Cornell 60K vs Vandy 89K vs WUSTL 135K

[findafish]

Now here is the new poll. I put one up a few weeks ago, assuming no money from Cornell. Most of the people on this board voted for Vandy. I just received a letter from Cornell awarding me 60K for three years. I am very tempted to go to Cornell for big laws. Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot!

[Patriot1208]

If you want biglaw, I think cornell is probably worth the extra 30K.

[waitlisteddd]

COA?

[findafish]

The COA is almost the same for the two schools.
Although I guess Wash U will be the lowest, it seems that it is automatically dismissed...

[Patriot1208]

The COA is almost the same for the two schools.
Although I guess Wash U will be the lowest, it seems that it is automatically dismissed...

I did the math because i'm interested

Cornell COA = 217,140 - 60,000 = 157,140
Vandy COA = 205,995 - 89,000 = 116, 995
WUSTL COA = 190,500 - 135,000 = 55,500

Personally, i'd pay 50k more for cornell, but that is a tough decision.

[findafish]

Thanks Patriot
yeah, it is tough. But I see all the people voting so far chose Cornell.

The COA is almost the same for the two schools.
Although I guess Wash U will be the lowest, it seems that it is automatically dismissed...

I did the math because i'm interested

Cornell COA = 217,140 - 60,000 = 157,140
Vandy COA = 205,995 - 89,000 = 116, 995
WUSTL COA = 190,500 - 135,000 = 55,500

Personally, i'd pay 50k more for cornell, but that is a tough decision.

[drylo]

The COA is almost the same for the two schools.
Although I guess Wash U will be the lowest, it seems that it is automatically dismissed...

I did the math because i'm interested

Cornell COA = 217,140 - 60,000 = 157,140
Vandy COA = 205,995 - 89,000 = 116, 995
WUSTL COA = 190,500 - 135,000 = 55,500

Personally, i'd pay 50k more for cornell, but that is a tough decision.

I have to weigh in here about one thing because it seems to come up all the time. Vandy's COA estimate is way higher than Cornell's (i.e., Vandy includes much higher amounts in COA figure for housing, food, travel, etc., than Cornell does--and I have no idea about WUSTL). You really should look at tuition costs (can easily find this on their websites--I think it's around $44k at Vandy and $52k at Cornell) and then figure out how much you will spend on the rest of COA. Vandy provides high numbers because it allows students flexibility to take out more student loans if necessary. Cornell's tuition is $25k+ more than Vandy over three years, so with the scholarship, you are looking at $54k+ difference. (I know Patriot said "50k more for Cornell," but the math doesn't reflect that so I was just pointing it out.)

[findafish]

I am wondering why is Cornell so much better than Vandy or Wash U?
Their medians look about the same (168,169,167), with Vandy being even better than Cornell.
Is it all about the location and the market?

[bigkahuna2020]

I am wondering why is Cornell so much better than Vandy or Wash U?
Their medians look about the same (168,169,167), with Vandy being even better than Cornell.
Is it all about the location and the market?

It's a better school. Period.

[ndirish2010]

Cornell, probably. Vandy wouldn't be bad if you wanted the South.

[Patriot1208]

I am wondering why is Cornell so much better than Vandy or Wash U?
Their medians look about the same (168,169,167), with Vandy being even better than Cornell.
Is it all about the location and the market?

It's a better school. Period.

Basically... they are just more well regarded by the top firms. Medians certainly aren't how you judge a school because 1 extra question right on the last doesn't actual tell you anything about the student body.

[coldshoulder]

Those three are all schools at the top of my list, may I ask what your numbers are?

[findafish]

above or around their 75%

[Emma1]

I think Cornell has the advantage for big law but went to Vandy and thought it was much nicer in all other respects. Hard decision