, likely on the east coast (NYC/DC/etc)...(currently only on the SPWL at GULC, but trying to decide what I would do if I get in...GULC is my top choice/dream school if money is no option)......just looking to weigh cost vs. ranking/reputation/education/etc...

Thanks!

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:42 pm
by misspippers
I faced a similar challenge. I received $$$ from WUSTL, $$$ from BU, and I got into GULC with nothing. After A LOT of thinking, I decided on GULC. I decided on GULC, because I felt that for my field (public interest), GULC was the better choice, and that the LRAP would help insure me from the additional debt. You said that you want to work on the East Coast in a firm. As a 0L, I'm not going to pretend that I'm all knowing, but that certainly seems to suggest that BC would be the best choice among the options you currently have. From there, I think it's really a tossup between GULC and BC. However, know that, if you get off the SPWL and decide to follow your dream, even with debt, that there will be others right there with you, myself included.

Congratulations on great options!

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 10:45 pm
by nowinGA
misspippers wrote:I faced a similar challenge. I received $$$ from WUSTL, $$$ from BU, and I got into GULC with nothing. After A LOT of thinking, I decided on GULC. I decided on GULC, because I felt that for my field (public interest), GULC was the better choice, and that the LRAP would help insure me from the additional debt. You said that you want to work on the East Coast in a firm. As a 0L, I'm not going to pretend that I'm all knowing, but that certainly seems to suggest that BC would be the best choice among the options you currently have. From there, I think it's really a tossup between GULC and BC. However, know that, if you get off the SPWL and decide to follow your dream, even with debt, that there will be others right there with you, myself included.

Congratulations on great options!
Thanks. Really, it feels good not to be alone! I deposited at BC and I really like it...but I am in love with GULC. Everything about the campus, the program, the city, etc. (not to mention I have been living in DC for 3 years, that helps.) But the debt is daunting...the new IBR program helps ease the pain...I just want to get too comfortable with it, you know?

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 11:01 pm
by misspippers
nowinGA wrote:
misspippers wrote:I faced a similar challenge. I received $$$ from WUSTL, $$$ from BU, and I got into GULC with nothing. After A LOT of thinking, I decided on GULC. I decided on GULC, because I felt that for my field (public interest), GULC was the better choice, and that the LRAP would help insure me from the additional debt. You said that you want to work on the East Coast in a firm. As a 0L, I'm not going to pretend that I'm all knowing, but that certainly seems to suggest that BC would be the best choice among the options you currently have. From there, I think it's really a tossup between GULC and BC. However, know that, if you get off the SPWL and decide to follow your dream, even with debt, that there will be others right there with you, myself included.

Congratulations on great options!
Thanks. Really, it feels good not to be alone! I deposited at BC and I really like it...but I am in love with GULC. Everything about the campus, the program, the city, etc. (not to mention I have been living in DC for 3 years, that helps.) But the debt is daunting...the new IBR program helps ease the pain...I just want to get too comfortable with it, you know?
Absolutely, I COMPLETELY understand. I agonized over my decision; I spoke to financial planners, I spoke to students at both schools, I talked to my boyfriend and family, I posted a vote on TLS (which ended basically in a tie)... I finally decided that, although BU (and BC) is a GREAT school, that I'd always know that I got into a T14 and turned it down due to debt. It's a real consideration, but I think sometimes you have to follow your dreams and work hard to make it worthwhile.

Fortunately, you're in a win-win situation.

Good luck next year! :D

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Sun Apr 18, 2010 11:31 pm
by DerrickRose
Its tough to say no to T14.

But this is the exact kind of circumstance where you do it.

Tell GULC about your other offers, and if they won't throw you a bone, go to BC.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:04 am
by nowinGA
Thanks all, for your vote! Keep 'em comin'!

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 9:20 am
by imisscollege
I was in the same situation only it was that "do you want to get off the gtown waitlist for part time" email that happened a little while ago where it seemed that they were optimistic about their part time spots but they wanted you to pre-commit. I turned it down for money at BC. I just love the place. So i look forward to seeing you this fall.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 10:07 am
by Informative
I am in the same boat with GULC/BC. If I get into GULC, I'll go. Otherwise, I am probably going to BC. Good luck on your apps!


************************************
Stats: 166/3.8
Acceptances: BC, BU, GW, Fordham, UCLA, UConn
WL: GULC
Denied: Cornell, Chicago

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:42 pm
by nowinGA
bump...I need more votes! ;)

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 2:57 pm
by splinter23x
DerrickRose wrote:Its tough to say no to T14.

But this is the exact kind of circumstance where you do it.

Tell GULC about your other offers, and if they won't throw you a bone, go to BC.
+1. I'd hardly ever advise turning down a T14 but that scholarship from BC is baller. BC is very good in NYC, and since you've lived in DC for 3 years, it'll be easier for you to get a DC job than most BC students. Georgetown is great but BC is too close to Georgetown in quality to give up that scholarship.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 3:04 pm
by nowinGA
splinter23x wrote:
DerrickRose wrote:Its tough to say no to T14.

But this is the exact kind of circumstance where you do it.

Tell GULC about your other offers, and if they won't throw you a bone, go to BC.
+1. I'd hardly ever advise turning down a T14 but that scholarship from BC is baller. BC is very good in NYC, and since you've lived in DC for 3 years, it'll be easier for you to get a DC job than most BC students. Georgetown is great but BC is too close to Georgetown in quality to give up that scholarship.
Yes, this consideration is very real. Thanks for adding your thoughts.

So is there a general consensus that WashU is just not good enough with placement on the east coast? Of course they say they are...and COL there is so low...I hate to pass on that scholly too!

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 7:45 pm
by nowinGA
nowinGA wrote:
splinter23x wrote:
DerrickRose wrote:Its tough to say no to T14.

But this is the exact kind of circumstance where you do it.

Tell GULC about your other offers, and if they won't throw you a bone, go to BC.
+1. I'd hardly ever advise turning down a T14 but that scholarship from BC is baller. BC is very good in NYC, and since you've lived in DC for 3 years, it'll be easier for you to get a DC job than most BC students. Georgetown is great but BC is too close to Georgetown in quality to give up that scholarship.
Yes, this consideration is very real. Thanks for adding your thoughts.

So is there a general consensus that WashU is just not good enough with placement on the east coast? Of course they say they are...and COL there is so low...I hate to pass on that scholly too!
I'll ask again: why so little love for WashU? Purely location? They claim they place pretty well on the east coast.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 7:54 pm
by stratocophic
nowinGA wrote:
nowinGA wrote:
splinter23x wrote:
DerrickRose wrote:Its tough to say no to T14.

But this is the exact kind of circumstance where you do it.

Tell GULC about your other offers, and if they won't throw you a bone, go to BC.
+1. I'd hardly ever advise turning down a T14 but that scholarship from BC is baller. BC is very good in NYC, and since you've lived in DC for 3 years, it'll be easier for you to get a DC job than most BC students. Georgetown is great but BC is too close to Georgetown in quality to give up that scholarship.
Yes, this consideration is very real. Thanks for adding your thoughts.

So is there a general consensus that WashU is just not good enough with placement on the east coast? Of course they say they are...and COL there is so low...I hate to pass on that scholly too!
I'll ask again: why so little love for WashU? Purely location? They claim they place pretty well on the east coast.
3k isn't enough to offset the regional advantage BC possesses.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 8:18 pm
by nowinGA
Right, but the cost of living alone adds to that...1 BR in St. Louis is $600...in Boston, it's $1200...That said, I see them as pretty much equal, with WashU being ranked higher...

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Mon Apr 19, 2010 11:13 pm
by Broncos4Ever
GULC is a no brainer, in my humble opinion. Throughout the course of your career you will likely fare very well financially. Don't turn down the better school for a little extra money.

If GULC is off the table, all things being equal, I would select BC. Boston is a much better legal market than StL and will provide more large firm opportunities. Just my humble opinion.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:01 am
by nowinGA
Broncos4Ever wrote:GULC is a no brainer, in my humble opinion. Throughout the course of your career you will likely fare very well financially. Don't turn down the better school for a little extra money.

If GULC is off the table, all things being equal, I would select BC. Boston is a much better legal market than StL and will provide more large firm opportunities. Just my humble opinion.
I have some of the same thoughts...but is $100K really just a "little" extra money?

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:28 am
by Rock Chalk
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Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:36 am
by ihurtmyselftoday
I was recently in a similar position with $$$ at GWU. I used my scholarship with GWU to negotiate for $ from Georgetown and it worked. I only got about 40% of what GW offered but it was enough to make Georgetown hard to pass up. I would say if you really want to go to Georgetown, you need to start negotiating for some loot.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 9:54 am
by fasttrack226
Almost EXACT same situation. In at Gtown w/ nothing, in at BC with 30k/yr.

I'm trying to get some money out of Gtown but I don't know if it will pan out so I feel your pain!

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 10:36 am
by nowinGA
ihurtmyselftoday wrote:I was recently in a similar position with $$$ at GWU. I used my scholarship with GWU to negotiate for $ from Georgetown and it worked. I only got about 40% of what GW offered but it was enough to make Georgetown hard to pass up. I would say if you really want to go to Georgetown, you need to start negotiating for some loot.
Well as i am begging them to take me off of the SPWL, I don't really have much negotiating power! Basically, I am trying to make this decision so that if they do take me, I am ready to know what I can REALLY stomach.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 10:50 am
by nealric
A strong vote for GULC. 30k isn't anywhere near enough money to make up for the opportunity gap between GULC and BC. 100k would be a different story. 2nd place would be WI with full ride. That would be the low-risk option. If you are looking to do something like criminal law or public interest and would like to live in the midwest, it would be a great option. No bar exam is also a nice perk.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 10:54 am
by nowinGA
nealric wrote:A strong vote for GULC. 30k isn't anywhere near enough money to make up for the opportunity gap between GULC and BC. 100k would be a different story. 2nd place would be WI with full ride. That would be the low-risk option. If you are looking to do something like criminal law or public interest and would like to live in the midwest, it would be a great option. No bar exam is also a nice perk.
Well it is $30K/year...so $90K...or $99K at WashU

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 6:12 pm
by nowinGA
I see we've reached a tie. TLS has the same breakdown as my friends and family, 50/50. Ugh.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:00 pm
by splinter23x
nowinGA wrote:I see we've reached a tie. TLS has the same breakdown as my friends and family, 50/50. Ugh.
A part of me wants to say, go to Georgetown, it's clear by the fact that you're considering dismissing the BC scholarship that you 1) really want to go to Georgetown and 2) money isn't a problem.

Then I see that you are considering WashU over BC and Gtown because of cost of living. Something doesn't mesh there.

If money is even slightly an issue, I'd say go to BC. If money is not at all an issue, then go where you want to go.

Re: GULC/BC$$$/WUSTL$$$/WI$$$$

Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2010 7:05 pm
by nowinGA
splinter23x wrote:
nowinGA wrote:I see we've reached a tie. TLS has the same breakdown as my friends and family, 50/50. Ugh.
A part of me wants to say, go to Georgetown, it's clear by the fact that you're considering dismissing the BC scholarship that you 1) really want to go to Georgetown and 2) money isn't a problem.

Then I see that you are considering WashU over BC and Gtown because of cost of living. Something doesn't mesh there.

If money is even slightly an issue, I'd say go to BC. If money is not at all an issue, then go where you want to go.
Money is definitely an issue. I mean, I will be borrowing to go to GULC. But it is a dream school, and it is hard to consider saying no to that. All of my funding that is not scholarships will be loans. WashU is a strong consideration because it is a really, really great school. The COL factor is nice...but that is not a determining factor for me. I mean, at this point all of the borrowing numbers are so high anyway...at any of these 4 choices...because of COL. But I appreciate your input.