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Still pretty far away from decision time, but I'm trying to wrap my head around the possibilities to prepare myself for the decision.

Relevant Info:
Stats are 170/3.3
I was practice testing in the mid 170s, but on my retake I only jumped 3 points.
Almost certain I want to pursue the prosecution/PD route.
My wife was recently employed in NJ, making it necessary to remain in the NY/PA/NJ area. Residency is thus NJ.
Commuting to the NY/Newark schools would be cheaper to the tune of about $200 or so per month.
Other current offers (for negotiation purposes) can be found on my LSN profile.

Current Relevant Options:
Fordham at Sticker
Temple w/$7.5k per year (can't remember stip)
Villanova w/$25k per year (2.0 stip)

Pending:
Cardozo
Both Rutgers
Penn

Given that I'll most likely be accepted to both Rutgers schools with scholarship money (and in-state tuition): what would you do in my position if you didn't get into Penn? If you did, would you definitely go to Penn? Right now I'm thinking "duh, of course, it's Penn and they have an LRAP", but I figured I'd throw the second question out there as well.

How adverse to debt are you?

If you got Penn I'd take that over all of the other schools for obvious reasons.


Otherwise I'd consider Fordham and/or Rutgers Newark depending on $$

(Camden is sooooo gross)

Since you're in NJ and given your goal is PI, one of the Rutgers at instate with scholly is the best option. Keep your debt minimal and that will give you more flexibility. Penn would obviously be worth considering, but if you really have no interest in firm work, I would prefer to not have debt to begin with instead of sticker debt and relying on LRAP.

Given that you are looking at prosecution or PD work, I'd recommend Temple. It's a little pricier than Rutgers, but they have a great reputation in Philly's DA office and Defender's Association due to their legal advocacy program.

Of course, if you get in to Penn, take it unconditionally.

Nelson wrote:Since you're in NJ and given your goal is PI, one of the Rutgers at instate with scholly is the best option. Keep your debt minimal and that will give you more flexibility. Penn would obviously be worth considering, but if you really have no interest in firm work, I would prefer to not have debt to begin with instead of sticker debt and relying on LRAP.

I had considered this, but I always think about employment prospects coming out of the two schools and how they don't even really compare to each other. The prestige whore in me screams "Penn, idiot!"

InGoodFaith wrote:Given that you are looking at prosecution or PD work, I'd recommend Temple. It's a little pricier than Rutgers, but they have a great reputation in Philly's DA office and Defender's Association due to their legal advocacy program.

Of course, if you get in to Penn, take it unconditionally.

I do like Temple, but given that I'd be charged the out-of-state rate, I'd probably be looking at ($32k-7.5k)=24.5k/year for Temple vs. maybe ($23k-10k)=13k/year for Rutgers. Not that the $35k difference is a ton of money for law school, but it's pretty sizeable for two schools that are extremely comparable. More than that, Villanova would also be cheaper, clocking in at about the same price as Rutgers, and it has the most lenient stips. Although, I do appreciate the apparent reputation Temple has in DA/PD.

Obviously I'd try to negotiate with Temple (and Villanova), because I do have a personal preference for the Philly area (I absolutely loved Penn when I visited).

Cornelius wrote:I'd probably be looking at ($32k-7.5k)=24.5k/year for Temple vs. maybe ($23k-10k)=13k/year for Rutgers. Not that the $75k difference is a ton of money for law school, but it's pretty sizeable for two schools that are extremely comparable.

I'm seeing a 11.5*3 = $34.5k difference between the two schools, not $75

InGoodFaith wrote:

Cornelius wrote:I'd probably be looking at ($32k-7.5k)=24.5k/year for Temple vs. maybe ($23k-10k)=13k/year for Rutgers. Not that the $75k difference is a ton of money for law school, but it's pretty sizeable for two schools that are extremely comparable.

I'm seeing a 11.5*3 = $34.5k difference between the two schools, not $75

Basic math fail on my part. Edited.

Cornelius wrote:

InGoodFaith wrote:

Cornelius wrote:I'd probably be looking at ($32k-7.5k)=24.5k/year for Temple vs. maybe ($23k-10k)=13k/year for Rutgers. Not that the $75k difference is a ton of money for law school, but it's pretty sizeable for two schools that are extremely comparable.

I'm seeing a 11.5*3 = $34.5k difference between the two schools, not $75

Basic math fail on my part. Edited.

Regardless, Temple isn't worth a 35k premium over Rutgers, especially if you're going to be job hunting in NJ anyway.