Rutgers Newark Forum

[wizoz]

What are peoples thoughts on Rutgers-Newark vs Brooklyn? I've been accepted to both, and the cost would be pretty much the same.

Depends...are you in-state/out state NJ? If you got scholarships, what's the stipulation? Did you get into any special programs like MSP? What are you looking to do post grad? Where do you want to work and where would you prefer to live during law school?

In-state NJ. Scholarships at both. Rutgers would be cheaper bc of in-state tuition, I'm curious about people's opinions of the schools regardless of cost. Brooklyn scholarship is renewed if Im in top 40% of the class. No special programs. Undecided about post-grad career, but getting a job at a biglaw firm isn't that important to me. Would be happy working in either NJ or NY, and I would also be happy living in either place during law school. My family is from NJ which is a plus, but the Brooklyn neighborhood is awesome.

Just from a school and educational perspective, I'm indifferent between Rutgers and Bk. I think you'll get just about the same educational opportunities at either school.

Rutgers, however, might have an edge over BK for career opportunities just 'cause Rutgers does have a NY presence in addition to its NJ pull.

Plus, BK is not cheap. BK heights is an expensive place to live. Having a car in BK is also not easy...alternate side parking is a pain! So, heading to NJ to see family, friends, or a g/f or b/f won't be as easy to accomplish.

I'm not exactly sure what assumptions you want us to consider when comparing the two schools. So, my answer is twofold. From an educational standpoint, I'm purely indifferent. From a logistical, real world standpoint, Rutgers.

[jdjd2013]

Thanks for your input,
I guess my main concern is just the opportunities at both schools-- chances of getting on a journal/moot court, chances of doing well academically, and then chances of landing a good job after graduation.

[inSouthAmerica]

for equal money, go to wherever makes you most comfortable.
its a 5 minute different distance to manhattan and as an nj stater youll probably take the multi-state bar anyway. scholarship requirements are similar, though the admission stats are noticeably higher at brooklyn meaning your competition might be stiffer to keep it.

[bernie shmegma]

https://aces2.lsac.org/YourStatus/membe ... cLm7CS4%3D

Put him in a body bag Johnny! Great Tar dude.

[keg411]

@ Keg411

Oh man, sorry to hear about your dad. I wish you and your family well.

Also, I don't remember the shirts ppl were wearing but I do remember shoes. I know someone was wearing awesome leopard printed flats. I also recall seeing 2 blondes. One was near the window and sitting with her mom I think so she can't be you. The other was seated btwn 2 brunettes. Which was you?

I also remember someone coming with their boyfriend late. Was that you?

I was standing next to the brunette with the leopard shoes and wearing pink pants. I was asking those questions about the MSP.

I was the blonde between the two brunettes . I was only kind of late; I missed the beginning of the first tour and they had to find them and catch me up. I left right after that, so I wasn't able to stick around and get any more questions asked. I really liked the girl who gave the tour and answered the questions - she really knew her stuff (and echoed a lot of the stuff we've heard here from Rutgers_1L and MIA).

ETA: To the poster between Rutgers/Brooklyn - I'm choosing Rutgers (though I may end up down in Camden) because Brooklyn offered me zero $. They will probably give you similar opportunities after law school.

[bernie shmegma]

Thanks for your input,
I guess my main concern is just the opportunities at both schools-- chances of getting on a journal/moot court, chances of doing well academically, and then chances of landing a good job after graduation.

What were your scores /background, then we'll give you advice. Just playin, I PMed you.

[wizoz]

@ Keg411

Oh man, sorry to hear about your dad. I wish you and your family well.

Also, I don't remember the shirts ppl were wearing but I do remember shoes. I know someone was wearing awesome leopard printed flats. I also recall seeing 2 blondes. One was near the window and sitting with her mom I think so she can't be you. The other was seated btwn 2 brunettes. Which was you?

I also remember someone coming with their boyfriend late. Was that you?

I was standing next to the brunette with the leopard shoes and wearing pink pants. I was asking those questions about the MSP.

I was the blonde between the two brunettes . I was only kind of late; I missed the beginning of the first tour and they had to find them and catch me up. I left right after that, so I wasn't able to stick around and get any more questions asked. I really liked the girl who gave the tour and answered the questions - she really knew her stuff (and echoed a lot of the stuff we've heard here from Rutgers_1L and MIA).

ETA: To the poster between Rutgers/Brooklyn - I'm choosing Rutgers (though I may end up down in Camden) because Brooklyn offered me zero $. They will probably give you similar opportunities after law school.

I liked her too. Why Camden? Wanna work in PA?

[wizoz]

Thanks for your input,
I guess my main concern is just the opportunities at both schools-- chances of getting on a journal/moot court, chances of doing well academically, and then chances of landing a good job after graduation.

You're very welcome. I agree with inSouthAmerica in that you should go wherever you feel most comfortable...Good luck!

[keg411]

Parents went to law school there. Like the idea of Philly/South Jersey. Trying to debate that with North Jersey/New York. Also trying to figure out which is better for employment (something says "Newark" but I can't put my finger on that).

BTW, I really liked her "painting her nails" story. It was so the type of thing I could relate to . Nice to hear that she introduced you around afterward .

[wizoz]

Parents went to law school there. Like the idea of Philly/South Jersey. Trying to debate that with North Jersey/New York. Also trying to figure out which is better for employment (something says "Newark" but I can't put my finger on that).

BTW, I really liked her "painting her nails" story. It was so the type of thing I could relate to . Nice to hear that she introduced you around afterward .

I'm not sure if Newark is necessarily better when it comes to employment. My impression is that both schools cater to a different employment market. So if your objective is Philly "big" law, you'd be better served going to Camden.

And, yes, her story was really funny. I also thought what she was saying about the helpfulness of the administration at Rutgers to be very true. My interaction with Nicky, Dean Walton, even Roberta Geddis have been really great. I just really enjoy that they encourage you to get to know them. My husband went to Rutgers-Newark for his PhD and his best friend is a Newark law school grad. They have such amazing things to say about the university so I guess that's why I'm so enthusiastic about the school!

[keg411]

I know they cater to different markets. I just can't pick between the two markets . If I knew if I wanted North vs. South Jersey it would be easy .

[wizoz]

I know they cater to different markets. I just can't pick between the two markets . If I knew if I wanted North vs. South Jersey it would be easy .

Oh ok. What's Camden like? I've actually never gone...just keep reading scary stuff on here about the neighborhood.

[keg411]

I know they cater to different markets. I just can't pick between the two markets . If I knew if I wanted North vs. South Jersey it would be easy .

Oh ok. What's Camden like? I've actually never gone...just keep reading scary stuff on here about the neighborhood.

I only went for ASD but the school is really really pretty and very isolated from the rest of Camden (the neighborhood where the school is located is NOT scary; in fact, it's less urban looking than the RU-N campus). It's basically right next to/under the bridge that separates NJ from Philly. Would I want to venture more than a block off the immediate campus area? No, but I probably wouldn't really want to do that in Newark either.

[bernie shmegma]

I wonder what Professor Francione has to say about the pitbulls being killed over chewing the balls off a six month baby?

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/04/ ... 270771553/

[audrey hepburn]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knew the advantages of being part of MSP? I tried finding information online but didn't really find anything significant. Also, after applying to the MSP program, how long does it usually take to hear whether you got accepted or not? I already got into RU-N but am now thinking about applying to MSP.

[wizoz]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone knew the advantages of being part of MSP? I tried finding information online but didn't really find anything significant. Also, after applying to the MSP program, how long does it usually take to hear whether you got accepted or not? I already got into RU-N but am now thinking about applying to MSP.

1. MSP offers facilitations, which are work study groups. You get homework ("hypos") and have to hand them in to Dean Bravo-Webber. I haven't quite figured out yet if this is an advantage or an annoyance.

2. There are also specific scholarships for MSP students. I posted not too long ago a list of them here.

3. You also get a chance for a 1L internship. Not every MSP student gets an internship but RU-N has commitments from firms, government, and corporations to take on MSP students for the summer. SIP ("summer internship program") students, I hear, end up working for their SIP employer post grad.

4. There are equivalent seats of MSP and non-MSP students for Law Review. It feels like a preferential treatment thing but I was told it was not. Many MSP students graduate with high and high honors so I guess the competition even for MSPs is fierce. I still don't believe there's not better treatment but eh.

5. You get to network with RU-N alumns that were in MSP. Annually, there's a banquet. Senator Menendez was a RU-N MSP grad.

Also, the way you apply to the MSP program was to check a box on your initial application. "Every applicant is invited to indicate his/her interest in the MSP on the admission application. All accepted applications regardless of race or ethnic origin who express an interest are eligible for consideration for the MSP...This includes

• , and disadvantaged persons, regardless of race or ethnic origin, who grew up as members of families with a history of poverty, or who can demonstrate that for other reasons they are educationally, culturally or socio-economically disadvantaged."
  
  Email Dean Bravo-Weber if you want to be considered. I was told the last class had around 50 students in MSP. We have summer orientation earlier than regular orientation. So law school for MSPs start on 8/2.
  
  As far as how long does it take to hear of acceptance, I'm gathering most people hear at the time they gain admission to RU-N. At least I did. EricNg? Lovaholic? Any additions or deletions?

[wizoz]

I know they cater to different markets. I just can't pick between the two markets . If I knew if I wanted North vs. South Jersey it would be easy .

Oh ok. What's Camden like? I've actually never gone...just keep reading scary stuff on here about the neighborhood.

I only went for ASD but the school is really really pretty and very isolated from the rest of Camden (the neighborhood where the school is located is NOT scary; in fact, it's less urban looking than the RU-N campus). It's basically right next to/under the bridge that separates NJ from Philly. Would I want to venture more than a block off the immediate campus area? No, but I probably wouldn't really want to do that in Newark either.

Cool. Well, if I see you in the Fall, say hi.

[wizoz]

Any1 know what hypos entail?

[TUhustler]

4. There are equivalent seats of MSP and non-MSP students for Law Review. It feels like a preferential treatment thing but I was told it was not. Many MSP students graduate with high and high honors so I guess the competition even for MSPs is fierce. I still don't believe there's not better treatment but eh.

Do you think this could be a result of all of the extra work they have to do and they extra attention that they get? Maybe the extra work actually helps you to grasp the material better than the rest of the class who have to study on their own.

[wizoz]

4. There are equivalent seats of MSP and non-MSP students for Law Review. It feels like a preferential treatment thing but I was told it was not. Many MSP students graduate with high and high honors so I guess the competition even for MSPs is fierce. I still don't believe there's not better treatment but eh.

Do you think this could be a result of all of the extra work they have to do and they extra attention that they get? Maybe the extra work actually helps you to grasp the material better than the rest of the class who have to study on their own.

Yea...I suspect that to be the case. But, I have no clue if the "many msps graduating with high and high honors" means in each class or throughout the history of the program. So, that's why I chose not to make that leap necessarily. I took that "many..." statement directly from the MSP brochure. It's a fine point but ultimately, I haven't been left with a good or bad impression that the hypos (whatever they entail...any1 know what it is??) are particularly helpful. Plus, the facilitations are only for 1L.

[keg411]

wizoz, if you have the opportunity for MSP, it sounded like a great program even if it entails extra work. If you qualify for the summer internships, it sounds even better. It mostly sounds to me like they are committed towards helping students who do not come from privileged backgrounds succeed (since you do not even have to be a URM or even a minority at all to qualify for MSP).

[wizoz]

wizoz, if you have the opportunity for MSP, it sounded like a great program even if it entails extra work. If you qualify for the summer internships, it sounds even better. It mostly sounds to me like they are committed towards helping students who do not come from privileged backgrounds succeed (since you do not even have to be a URM or even a minority at all to qualify for MSP).

I agree! Quite honestly, I feel most people are damaged in one way or another. I'd say if you (in general) can write about some difficult situation (abuse, depression, whatever) irregardless of wealth that you've endured, then try for MSP. To me, this program is the most excellent diversity program I've come across for all law students and getting in to MSP also made it an easy decision for me to reject higher ranked schools that I gained admittance to despite significant scholarships.

[inSouthAmerica]

Rutgers-N vs. Seton Hall threads are my pet peeve.

[mhd08]

Rutgers-N vs. Seton Hall threads are my pet peeve.

Sorry.

[TUhustler]

wizoz, if you have the opportunity for MSP, it sounded like a great program even if it entails extra work. If you qualify for the summer internships, it sounds even better. It mostly sounds to me like they are committed towards helping students who do not come from privileged backgrounds succeed (since you do not even have to be a URM or even a minority at all to qualify for MSP).

I agree, I wouldn't look at the program as extra work though. I would look at it as a more focused study time than most everyone else will have. I don't see it as this burden of extra work that would cause someone to lose free time as much as Rutgers helping you use your study time more productively.