Accepted - Northwestern ED. Mistake? Forum

[Mr. October]

I got accepted into Northwestern ED which I considered going into this process to be my "best case scenario". As happy as I am, I can't help but wonder if I should have gambled with getting into a better school. That said, having less debt is obviously huge. My LSAT was 169 and my GPA was 3.84, but I come from a small school with slightly above average "softs". I really want to go to law school now; the idea of studying for the LSAT again and burning my bridges at NU scares me. Thoughts?

[James.K.Polk]

I got accepted into Northwestern ED which I considered going into this process to be my "best case scenario". As happy as I am, I can't help but wonder if I should have gambled with getting into a better school. That said, having less debt is obviously huge. My LSAT was 169 and my GPA was 3.84, but I come from a small school with slightly above average "softs". I really want to go to law school now; the idea of studying for the LSAT again and burning my bridges at NU scares me. Thoughts?

Even if you got into HYS, which IMO is unlikely without a 3-4 point boost (and even then, who knows), I don't think you would see much $$$ at all.

I vote stay at NU.

[twenty]

Holy shit. Staying at NU is unequivocally the credited response.

[lymenheimer]

150k scholarship at a top-law-school? Yea...seems like a bad outcome...Look, not to be a jerk (actually that is my intent), but you knew this was a possibility when you decided to apply ED. If you didn't want to commit, why apply ED? If you still don't want to commit, sit out this cycle. You're not even the first person this cycle to ask this question...which amazes me. But what do I care? I'm not the police.

[urbanist11]

NU with 150k is nothing to scoff at. You made a good call.

Eta - that said if you want to sit out a cycle and retake you could open a lot of doors with several more points on the lsat

[acr]

150k scholarship at a top-law-school? Yea...seems like a bad outcome...Look, not to be a jerk (actually that is my intent), but you knew this was a possibility when you decided to apply ED. If you didn't want to commit, why apply ED? If you still don't want to commit, sit out this cycle. You're not even the first person this cycle to ask this question...which amazes me. But what do I care? I'm not the police.

Yeah, this question bothers me and I see it all the time. Like, what, do these people apply ED hoping NOT to get in? Ask BEFORE you choose to apply ED and accept the trade-offs that come with it, not AFTER you get your acceptance.

[luckenmeister]

I got accepted into Northwestern ED which I considered going into this process to be my "best case scenario". As happy as I am, I can't help but wonder if I should have gambled with getting into a better school. That said, having less debt is obviously huge. My LSAT was 169 and my GPA was 3.84, but I come from a small school with slightly above average "softs". I really want to go to law school now; the idea of studying for the LSAT again and burning my bridges at NU scares me. Thoughts?

Was going through the same thing. I feel much better about my decision after researching beyond the forums, and now have the appropriate prospective to realize how stupid of a question this is (No offense OP, I was there too). People can say what they want about the tiers within the T-14, but the differences are truly marginal. Quite simply, If you're the shit, then you're the shit. It's very unlikely that going to H instead of NU is going to change that and completely alter someones career trajectory. Even after thoroughly researching, looking for things to justify not attending NU, I find NU to be sorely underrated. Don't rely solely on the half wit 0L's or non-T-14 people on this board who are often the ones making the most prominent judgments regarding prospects, rankings, ect Talk to current students or students familiar with the school/t-14s to get a more accurate gauge. There are grads from NU going on to do amazing things, just like those at every T-14 school.

[luckenmeister]

150k scholarship at a top-law-school? Yea...seems like a bad outcome...Look, not to be a jerk (actually that is my intent), but you knew this was a possibility when you decided to apply ED. If you didn't want to commit, why apply ED? If you still don't want to commit, sit out this cycle. You're not even the first person this cycle to ask this question...which amazes me. But what do I care? I'm not the police.

Yeah, this question bothers me and I see it all the time. Like, what, do these people apply ED hoping NOT to get in? Ask BEFORE you choose to apply ED and accept the trade-offs that come with it, not AFTER you get your acceptance.

For me it was the "you need X school to get Y location" or "you need X school to even have a chance for Y position". Before reading these forums, I would have given up a pinky to go to NU, maybe even a ring finger.

[Tiago Splitter]

150k scholarship at a top-law-school? Yea...seems like a bad outcome...Look, not to be a jerk (actually that is my intent), but you knew this was a possibility when you decided to apply ED. If you didn't want to commit, why apply ED? If you still don't want to commit, sit out this cycle. You're not even the first person this cycle to ask this question...which amazes me. But what do I care? I'm not the police.

Yeah, this question bothers me and I see it all the time. Like, what, do these people apply ED hoping NOT to get in? Ask BEFORE you choose to apply ED and accept the trade-offs that come with it, not AFTER you get your acceptance.

For me it was the "you need X school to get Y location" or "you need X school to even have a chance for Y position". Before reading these forums, I would have given up a pinky to go to NU, maybe even a ring finger.

That's weird because everyone in this thread is making fun of OP for even asking the question. I suppose it's easy to start second guessing yourself after any big decision but I don't see how TLS could lead someone wrong here.

OP there are likely similar outcomes you could have had without applying ED, but there weren't better ones. You're in a good spot.

[JWalker]

I got accepted into Northwestern ED which I considered going into this process to be my "best case scenario". As happy as I am, I can't help but wonder if I should have gambled with getting into a better school. That said, having less debt is obviously huge. My LSAT was 169 and my GPA was 3.84, but I come from a small school with slightly above average "softs". I really want to go to law school now; the idea of studying for the LSAT again and burning my bridges at NU scares me. Thoughts?

Even if you got into HYS, which IMO is unlikely without a 3-4 point boost (and even then, who knows), I don't think you would see much $$$ at all.

I vote stay at NU.

I think this is credited. $150k from NU is a much, much better deal than HYS at sticker unless you're filthy rich AND you're willing to drop that money for a negligible upgrade in prestige (IMO you probably shouldn't go to law school if you're that rich though).

Now, if you can get a 180 next time that'd be a different story...

[cron1834]

This is like the third $150k recipient from NU this cycle that comes across as if they have an actual cognitive deficiency. What is the deal.

[fliptrip]

This is like the third $150k recipient from NU this cycle that comes across as if they have an actual cognitive deficiency. What is the deal.

Ouch! Cognitive deficiency? I'll be more charitable. You, OP, are suffering from the winner's curse/buyer's remorse and you've come to these hallowed forums seeking some confirmation of your decision to help you feel better.

Here's my take: If you have a typical career goal---big law or good PI work and you're perfectly fine with being in NY or Chicago, then NW with $150k off is a, um, f'in fantastic outcome. As a 3.84/169, your HYSCC chances are horrible and your coin's flip chance at NYU is not going to bring you nearly enough money unless you're an RTK or AnBryce type. Penn might happen, but you're not getting a ton of money there. UVA might happen, but you're just a tick off Dillard-type numbers for LSAT and GPA, and besides, UVA and NW have similar placement stats. As far as the BDM set, they have similar or worse placement stats to NW and you're not going to get a steep discount at those either. Cornell has better stats than NW (as long as you're willing to go to NYC) and would likely give you a similar discount, but that difference is not so dramatic as to justify discarding what's already in your pocket.

Ease your mind. You won the game. NW is a great school that will set you up well for your future both in terms of career outcome and especially limiting your debt load. Also, you will never feel bad about going to school in Downtown Chicago, except during the brief moments you spend outside during the winter.

[NUDad]

Ouch! Cognitive deficiency? I'll be more charitable. You, OP, are suffering from the winner's curse/buyer's remorse and you've come to these hallowed forums seeking some confirmation of your decision to help you feel better.

Here's my take: If you have a typical career goal---big law or good PI work and you're perfectly fine with being in NY or Chicago, then NW with $150k off is a, um, f'in fantastic outcome. As a 3.84/169, your HYSCC chances are horrible and your coin's flip chance at NYU is not going to bring you nearly enough money unless you're an RTK or AnBryce type. Penn might happen, but you're not getting a ton of money there. UVA might happen, but you're just a tick off Dillard-type numbers for LSAT and GPA, and besides, UVA and NW have similar placement stats. As far as the BDM set, they have similar or worse placement stats to NW and you're not going to get a steep discount at those either. Cornell has better stats than NW (as long as you're willing to go to NYC) and would likely give you a similar discount, but that difference is not so dramatic as to justify discarding what's already in your pocket.

Ease your mind. You won the game. NW is a great school that will set you up well for your future both in terms of career outcome and especially limiting your debt load. Also, you will never feel bad about going to school in Downtown Chicago, except during the brief moments you spend outside during the winter.

What fliptrip said. Cornell is the only other option that could come close in terms of scholarship $$$, but who wouldn't choose Chicago over Ithaca?

[cron1834]

This is like the third $150k recipient from NU this cycle that comes across as if they have an actual cognitive deficiency. What is the deal.

Ouch! Cognitive deficiency? I'll be more charitable. You, OP, are suffering from the winner's curse/buyer's remorse and you've come to these hallowed forums seeking some confirmation of your decision to help you feel better.

Here's my take: If you have a typical career goal---big law or good PI work and you're perfectly fine with being in NY or Chicago, then NW with $150k off is a, um, f'in fantastic outcome. As a 3.84/169, your HYSCC chances are horrible and your coin's flip chance at NYU is not going to bring you nearly enough money unless you're an RTK or AnBryce type. Penn might happen, but you're not getting a ton of money there. UVA might happen, but you're just a tick off Dillard-type numbers for LSAT and GPA, and besides, UVA and NW have similar placement stats. As far as the BDM set, they have similar or worse placement stats to NW and you're not going to get a steep discount at those either. Cornell has better stats than NW (as long as you're willing to go to NYC) and would likely give you a similar discount, but that difference is not so dramatic as to justify discarding what's already in your pocket.

Ease your mind. You won the game. NW is a great school that will set you up well for your future both in terms of career outcome and especially limiting your debt load. Also, you will never feel bad about going to school in Downtown Chicago, except during the brief moments you spend outside during the winter.

This is right.

[r1tlv50]

This is like the third $150k recipient from NU this cycle that comes across as if they have an actual cognitive deficiency. What is the deal.

Ouch! Cognitive deficiency? I'll be more charitable. You, OP, are suffering from the winner's curse/buyer's remorse...

Totally agree. I think it's just the stress of LSAT/apps being over leads people to get neurotic about everything & anything else related to LS. the rest of your post is 180 too

OP if you really feel the need you could retake in June, don't believe the ED statement would DQ you from that. But honestly that's overkill unless you PT'd way higher AND want a super-selective job. Otherwise, take the $ and run

[jbagelboy]

Go to Northwestern. You will not regret it.

[Dog]

I was also a Northwestern ED applicant. I'm here now, feel free to pm me. I think you should just go and not think twice about it. A couple years ago 169s weren't really getting the ED money.

If you retake and get into one of HYS they it arguably would still not be worth it due to $$$, even before the lost year. Maybe you could retake and score some good CCN money, but again that's only a maybe and you'd lose a year.

Maybe you should've retaken prior to applying ED, but now that you have it I think you should just take it. You've got the sure thing already. I wouldn't trade it for "possibilities" that cost a year of time and probably aren't much better.

[Mr. October]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone - especially those of you who were cordial

I do think my reaction was all "buyer's remorse/winner's remorse", and I never really considered not going. I wanted to conduct a poll to see if you all agreed.

Now that this has all had time to set in, I am absolutely "stoked" to go to Northwestern. It's a great school, and the more I research the more I like Chicago as a city and Northwestern as a school in particular.

Thank you again for all your thoughts.

[fliptrip]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone - especially those of you who were cordial

I do think my reaction was all "buyer's remorse/winner's remorse", and I never really considered not going. I wanted to conduct a poll to see if you all agreed.

Now that this has all had time to set in, I am absolutely "stoked" to go to Northwestern. It's a great school, and the more I research the more I like Chicago as a city and Northwestern as a school in particular.

Thank you again for all your thoughts.

LOL, you've diagnosed your condition, yet you're doubling down on your symptoms. Don't do a poll. Take the consensus advice and stop thinking about this element of your decision and start looking for a place in Lincoln Park or something.