Need advice: South Carolina vs. Cumberland (Samford)

[willcoffman]

Dear all,

I've been lurking around this board for the past couple of months and I've finally manned up to create my own post. Anyhow, I've been waiting around since February for Alabama to get back to me, but I'm losing more and more hope as each day passes. That being said, if I don't get in (which is more than likely), I've narrowed it down to South Carolina (with a 17k/year scholarship) or Cumberland (sticker...I know, outrageous).

I just graduated from Alabama and grew up in Huntsville, where I have a decent amount of connections in the legal field. I wouldn't mind moving back there at all or even practicing in Birmingham. In addition, I have friends who will be in the Birmingham area next year (some even going to Cumberland).

On the other hand, South Carolina's rather generous scholarship offer is not easy to pass up. I also wouldn't mind living in SC, even though I don't know a soul there. I guess I kind of consider it a "new beginning" more so than the other, which makes it more exciting.

From what I understand, USC and Cumberland yield similar job prospects (although nothing compared to Alabama) in their respective areas. Would it be too much of a gamble to go to USC or should I play it safe and fork over the money for Cumberland? I don't particularly have a preference where I end up after law school...I just want a good job. Which one do you think is more promising?

And just for reference, here are my numbers: 158/3.66

[deadpanic]

Although Cumberland enjoys a good reputation in Alabama, it is certainly not worth sticker. I would say USC and try something new. If your connections are strong enough, I think you could still get back to Huntsville, although I wouldn't bank on it.

Did you apply to Ole Miss? OM Law usually has a good amount of kids that go to work in Alabama, mostly Birmingham or Mobile, but Huntsville shouldn't be a huge stretch with your connections, although again, I wouldn't bank on it. I'd still rather practice somewhere else with little debt from USC or Ole Miss than be in huge debt at Cumberland.

[Genericswingman]

I would go to South Carolina; but if I were you, I would go to Samford.

(If I were interested in returning to Alabama, then this might be a slightly tougher choice; otherwise, USC wins by a landslide)