Top Law Schools

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Have you visited any of these schools? That could help you decide.

Figure out where you want to be three plus years from now. That should be first and foremost. I'd count Emory out, though, if I were you. Much too expensive (unless you're independently wealthy).

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gatorlizzy28 wrote:

cinephile wrote:Have you visited any of these schools? That could help you decide.

I've lived in Gainesville for years,but I'm still attending the ASD in a couple of weeks. I visited Alabama and loved it, and I am visiting W&M for their ASW.

Well, since you love Alabama, and they've offerred you the most in scholarships, that might be a good choice -- but I don't really know what the legal market's like in Alabama. Or if you'd be comfortable spending your life there.

I'd go W&M out of those, but that's just me.

One major problem with this is that you are qualified to make this decision. It's your future. If you do not feel qualified, go do the research. You shouldn't let your choice of law school and region where you most likely will spend the majority of your working life be made by an anonymous poster on a message board.

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W&M.

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'Bama unless the scholarship is conditional on more than remaining in good standing. Neither of the other schools is so much better that it's worth the debt. Biglaw is a long shot from all three, so you should keep your indebtedness low.

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gatorlizzy28 wrote:

nealric wrote:'Bama unless the scholarship is conditional on more than remaining in good standing. Neither of the other schools is so much better that it's worth the debt. Biglaw is a long shot from all three, so you should keep your indebtedness low.

The condition is top40%. Should I maybe ask to get that removed or adjusted?

Absolutely do not take a scholarship with a stipulation, especially one that high. Tell them them to remove it or you'll take an non-stipulated scholarship elsewhere. If they do remove it, 'Bama sounds like your best choice; otherwise, UF.

They all seem pretty equal, you can expect at least half tuition at Emory.
If you want to live in Atlanta after graduation go to Emory, VA or Maybe DC then W&M, Bama then Bama, Florida then Florida.... It's all about location, and all are going to leave you with pretty minimal debt.
If it were me I'd choose none of the above just because I'm tired of the south (UF UG too)... but you seem like a fan.

The W&M deal seems best out of the choices.

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gatorlizzy28 wrote:

rman1201 wrote:They all seem pretty equal, you can expect at least half tuition at Emory.
If you want to live in Atlanta after graduation go to Emory, VA or Maybe DC then W&M, Bama then Bama, Florida then Florida.... It's all about location, and all are going to leave you with pretty minimal debt.
If it were me I'd choose none of the above just because I'm tired of the south (UF UG too)... but you seem like a fan.

The W&M deal seems best out of the choices.

I'm starting to realize that location is a huge factor, which is frustrating since I'm not set on anywhere in particular. I see from your profile that you got a psych degree from UF. Me too! I wonder if we know each other lol.

Another uf psych major here. Wouldn't count of knowing each other considering there are like a million of us. Anyways I agree, decide based on location.

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FWIW, I visited W&M about a year ago over the summer and they have one of the most beautiful and serene campuses I've ever been to. The main impression I got from this school was that I would absolutely succeed academically there because there were no big-city distractions (small-town, old school feel everywhere). Maybe it's because no students were there, but I wouldn't imagine the school year to be much different with that campus and town.

Others correct me if I'm wrong, but with W&M's ranking and its relatively northern location in relation to AL, UF, and Em, this would provide you a bigger window into DC markets, as well as NY markets if you turn out to be a top 10% type baller. Even though other schools are giving out more money, at this point it's hard to turn down the fact that the best school on your list is still giving you some sort of significant scholarship.

gatorlizzy28 wrote:Bumping this because Emory accepted me and offered me $75,000 over 3 years...Does this change anyone's opinion??

Have you visited W&M yet?

I think that after you visit all of the schools you should have a better idea of where you will be comfortable.

Obviously you already knew about Gainesville, but was there anything that struck you about UF Law during ASD? (I found everyone to be friendly and relaxed, the program looked ok, but this was my first ASD, so when I have to something to compare it to that will help.)

I would say look at the final COA and stipulation for each scholarship for each school. UF isn't removing their stipulation for me of a 3.2 GPA. You might be safer at one particular school. The thought of section-stacking scares the hell out of me, of course it wouldn't be so bad at in-state UF 'cause it's dirt cheap anyway.

But even doing the numbers, I think you have consider if you are happy to leave FL; whether you want to stay in the South. This may sound silly, but I am definitely cold-weather averse, and this is a factor in my decision, albeit minor.

What is a more major factor is my career interests, and whether the programs are flexible enough to allow me to explore, and the chance of a job at the end of it all. I checked out a few books on legal practice areas and have found all are interesting, but some more than others. And then I'm realistic about it... With my background, certain areas of law don't make sense, no matter how much I think I would like them, and it would be harder to convince an employer that I am a good choice.

Look into the details of the employment prospects. I think for the near future, we all have to play the percentages for getting a job.