Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn Forum

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Which of these is the most worthwhile?

Harvard $210,000 (+?) debt
54
74%
Columbia $160,000 debt
11
15%
Penn $150,000 debt
8
11%
 
Total votes: 73

delusional

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Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by delusional » Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:00 am

Which of these should I choose? Which would you choose? The numbers are based my family living at my current home for Penn/Columbia, but moving to MA for Harvard. Ironically, I expect Harvard to give the most aid, (need based - I did consult with the SFS office) and the high number is largely due to COL for my family. I've heard that rent is reasonably $30,000 a year, and there are various other necessities that bring my family's COL higher than most would be.

One factor that I think is relevant is LIPP. One big deterrent to Columbia and Penn is that without biglaw for ten full years, the screwage lasts 25 years of IBR. With LIPP, if I'm reading it right, the pain would likely be over after ten years (although it seems like clerkships would be difficult with heavy duty debt).

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Law Sauce

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by Law Sauce » Tue Apr 05, 2011 9:18 am

lolwut duh!?!?

delusional

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by delusional » Tue Apr 05, 2011 11:39 am

Thank you to those who participated. If you didn't, feel free to weigh in now. Here's what I don't get - I'm only going to have one job, and Harvard and Columbia are not that different statistically. How can I justify 50,000 more debt for a slighly better chance at OCI, for a job that most likely will not be very long term? I'm not surprised that people justify extra debt at Harvard but I'm a little surprised at the overwhelming majority.

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tea_drinker

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by tea_drinker » Tue Apr 05, 2011 11:51 am

delusional wrote:Thank you to those who participated. If you didn't, feel free to weigh in now. Here's what I don't get - I'm only going to have one job, and Harvard and Columbia are not that different statistically. How can I justify 50,000 more debt for a slighly better chance at OCI, for a job that most likely will not be very long term? I'm not surprised that people justify extra debt at Harvard but I'm a little surprised at the overwhelming majority.
You already said it, "because it's Harvard."

FiveSermon

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by FiveSermon » Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:14 pm

Anyone who chose something other than Harvard are obviously on H's waitlist and wants you to withdraw.

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dukey

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by dukey » Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:17 pm

FiveSermon wrote:Anyone who chose something other than Harvard are obviously on H's waitlist and wants you to withdraw.
This. Lol.

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Moxie

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by Moxie » Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:20 pm

I guess if you had a strong preference for living in NYC, or if you really loved Columbia, you could go there. But if you want prestigious law firms, a clerkship, or academia, Harvard it should be.

delusional

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by delusional » Tue Apr 05, 2011 2:05 pm

Moxie wrote:I guess if you had a strong preference for living in NYC, or if you really loved Columbia, you could go there. But if you want prestigious law firms, a clerkship, or academia, Harvard it should be.
I know that Harvard is the best school. But it's about the cost as well. If I'm desperate for academia, I could become an adjunct professor at a local college from any of them. Prestigious academia is wonderful, but is it worth cash money?

Is there a firm that goes to Harvard but not Columbia? It seems like for corporate Columbia is as good as Harvard if not better. I see the advantages of H but worth $50,000? Really? I can't figure out a way to monetize any justification.

FWIW, my inclination is Harvard as well, but I'm trying to address it from all angles.

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2things2

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by 2things2 » Tue Apr 05, 2011 2:11 pm

Dude. Come on.

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St.Remy

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by St.Remy » Tue Apr 05, 2011 3:43 pm

delusional wrote: If I'm desperate for academia, I could become an adjunct professor at a local college from any of them.
This is in most cases not true, unless you mean an adjunct professor is something other than law. A very substantial number of law professors, probably the preponderance even at schools ranked 100 on down come from HYS. Would Columbia shut the door to academia? Of course not, but you won't be waltzing into a law professorship. Harvard would most likely not let you take a professorship at your leisure either, but it would be easier.

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Dany

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by Dany » Tue Apr 05, 2011 4:27 pm

Law Sauce wrote:lolwut duh!?!?

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Law Sauce

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by Law Sauce » Tue Apr 05, 2011 4:27 pm

If you are so worried about debt, look up harvard's repayment assistance program, then look up columbias. if you get your biglaw, it doesn't matter unless you want to retire at 25. Unless you hate Boston I can't see going to Columbia without a Hamilton or something, even then people debate it. are you sure you got into harvard?

delusional

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by delusional » Tue Apr 05, 2011 4:42 pm

Law Sauce wrote:If you are so worried about debt, look up harvard's repayment assistance program, then look up columbias. if you get your biglaw, it doesn't matter unless you want to retire at 25. Unless you hate Boston I can't see going to Columbia without a Hamilton or something, even then people debate it. are you sure you got into harvard?
Although I do have recurring nightmares about showing up and finding out that my acceptance was a mistake or someone pretending to be JR or something, I do believe that yes, I was admitted.

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Law Sauce

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Re: Harvard Vs. Columbia Vs. Penn

Post by Law Sauce » Tue Apr 05, 2011 4:43 pm

delusional wrote:
Law Sauce wrote:If you are so worried about debt, look up harvard's repayment assistance program, then look up columbias. if you get your biglaw, it doesn't matter unless you want to retire at 25. Unless you hate Boston I can't see going to Columbia without a Hamilton or something, even then people debate it. are you sure you got into harvard?
Although I do have recurring nightmares about showing up and finding out that my acceptance was a mistake or someone pretending to be JR or something, I do believe that yes, I was admitted.
haha, nice, i was not trying to insult you. Congratulations. Enjoy it.

edit: dang just looked at your profile, yale maybe will win , and congrats again

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