zeth006 wrote:I'm not bashing on Chapman. But at this moment, with my prospects with Davis looking dim, I'm stuck on choosing among USD, Loyola, and Chapman. The financial aid at USD and Loyola are equally vague; While USD has offered a $23,000 grant for the first year with nothing slated for the other years, Loyola has offered 15k/year with the 30% stipulation which I can't take for granted. Chapman on first glance presents the best value. But the unknown variables make me pause and worry.
I think a lot of law school applicants end up making a decision like this. Do I go to the lower ranked/tier school that makes the most financial sense or do I go to the best school I get into and hope that the job prospects are better?
I shot off a last minute app to Chapman, I'm kind of kicking myself for not applying earlier. I'm also in the same boat, Cal Western offered me significant $$, but I've also been accepted at a few higher ranked schools.
At the end of the day, there are going to be people that went to the lower ranked school and are now very happy/employed. There are also going to be people who aren't employed and very frustrated. The same can probably be said for any school. There are people who have jobs, but are still looking at 15+ years of loan payments and people who didn't end up in the field they wanted.
If it's worth it to YOU, TODAY, to spend the money on the other school, then spend the money. If it's not, it's not, but know you're going to spend additional time job hunting. It's about finding the best combination of $$, opportunities, location, etc for YOU.