Top Law Schools

Right now, I am looking at both schools at sticker but hoping I can negotiate some merit aid from UVA. I've never visited U of C, but I'm starting to love it through pictures. I already know UVA and I like it

UVA:
- Really close to my family
- I love Virginia/DC and would like to practice here after graduation

U of C:
- It would be a big change for me, but maybe an exciting one. I'd like to try life in a big city
- More prestigious

I understand that's a subjective list of reasons above, but what do people think? UVA places more grads in the Southern/Middle Atlantic, but does that really mean they have a leg up in this area? How much money do you think I should hold out for to pick UVA over U of Chicago? I also do need to consider COL in my decision, but its not the biggest factor for me

quetzal_bird wrote:Right now, I am looking at both schools at sticker but hoping I can negotiate some merit aid from UVA. I've never visited U of C, but I'm starting to love it through pictures. I already know UVA and I like it

UVA:
- Really close to my family
- I love Virginia/DC and would like to practice here after graduation

U of C:
- It would be a big change for me, but maybe an exciting one. I'd like to try life in a big city
- More prestigious

I understand that's a subjective list of reasons above, but what do people think? UVA places more grads in the Southern/Middle Atlantic, but does that really mean they have a leg up in this area? How much money do you think I should hold out for to pick UVA over U of Chicago? I also do need to consider COL in my decision, but its not the biggest factor for me

No doubt U of C has a bit more of a prestige factor tho but,
-COL about $15K-$20K more at U of C
-Keep away from big city distractions to focus on school and live the rest of your life in a big city
-Good chance at in-state tuition if you're not already a res
-Better chance at UVA $

I voted for Chicago on the basis that you don't get any money from Virginia...but that could easily change.

What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell the amount and what's due to self-selection? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

mst wrote:What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

I voted for UVA under the assumption that if you can get into U of C, you can probably get some money at UVA. But if you don't, then I think U of C might be the right answer.

blink wrote:

mst wrote:What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

+1. It's still UVA. Get over the doom and gloom. Jesus.

FuManChusco wrote:

blink wrote:

mst wrote:What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

+1. It's still UVA. Get over the doom and gloom. Jesus.

I agree it's still a great school. I'm not saying "Don't go." But to act like there is no notable difference in the ability to pick up big law from the two schools right now is not helpful. Facts like that are important for a lot of people, especially when they are taking on 150k+ in debt, like the OP probably is.

For you, Virginia seems to be the better choice based on your posted information in this thread. But, before deciding, visit both.

P.S. Virginia has a lot of prestige.

I definitely agree with UVA's prestige factor, especially here in VA. I am concerned that employers in DC might look askance as to why I chose Chicago. I think if my concerns about DC or Southern Atlantic employment coming out of Chicago were laid to rest, I'd go to U of C

If I can get money from UVA, its hard for me to judge how much I would need to turn down a T6 acceptance. 30K? 60K?

I think the best thing I can do is visit both and discuss merit aid with UVA, its just going to feel like a very long wait til these ASWs

mst wrote:

FuManChusco wrote:

blink wrote:

mst wrote:What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

+1. It's still UVA. Get over the doom and gloom. Jesus.

I agree it's still a great school. I'm not saying "Don't go." But to act like there is no notable difference in the ability to pick up big law from the two schools right now is not helpful. Facts like that are important for a lot of people, especially when they are taking on 150k+ in debt, like the OP probably is.

There is no evidence to suggest a "notable difference" in generic BigLaw placement. Chicago's primary advantage over UVA is found in the V20.

.

quetzal_bird wrote:I definitely agree with UVA's prestige factor, especially here in VA. I am concerned that employers in DC might look askance as to why I chose Chicago. I think if my concerns about DC or Southern Atlantic employment coming out of Chicago were laid to rest, I'd go to U of C

If I can get money from UVA, its hard for me to judge how much I would need to turn down a T6 acceptance. 30K? 60K?

I think the best thing I can do is visit both and discuss merit aid with UVA, its just going to feel like a very long wait til these ASWs

I can sympathize with your position since I also had to choose between UVA and Chicago at even money. I do not believe that Chicago will disadvantage you in any way in the DC market. There are plenty of alumni and the school's reputation is well known. South of DC, however, Chicago's alums are few and far between. Since there are few Chicago alums in the Southeast and very few SE firms that interview at Chicago, I believe that it would be more difficult for a UofC grad to get a job in the region than UVA. So if you're set on DC, Chicago has an edge, but if not, UVA gives you more options.

Tough one... Bros before Snows, or vice versa.

mst wrote:

FuManChusco wrote:

blink wrote:

mst wrote:What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

+1. It's still UVA. Get over the doom and gloom. Jesus.

I agree it's still a great school. I'm not saying "Don't go." But to act like there is no notable difference in the ability to pick up big law from the two schools right now is not helpful. Facts like that are important for a lot of people, especially when they are taking on 150k+ in debt, like the OP probably is.

When did I ever mention biglaw placement? Stop putting words in my mouth.

I was kinda put off by Jason on the phone. He congratulated me, then told me that my acceptance at Virginia will be revoked if I fall below their GPA median. wasn't the nicest acceptance. I don't know how likely money will be though, I can only ask and find out

I'd think that if you get any money from U.Va., you should go there. Otherwise, don't undervalue your desire to have a new experience. And no DC/VA employer is going to turn down a VA resident because he went to Chicago Law. You'll be fine at either school with respect to employment.

also take into account you're a URM. Not sure what type you are but as an AA male the fact that there are like 6 of us in the law school really turned me off a little from Chicago. Also the atmospheres at the schools are completely different. I'd personally prefer UVA, but you really should go to both ASW and after you get back from Chicago in April see if you can see yourself there. Either way great choices. (p.s. I think you'd have to get money from UVA)

thanks...Mexican American female from an undergrad that isn't terribly diverse, so I don't know how important diversity is going to be to me in law school

blink wrote:

mst wrote:What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

lol. who are you a lot more averse to being unemployed than? i'm gonna go with...no one?

quetzal_bird wrote:thanks...Mexican American female from an undergrad that isn't terribly diverse, so I don't know how important diversity is going to be to me in law school

Doesn't sound like money is going to be offered...

Go to UofC...even if the school isn't diverse (I'd like to think it is), Chicago definitely is.

I voted for Chicago on the basis that you don't get any money from Virginia...but that could easily change.

paulinaporizkova wrote:

blink wrote:

mst wrote:What options are you considering post-grad? If academia or clerkships appeal to you, you might want to do Chicago. Also, I would consider your exit opportunities at UVA. With this market I would feel more comfortable at Chicago, but then again I'm a lot more averse to being unemployed. If you think you'll be find regardless with UVA (you know people who can set you up, etc.), even if you are below median, then go UVA. I think it's realistic to say that below median at UVA is having a tough time with biglaw right now. At Chi it's probably only about 1/4-1/3 trying but not getting it, but who can really tell? Tough call, but I would say Chicago.

lol. who are you a lot more averse to being unemployed than? i'm gonna go with...no one?

i shoulda been more specific, my bad. averse to the risk* of being unemployed, and i equate unemployed in this sense to underemployed as well (as in a position you can't both pay back 180k in loans and live a nice quality life style at the same time). there are a lot of people who are less risk averse in this situation than i would be. not some crazy idea.

Well, I emailed UVA about merit aid. Got an email back about applying for financial aid.... :\