There is this persistent myth that WUSTL students don't find jobs in STL. Considering STL is our second largest market (according to the CSO), I'd say there is little truth to it.Peg wrote:How do WUSTL's job prospects within St Louis compare with the lesser-known St Louis University? I ask this because my friend goes to SLU, and he says that WUSTL has better placement in Chicago but SLU has much better placement in St Louis.
And besides placement, how do you feel the students, profs and opportunities compare at the two schools?
As far as comparing WUSTL to SLU, you have to keep in mind that there is a lot of self-selection going on. SLU students stay in STL because they are usually from STL or can't find work in other cities. It just isn't a national or even regional school... it is pretty much a St. Louis school. On the other hand, WUSTL students usually disperse a lot more than SLU students. I'd say the vast majority of my classmates would prefer to work in another city. I'd say this has its pros and cons. On the pro side, I am glad to be competing against fewer people who want to be in St. Louis long term. However, I do think employers are a bit skeptical of WUSTL students, especially those who are not from St. Louis or the midwest in general. With all things being equal, however, I think WUSTL is a much better school for landing in St. Louis if that is what you want to do.
I know someone who picked SLU over WUSTL because she had a full-ride at SLU and was looking at sticker at WUSTL. I think this was the right decision for her since she is from St. Louis, and I would never recommend WUSTL at sticker because it is a really expensive and risky proposition ITE. I came here because I got a good scholarship, I'm not set on biglaw, and I want to practice in St. Louis or the midwest generally. For people in a similar situation, I think WUSTL can be a great choice. I am glad I came here and I feel like it will be able to get me where I want to be.