Chicago (w/90K) vs. Harvard Forum

[kenpowers3]

Long-time lurker/reader on this incredibly useful and informative forum. So I know that there are other threads asking a similar question, but I'm looking for advice pertaining to my specific situation.

I recently got my JR2 and I am now facing the decision of whether to attend HLS or UofC w/ a 90K scholly (dinged at Yale, no word from SLS, sticker at CLS and roughly 90K from NYU but not as interested in as Chicago). I will be coming straight from undergrad with no real experience outside of retail sales and multiple years of serving at restaurants. Elite BigLaw (NY,L.A., D.C. or Chi) or a prestigious clerkship are the initial goals, although I realize these are very difficult to obtain no matter where you go or who you are. I'm not overly debt-averse but it is something I take into major consideration. Thank you for your opinions and all are welcome.

P.S. I was also offered the Townes-Rice Scholarship from Texas (full-tuition and fees w/ living stipend). It is extremely appealing but I feel it may close to many doors I'm interested in opening. Does anyone feel this should receive more consideration?


I will also be visiting both schools this April (both ASW's) to get a better feel of the institutions.

[samsonyte16]

I vote Harvard. The difference between 90k and 180k of debt isn't that significant, imo, if you want a law firm job. 1-2 extra years of paying debt is worth the difference in prestige in this case.

[kenpowers3]

Thank you samsonyte I appreciate the feedback, as I do the poll voters!

[09042014]

I'd take the money. Havard is barely better than UChi anyway.

[MrPapagiorgio]

I would personally take Harvard any day of the week and twice on Sunday. But if you want to end up in the midwest, the money may outweigh the prestige.

[kenpowers3]

Thank you for the input Desert Fox and MrPapagiorgio, much appreciated.

[09042014]

Thank you for the input Desert Fox and MrPapagiorgio, much appreciated.

Though def wait for harvards aid package. That might bring the costs more in line.

[kenpowers3]

Thank you for the input Desert Fox and MrPapagiorgio, much appreciated.

Though def wait for harvards aid package. That might bring the costs more in line.

Ya I'm hoping to get that figured out soon, as it could make the decision much easier.

[kenpowers3]

Shameless bump

[JamMasterJ]

Long-time lurker/reader on this incredibly useful and informative forum. So I know that there are other threads asking a similar question, but I'm looking for advice pertaining to my specific situation.

I recently got my JR2 and I am now facing the decision of whether to attend HLS or UofC w/ a 90K scholly (dinged at Yale, no word from SLS, sticker at CLS and roughly 90K from NYU but not as interested in as Chicago). I will be coming straight from undergrad with no real experience outside of retail sales and multiple years of serving at restaurants. I have a B.B.A. in Finance and a B.A. in Econ ( a positive for Chicago), with multiple leadership positions. I am from Minnesota and although I would like to receive the highest (V10, I can dream) BigLaw position I can get upon graduation I would like to eventually end up in the Midwest. My long-term goal is to move in-house and serve as General Counsel/Legal Counsel for a major corporation or sports franchise. I haven't received my aid package from HLS yet but I expect it to be mediocre (not much family wealth but a little). Elite BigLaw (NY,L.A., D.C. or Chi) or a prestigious clerkship are the initial goals, although I realize these are very difficult to obtain no matter where you go or who you are. I'm not overly debt-averse but it is something I take into major consideration. One last caveat, I'm an extremely social individual who likes to play hard on the side and certainly enjoys female eye candy . Thank you for your opinions and all are welcome.

P.S. I was also offered the Townes-Rice Scholarship from Texas (full-tuition and fees w/ living stipend). It is extremely appealing but I feel it may close to many doors I'm interested in opening. Does anyone feel this should receive more consideration?


I will also be visiting both schools this April (both ASW's) to get a better feel of the institutions.

I'd go Chicago, but you really can't go wrong here

[kenpowers3]

Bump, help

[TheFactor]

You appreciate female eye candy? Do you also appreciate women throwing themselves at you? If so, go to Harvard for the guaranteed panty drop.