Berkeley vs. Cornell (45k) vs. Michigan (30k) Forum

[SLS_AMG]

Hi guys - any suggestions?

I have a slight preference for Berkeley, but have yet to hear from them regarding financial aid. I would like a big law job if possible, with slight preference being for one in CA, then NY.

No ties to any big law market. I would like to have portability with my degree if possible.


Thanks!

[bk1]

Ties to CA? How slight a preference for CA? In-state at Berkeley?

[SLS_AMG]

Well, I would say my ideal job would be CA big law, but I would prefer NY big law, Chicago big law, etc. over any other job.

[paulshortys10]

are those per year or total numbers?

[SLS_AMG]

Total

[bk1]

Projected debt at graduation (assuming no tuition increases, as well as including interest):

Berkeley - 260k (in-state)
Cornell - 210k
UMich - 200k

I'd pick your favorite of Cornell/UMich. Though if you absolutely loved CA I could see an argument for Berkeley but if it's only a slight preference I'm not sure it's worth 50-60k.

[paulshortys10]

Projected debt at graduation (assuming no tuition increases, as well as including interest):

Berkeley - 260k (in-state)
Cornell - 210k
UMich - 200k

I'd pick your favorite of Cornell/UMich. Though if you absolutely loved CA I could see an argument for Berkeley but if it's only a slight preference I'm not sure it's worth 50-60k.

You sure about those in-state numbers?

But yea, I agree with BK. If you truly want Big Law in NYC, it seems Cornell would be the better choice. Otherwise Michigan might offer more flexibility.

[bk1]

You sure about those in-state numbers?

Yes.

[clone22]

depends on how much you want to do big law. also ask around berkley how c/o 2013 did at OCI this year. cornell seems to have killed it at OCI (or AJF, technically) this year (80-85% of class getting an offer). So depending on how the cali market is recovering/berkley is doing your decision might be a tough one.