Top Law Schools

Not even considering money. Which is the better overall choice?

I have acceptances to both and considerable scholarships. I feel like they are basically tied as far as rankings, with Georgetown probably having the edge a bit.

However, Georgetown's class size, and having to live in a shoe box 20 minutes away from school (in Virginia) worry me. I would like the option to work either in California or New York after I graduate and from employment stats Georgetown APPEARS to have the edge as far as national reach.

I question the stats though, based on the fact that the majority of UT Austin students are from Texas by mandate of state law. So it is hard for me to tell if UT's national reach is actually less in comparison since the sample size is skewed.

I am hoping that someone who has first hand knowledge with both (and/or hiring from BIGLAW) can comment on why one is better than the other; perhaps come up with something I haven't considered (e.g. weather, cost of living).

Similar price, want to work in NY/CA --> GULC.

bk187 wrote:Similar price, want to work in NY/CA --> GULC.

+1

bdubs wrote:

bk187 wrote:Similar price, want to work in NY/CA --> GULC.

+1

Yup. I live on the West Coast and I can tell you that GULC has better reach here than UT.

If cost is irrelvant, go with GULC, especially because you want CA/NY.

These threads may be relevant:
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=181415
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=181723


*Although the threads don't account for self-selection, among other factors, the data suggest GULC's placement is better.

AustinDC wrote: I would like the option to work either in California or New York after I graduate and from employment stats Georgetown APPEARS to have the edge as far as national reach.

I question the stats though, based on the fact that the majority of UT Austin students are from Texas by mandate of state law. So it is hard for me to tell if UT's national reach is actually less in comparison since the sample size is skewed.

I think GULC actually has some of the strongest reach of the T14s, even though obviously its overall placement strength isn't as strong as many--or perhaps any--of the other T14s. From what I have observed GULC may have better reach than even PENN or NYU.

Regardless of whether my above impressions are overstated, I think that UT and GULC are in entirely different leagues when it comes to national reach, even though UT probably could get you into plenty of other markets besides TX if you have good grades or ties.

Lawquacious wrote:

AustinDC wrote: I would like the option to work either in California or New York after I graduate and from employment stats Georgetown APPEARS to have the edge as far as national reach.

I question the stats though, based on the fact that the majority of UT Austin students are from Texas by mandate of state law. So it is hard for me to tell if UT's national reach is actually less in comparison since the sample size is skewed.

I think GULC actually has some of the strongest reach of the T14s, even though obviously its overall placement strength isn't as strong as many--or perhaps any--of the other T14s. From what I have observed GULC may have better reach than even PENN or NYU.

No

national reach only extends as far as where you have ties and NYC/DC. GULC's "national prestige" isn't going to open doors in California if you're not from the west coast unless you have sky-high grades.

regardless, OP should go with GULC because it costs pretty much the same and NYC is one of his/her target markets.

NY/DC = Georgetown.

Also, you won't have to live in Virginia. There's relatively affordable stuff near Georgetown in the Capitol Hill area. You can get something for around $800-1000 easy if you troll craigslist.

rickgrimes69 wrote:

Lawquacious wrote:

AustinDC wrote: I would like the option to work either in California or New York after I graduate and from employment stats Georgetown APPEARS to have the edge as far as national reach.

I question the stats though, based on the fact that the majority of UT Austin students are from Texas by mandate of state law. So it is hard for me to tell if UT's national reach is actually less in comparison since the sample size is skewed.

I think GULC actually has some of the strongest reach of the T14s, even though obviously its overall placement strength isn't as strong as many--or perhaps any--of the other T14s. From what I have observed GULC may have better reach than even PENN or NYU.

No

I say yes, and sorry for my comment (that i just edited). Rough night and i took it out here.

Lawquacious wrote:

rickgrimes69 wrote:

Lawquacious wrote:

AustinDC wrote: I would like the option to work either in California or New York after I graduate and from employment stats Georgetown APPEARS to have the edge as far as national reach.

I question the stats though, based on the fact that the majority of UT Austin students are from Texas by mandate of state law. So it is hard for me to tell if UT's national reach is actually less in comparison since the sample size is skewed.

I think GULC actually has some of the strongest reach of the T14s, even though obviously its overall placement strength isn't as strong as many--or perhaps any--of the other T14s. From what I have observed GULC may have better reach than even PENN or NYU.

No

I say yes, and sorry for my comment (that i just edited). Rough night and i took it out here.

Not sure which comment you're referring to, but, still no.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I am curious why the people who voted UT think it is better. So far no one has really listed any solid reason.

GULC is apparently the better fit (for my goals at least). Can anyone speak to whether this still holds true if UT Austin was roughly 30k cheaper? I have been offered an additional scholarship to UT which would make my total debt after school 30k cheaper (mainly based on DC's higher cost of living requiring a larger student budget and having to borrow the maximum to survive) than GULC.

Again, I would like to work in California or New York after graduation. Also, I went to undergrad in Texas so I am ready for a change. Any thoughts?

Do most GULC students live in VA?

Br3v wrote:Do most GULC students live in VA?

No. Most live in D.C., but some in Maryland or Virginia.

Lawquacious wrote:
I think GULC actually has some of the strongest reach of the T14s, even though obviously its overall placement strength isn't as strong as many--or perhaps any--of the other T14s. From what I have observed GULC may have better reach than even PENN or NYU.

I completely agree. GULC is the best T-14 when you don't count any of the other ones.

AustinDC wrote:Thanks everyone for the replies.

I am curious why the people who voted UT think it is better. So far no one has really listed any solid reason.

GULC is apparently the better fit (for my goals at least). Can anyone speak to whether this still holds true if UT Austin was roughly 30k cheaper? I have been offered an additional scholarship to UT which would make my total debt after school 30k cheaper (mainly based on DC's higher cost of living requiring a larger student budget and having to borrow the maximum to survive) than GULC.

Again, I would like to work in California or New York after graduation. Also, I went to undergrad in Texas so I am ready for a change. Any thoughts?

[/quote]

I mean it's Texas right? They're the guys that chant "USA USA" at sports bars in foreign lands.

inthebeginning wrote:

I mean it's Texas right? They're the guys that chant "USA USA" at sports bars in foreign lands.[/quote]

We do it at domestic sports bars also

AustinDC wrote:Thanks everyone for the replies.

I am curious why the people who voted UT think it is better. So far no one has really listed any solid reason.

GULC is apparently the better fit (for my goals at least). Can anyone speak to whether this still holds true if UT Austin was roughly 30k cheaper? I have been offered an additional scholarship to UT which would make my total debt after school 30k cheaper (mainly based on DC's higher cost of living requiring a larger student budget and having to borrow the maximum to survive) than GULC.

Again, I would like to work in California or New York after graduation. Also, I went to undergrad in Texas so I am ready for a change. Any thoughts?

For your goals, I'd say GULC over UT if the price is only 30k different. Easily.

UT is a great school, but won't get you far in CA or NY. Go GULC.

I like the two option poll that permits two choices.

CanadianWolf wrote:I like the two option poll that permits two choices.

I voted for both. Two JDs means twice the job prospects, amirite?

Mal Reynolds wrote:

Lawquacious wrote:
I think GULC actually has some of the strongest reach of the T14s, even though obviously its overall placement strength isn't as strong as many--or perhaps any--of the other T14s. From what I have observed GULC may have better reach than even PENN or NYU.

I completely agree. GULC is the best T-14 when you don't count any of the other ones.

Lawquacious is on fire lately. Also, dat GULC (getting)lay(ed) prestige.