Michigan v. GULC same price Forum

[alex24]

Hi, I just have a quick question regarding whether it is a bad idea to choose GULC over Michigan. (168/3.8; not retaking). I was offered and accepted a 30k/yr scholarship from GULC. I withdrew from Michigan and after that they offered me 22,500/yr (they offered to consider my other offers and apparently adjusted for the difference in cost of living). My family is contributing 100k, so I will have to pay ~50-60k out of pocket at either school.

I visited both for the admitted student weekends and liked GULC a lot better than Michigan. I want biglaw, at least for a year or two, and prefer the NY market. I ultimately would like federal government work. A clerkship would also be nice, but I wouldn't mind applying after a year or two of working at a firm.

Am I likely closing myself out to what I want to do by choosing GULC?

[iskim88]

By all means you should take Michigan over GULC. Not saying this cause I'm waitlisted at GULC and want your spot... lol

But seriously if I were in your shoes I would take Michigan. Look at LST numbers and 7500/yr isn't enough to justify GULC over Michigan. Besides, it really IS cheaper to live in Michigan. The cheapest dorm at GULC is 5910/semester with two other roommates... crazy stuff.

[alex24]

Look at LST numbers and 7500/yr isn't enough to justify GULC over Michigan. Besides, it really IS cheaper to live in Michigan. The cheapest dorm at GULC is 5910/semester with two other roommates... crazy stuff.

sorry, i wrote in a confusing way lol. just to clarify it's 30,000 per year from gulc and after i withdrew from michigan, michigan offered me the 22,500 per year and would reinstate my application if i accepted.

[downinDtown]

Don't think many people on TLS would tell you to take Georgetown over any other T14 if you're targeting a market besides D.C. (especially when it's basically the same cost). For those prices and wanting NYC BigLaw, I'd say take Michigan.

[bruinfan10]

.

[nebula666]

for 50-60k total I'd just go where I was happier. Michigan has better placement though.

[NorCalLaw]

I visited both for the admitted student weekends and liked GULC a lot better than Michigan.

Your first impression of the campus likely doesn't have enough depth to be meaningful. It's impossible to say at this point which campus you would actually end up enjoying more. Anyway, how much you "like" the school should be a minor consideration relative to how much you will "like" your job, given that you're only at school for 3 years but you presumably want to be a lawyer for the following few decades.

Take the school with better job opportunities. Michigan by a mile. 57.2% biglaw/clerkship vs. 46.5% biglaw/clerkship

[worldtraveler]

Michigan and I don't know why this is even a question.

[Sgtpeppernyc]

GULC 3L here. If your end game (or at least immediately post-law-school endgame) is biglaw, just go to Michigan. Every big NYC law firm comes to GULC, so I didn't feel closed off, but at the same time I needed a higher class rank here than I would have at Michigan.

There are of course benefits to GULC - you can intern at federal agencies during the semester, close proximity to SCOTUS, a lot of federal practitioners come to campus, etc. Plus it's in a reasonably large city, which I prefer. But, if you want your best possible shot at getting a biglaw job right out of law school, go to Michigan.

Or, in other words. I have an offer lined up at a good law firm, but had I gotten into Michigan it would be a no-brainer.

[BanjoCalhoun]

Make a poll and watch Michigan get 100%. Otherwise anyone who doesn't pick Michigan is trolling.

[cron1834]

Mich hands down.

[arklaw13]

Michigan

[smokeylarue]

These are pretty much the two worst T14 schools in terms of Big Law placement. Michigan has had some weak numbers the past few years. HOWEVER, still without question a safer choice than Georgetown.

Michigan for sure. Ann Arbor can be fun too (when it's not winter).

[jbagelboy]

I think Michigan.

[hcrimson2014]

These are pretty much the two worst T14 schools in terms of Big Law placement. Michigan has had some weak numbers the past few years. HOWEVER, still without question a safer choice than Georgetown.

Michigan for sure. Ann Arbor can be fun too (when it's not winter).

Berkeley is worse this past year with regards to employment numbers. The problem is that Michigan does not have a sizable home market, being the largest feeder to Detroit in this economy hardly means anything. Still, GULC is significantly worse in the job front so please do yourself a favor and take Michigan.

[Danger Zone]

I want biglaw, at least for a year or two, and prefer the NY market. I ultimately would like federal government work. A clerkship would also be nice, but I wouldn't mind applying after a year or two of working at a firm.

With your goals and a 3.8, you need to retake.

ESPECIALLY since you were PTing at 175+.

[bowser]

You should retake, b/c you are knocking on the door of getting a ton of money at a T-14. You have the GPA to get a full ride somewhere. It could save you b/t 100k--200k in loan payments over the course of the next 8-15 years.

But if you insist, Michigan.