Sadnessandmisfortune wrote:dasq5511 wrote:Dr_OIT wrote:dasq5511 wrote:proteinshake wrote:chargers21 wrote:zeglo wrote:Just got back from ASD. I was impressed overall. Can't compare to other places though.
+1 I thought it was awesome as well, but I've only visited the law school at my alma mater so not too much to go off of. The people seem great, whether they be the professors, administrators, current students, or other prospective students. Great environment and surrounding area
+2 likely the only ASD I will attend but I don't think other T13 ASDs will be too different. also, Dean Levi seems great/hilarious.
+3 I got the sense that students were a little younger and less stressed out about school as a whole in comparison to other T13s, I still have a couple other visits to go though
I agree. I had a great time. The quality of the people, closely followed by the low cost of living, definitely stood out as the highlights for me. I was even taken aback at just how friendly and generous the current students were. Deans Hoye and Levi were great too, as well as the few faculty members I got to speak with at length. And they proved me wrong in thinking Durham would just be a sleepy town, considering I got shuffled through three parties Friday night. (I am still worried, though, that it'll be a culture shock coming from NYC, but having a laidback atmosphere to focus on studying would be nice). Also, the facilities/library were hands-down beautiful, modern, and inviting. And it was unanimous that having a car is pretty much a necessity.
Honestly, the only qualms I had were very specific to me -- I'm not sure if Duke has strengths in the academic areas I'm especially interested in. Their career services staff didn't really persuade me otherwise except for a few talking points that felt like a stretch. And I'm a little wary about leaving NYC behind after years of developing a close support network (socially and professionally). It's a hard decision, considering Columbia has been my #1 choice for years and I was fortunate to get in. I'm visiting CLS for their ASP this week, and I feel like the stakes are much higher... (Everyone at Duke told me that everyone is miserable at CLS, which now terrifies me a bit...)
Hope this is helpful for anyone unable to make it for Duke's ASW
Heard similar comments made about Chicago being miserable from many
You need to see it for yourself; bf goes to CLS and he loves it, along with his friends
I have several friends who go to CLS and love it, but they're primarily public interest so have a little more breathing room than the biglaw-or-die folks is my guess