BU URM Forum

[elm84dr]

Any URM's want info on BU, feel free to ask here. I know a lot of you may be choosing b/w BU with money and maybe some 7-20s school. I decided between BU/Cornell/Georgetown/Vandy/BC
Some things I've noticed and what a lot of law students will tell you (NOT TLSers though):
If BU gave you more money than a school in the 15-20 something range come to BU. (Unless said school is the market you want and you are NOT from that market)
If the lower half of the top 14 gave you no money and BU gave you a lot, come to BU.
If the delta between a lower top 14 and BU is like 50K overall (COA) or less, go to the lower Top 14. (Less than that you have to balance the factors).

[irish1485]

Any URM's want info on BU, feel free to ask here. I know a lot of you may be choosing b/w BU with money and maybe some 7-20s school. I decided between BU/Cornell/Georgetown/Vandy/BC
Some things I've noticed and what a lot of law students will tell you (NOT TLSers though):
If BU gave you more money than a school in the 15-20 something range come to BU. (Unless said school is the market you want and you are NOT from that market)
If the lower half of the top 14 gave you no money and BU gave you a lot, come to BU.
If the delta between a lower top 14 and BU is like 50K overall (COA) or less, go to the lower Top 14. (Less than that you have to balance the factors).

Thanks for answering questions!

1. How are you liking Boston? Are you from the area?

2. How did OCI go for you and your classmates? Any luck finding summer employment?

3. Any tips for other URM's starting school this fall? Did you do any summer prep for school?

[irish1485]

Also, any thoughts on BC?

I've been accepted with a pretty good scholarship. Is BC=BU in your opinion?

[SuperCool23]

If you don't mind sharing what were your lsat/gpa? How is your class schedule? What is the grading curve at BU? Also do they place well in NYC?

[SuperCool23]

Also what about housing for out of town law students?

[elm84dr]

Any URM's want info on BU, feel free to ask here. I know a lot of you may be choosing b/w BU with money and maybe some 7-20s school. I decided between BU/Cornell/Georgetown/Vandy/BC
Some things I've noticed and what a lot of law students will tell you (NOT TLSers though):
If BU gave you more money than a school in the 15-20 something range come to BU. (Unless said school is the market you want and you are NOT from that market)
If the lower half of the top 14 gave you no money and BU gave you a lot, come to BU.
If the delta between a lower top 14 and BU is like 50K overall (COA) or less, go to the lower Top 14. (Less than that you have to balance the factors).

Thanks for answering questions!

1. How are you liking Boston? Are you from the area?

2. How did OCI go for you and your classmates? Any luck finding summer employment?

3. Any tips for other URM's starting school this fall? Did you do any summer prep for school?

1) Boston is great, and I am from here. Most students not from here, enjoy the environment BU has for students. We have weekly bar reviews and a lot of really cool social events (Skiing, HAlloween PArty at a club, HEad of the Charles Regatta tent, Casino trip to Foxwoods).

2) I am a 1L. The 2L class right now seems to have fared very well for OCI. This all depends on self selection though (About 30% of the people in my class want PI jobs, so they aren't into big law). Also, there are a LOT of programs for URMs in Boston firms, and in firms in general. You have a good shot as a URM to get a firm job from BU in different parts of the country (BU carries better nationally than BC for sure). A lot of the URM 2Ls I know got firm jobs, mostly in Boson, NYC and California. BUT, there are a lot of URM's that want to be working for the government, US Attorney, AG, etc. In addition, in Boston, you have a lot of firms that pat $145K+ that are NOT NLJ 250. A lot of out graduates place into those as well.

3) I did not do summer prep, but it MAY be useful. I would say, if you can, travel and relax. AND READ GETTING TO MAYBE.

4) BU vs. BC: They are pretty equal in Boston. BU has more partners than BC by a lot in the nation. BU travels better. If you are dead set on Boston, make your determination between which one's campus and environment you like more. BU is more urban, next to the city, easy access to go in and out of Boston to network or interview without missing classes, and its good when you leave the tower at 9PM and want a drink with friends, you just go across the street. BC is 25 minutes from Boston, and by train about an hour+. You will miss all or some of your classes to go into the city. It is a nice campus, with pretty cool people, and their best asset is probably the amazing DEAN WEST. Equal money---TAKE BU (My opinion). If BC gave you a lot more money, BU will more than likely match it.

[elm84dr]

Also what about housing for out of town law students?

.....

[elm84dr]

Don't bracket my stats (AS I WANT TO DELETE THEM AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS)

[elm84dr]

If you don't mind sharing what were your lsat/gpa? How is your class schedule? What is the grading curve at BU? Also do they place well in NYC?

BU places in Boston, NYC then CALI, in that order. I think about 35 people went to NYC for the class of 2010. Check the career site though.

The curve is a B+, and the schedule is great first semester, only 3 classes, and then writing seminar.

[SuperCool23]

Have you found it to be tough to adjust to the law school culture? Have you found anything for tbe summer?

[elm84dr]

Have you found it to be tough to adjust to the law school culture? Have you found anything for tbe summer?

No & Yes. I have a few option for this summer and weighing them now. In my 1L class thee are about 5 people with Summer Associate positions and a good amount with paid work. I also know about 8-10 people off hand clerking for federal judges, one, that I know of, on the Appeals court. Pretty much everyone gets something worthwhile for 1L summer from here.

[scottlj]

Thanks for posting this. Right now I am trying to decide between BU with a significant scholarship and a t-14 and I'm leaning towards BU. In your opinion would it be worth it to turn down the t-14 if the cost of attendance is 75,000 more than BU? I just don't want to be limited because I know the t-14 has a greater hold nationally than BU and I don't know if I want to settle in Mass.

[elm84dr]

Thanks for posting this. Right now I am trying to decide between BU with a significant scholarship and a t-14 and I'm leaning towards BU. In your opinion would it be worth it to turn down the t-14 if the cost of attendance is 75,000 more than BU? I just don't want to be limited because I know the t-14 has a greater hold nationally than BU and I don't know if I want to settle in Mass.

If it is not Harvard, Yale or Stanford, I find it hard to believe it will be worth more than $75K. BU students go to Boston firms because they want to stay in Boston. It is not necessarily restricting them.

Think about this. If you want Big Law outside of Boston, and Top 14, if you are in the top 50% will get you that. At BU it will be about the Top 30% that can get that. However, when you are paying back student loan debt for about 10 years or so, you will not be living a $160K lifestyle for a few years. You'll be working 70+ hours a week, to pay a third in taxes and a fourth to student loan debt.

In the end, make the best decision for you. There are a lot of factors to consider, choose wisely.

[Manhattanman]

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