Top Law Schools

Hey All,

Dilemma time, I am trying to pick between BC for free (savings plus scholarship = no debt besides maybe $5,000-$8,000 for living expenses) vs. UVA at sticker (minus savings). Goal is Biglaw/Midlaw in Boston, but I am open to the possibility that Govt/Clerkship/something else may also appeal. My instinct is to go with the $$, but some have said I'd be a fool to turn down UVA, even at sticker. I've lived in Boston my entire life, I have family and a serious long-term relationship here and am very attached to the city. Am I screwing myself career-wise by doing this? Any and all input, particularly from current students from either institution would be appreciated!

A pretty reasonable argument can be made either way. Leaving law school with $0 in loans is mighty nice though.

With a long-term relationship, desire to be in Boston, no debt, and the fact that UVA is in Charlottesville, I'd say that you're not screwing yourself over.

We'd need to know how much of your savings you'd be spending to really have an idea. Would 50% of your tuition at BC be paid by savings? Or 5%?

It sounds like BC would be the better choice in your situation.

Don't second guess this decision. Some people don't even think UVA sticker is worth the risk. If you want to be in Boston your whole life and don't mind mid-law, take the money. Sounds like you'll be happier there.

Go to BC!

Thanks for the input guys! FYI savings amount to about one year of tuition + fees at both schools (although tuition +fees at UVA would be about $6500 per year more than BC for an out of stater like me). Basically we're talking total debt load of ~$8,000 (maybe 10K if I don't live quite as Spartan a lifestyle) at BC vs over $100,000 at UVA. I can also save additional $$ in Boston by living with family, if needed.

BC FTW.

You're from Boston, and if you're also a good interviewer, you'll likely be able to get a job in Boston from U.Va. even if you're below median. But Boston is a tough market to crack, and if you're not a good interviewer, you'll probably need to be noticeably above median.

If being in Boston is more important than the quality of job opportunities, then you're definitely not screwing yourself by going to BC for free. If your priorities are flipped, however, then take U.Va.

It sounds more like the former, so I'll vote for BC for free.

BC--why ruin a perfect accent ?

sandwichday wrote:Hey All,

Dilemma time, I am trying to pick between BC for free (savings plus scholarship = no debt besides maybe $5,000-$8,000 for living expenses) vs. UVA at sticker (minus savings). Goal is Biglaw/Midlaw in Boston, but I am open to the possibility that Govt/Clerkship/something else may also appeal. My instinct is to go with the $$, but some have said I'd be a fool to turn down UVA, even at sticker. I've lived in Boston my entire life, I have family and a serious long-term relationship here and am very attached to the city. Am I screwing myself career-wise by doing this? Any and all input, particularly from current students from either institution would be appreciated!

Sorry, I don't see the question.

BC! (I'm biased as a BC UG, but still it seems like the better option here)

And I'm surprised to see BC was generous, I've heard their often stingy.

CanadianWolf wrote:BC--why ruin a perfect accent ?

Nice, and yes, I would go to BC. You can certainly get back to Boston from UVA, but why risk the debt. BC gives you more freedom after you graduate, and though your chances of making 160K will decrease, if you do well at BC, you will have a great shot at all of the top Boston firms.

what strings are on the scholarship?

BC seems like the better option for you

100% BC

JG Hall wrote:what strings are on the scholarship?

Most T30s don't have any stips on their scholarships.

BC + $$$$ = Win for Boston market*


*The Boston legal market, not the fast food chain.

sundance95 wrote:We'd need to know how much of your savings you'd be spending to really have an idea. Would 50% of your tuition at BC be paid by savings? Or 5%?

I don't see why it would matter. The question that needs to be answered is the "value" of the school at certain prices. It seems irrelevant where the money comes from.

I'd go to BC, especially considering your career ambitions.

BC

tinlawman wrote:

sundance95 wrote:We'd need to know how much of your savings you'd be spending to really have an idea. Would 50% of your tuition at BC be paid by savings? Or 5%?

I don't see why it would matter. The question that needs to be answered is the "value" of the school at certain prices. It seems irrelevant where the money comes from.

wat?

I go to UVA. I simply don't understand why you would come here in your situation with your goals. I really can't make a legitimate argument for coming here over BC for free; at least not for someone who wants to work in Boston and has family/friends there.

2011Law wrote:

tinlawman wrote:

sundance95 wrote:We'd need to know how much of your savings you'd be spending to really have an idea. Would 50% of your tuition at BC be paid by savings? Or 5%?

I don't see why it would matter. The question that needs to be answered is the "value" of the school at certain prices. It seems irrelevant where the money comes from.

wat?

My bad, I read it as full scholarship at BC vs. UVA at sticker. It's 2:15 AM, give me a break