NYU (Sticker), Berkeley (Sticker), wait a year and reapply Forum

[gatorspader]

Why do you want to go to law school?

I first became interested in law because, I thought it was a job I could be good at, and I thought it would be an effective way to make some sort of impact in whatever area i practice. I interned at a civil law firm during summers of college and began to learn about what it actually means to be a lawyer. I enjoy the interaction with clients, and even tasks that others find more tedious such as research or reading through contracts.

Also, another update on my situation. I appealed my financials at UChicago, which I wasn't strongly considering with my information from Northwestern. They offered me 75,000 to attend in the fall. This complicates my situation in a good way. I may now go back to Northwestern and see if they will increase my offer, and look for Berkeley to match it. NYU said no to additional funding even with the Northwestern info so I think they are out of the running.

Just when I thought I knew what I was doing, I feel like I am back to square one. Any thoughts on my newly updated situation?

[Icculus]

Why do you want to go to law school?

I first became interested in law because, I thought it was a job I could be good at, and I thought it would be an effective way to make some sort of impact in whatever area i practice. I interned at a civil law firm during summers of college and began to learn about what it actually means to be a lawyer. I enjoy the interaction with clients, and even tasks that others find more tedious such as research or reading through contracts.

Also, another update on my situation. I appealed my financials at UChicago, which I wasn't strongly considering with my information from Northwestern. They offered me 75,000 to attend in the fall. This complicates my situation in a good way. I may now go back to Northwestern and see if they will increase my offer, and look for Berkeley to match it. NYU said no to additional funding even with the Northwestern info so I think they are out of the running.

Just when I thought I knew what I was doing, I feel like I am back to square one. Any thoughts on my newly updated situation?

If NU doesn't up its offer I would still take NU with 150K over UChi w/ 75K unless you want to pursue academia or clerk. NU will give you the best shot at biglaw with the least amount of debt. I still think it's no contest.

[chasgoose]

Why do you want to go to law school?

I first became interested in law because, I thought it was a job I could be good at, and I thought it would be an effective way to make some sort of impact in whatever area i practice. I interned at a civil law firm during summers of college and began to learn about what it actually means to be a lawyer. I enjoy the interaction with clients, and even tasks that others find more tedious such as research or reading through contracts.

Also, another update on my situation. I appealed my financials at UChicago, which I wasn't strongly considering with my information from Northwestern. They offered me 75,000 to attend in the fall. This complicates my situation in a good way. I may now go back to Northwestern and see if they will increase my offer, and look for Berkeley to match it. NYU said no to additional funding even with the Northwestern info so I think they are out of the running.

Just when I thought I knew what I was doing, I feel like I am back to square one. Any thoughts on my newly updated situation?

If NU doesn't up its offer I would still take NU with 150K over UChi w/ 75K unless you want to pursue academia or clerk. NU will give you the best shot at biglaw with the least amount of debt. I still think it's no contest.

If you are South Florida or bust, then U of C probably won't provide a big enough boost in employment chances to be worth the extra $75k, in a secondary market like Florida U of C and NU are going to be seen as close enough that you shouldn't pay $75k more for Chicago.. As the above poster mentioned, its advantages over NU come in getting clerkships/academia/DC biglaw. If you just want ANY biglaw job, Chicago will make that a little easier, but still probably not $75k easier.

[gatorspader]

I hear a lot about clerkships and it seems like a position anyone would want because it provides insight into the court system and practical knowledge that is hard to obtain elsewhere. Is it possible I begin law at Northwestern and then regret my lesser chance of getting one? Would I still be able to possibly get one in Miami even if I graduate from Northwestern?

[chasgoose]

The difference in clerkship chances between the two is minimal and not worth $75k. Your chances of securing a clerkship at either Chicago or NU are too small to base your decision on.

[bk1]

The difference in clerkship chances between the two is minimal and not worth $75k. Your chances of securing a clerkship at either Chicago or NU are too small to base your decision on.

This.

[CanadianWolf]

You may have already received Northwestern's top scholarship at $150,000.

Chicago this year with $75,000 versus Northwestern next year with $150,000 is a tough call that depends upon what you'll be doing during the deferral year & your fit with each school's culture. Unfortunately, it's too late to visit each law school in session before deciding.

[gatorspader]

I spoke to northwestern and I have received thier highest scholaship. I asked about the possibility of removing the 1 year deferral and they said they would meet and get back to me on tuesday. I would be a little curious of how well I would fit in at NU because of how the avast majority of matriculates are older and more experienced, but I don't think that would preclude me from accepting.

[bk1]

I would be a little curious of how well I would fit in at NU because of how the avast majority of matriculates are older and more experienced

You'll fit in just fine.

[chasgoose]

You may have already received Northwestern's top scholarship at $150,000.

Chicago this year with $75,000 versus Northwestern next year with $150,000 is a tough call that depends upon what you'll be doing during the deferral year & your fit with each school's culture. Unfortunately, it's too late to visit each law school in session before deciding.

I spoke to northwestern and I have received thier highest scholaship. I asked about the possibility of removing the 1 year deferral and they said they would meet and get back to me on tuesday. I would be a little curious of how well I would fit in at NU because of how the avast majority of matriculates are older and more experienced, but I don't think that would preclude me from accepting.

This isn't that tough a choice. If the difference were $50k it would be, but at $75k, NU is a no-brainer.

Also, if you are worried about being younger/not having as much WE as your peers at NU, take advantage of the deferral. There are probably some law firms who would be happy to have a paralegal they know is going to NU in the fall. Some will want more of a commitment, but there are some who would bite. Take advantage of the opportunity to go live in a place you have never lived before (or go back to FL and build your ties/save money), NU career services may even be able to help you find something paralegal wise.

[gatorspader]

Just a final update. I spoke to northwestern and they allowed me to matriculate this year and get rid of the deferment. Thank you guys for everything. It was a huge help and I definitely feel like I made the right decision.

[thelawyler]

Just a final update. I spoke to northwestern and they allowed me to matriculate this year and get rid of the deferment. Thank you guys for everything. It was a huge help and I definitely feel like I made the right decision.

Congratulations! I could not agree with you more. Enjoy NU

[JustThisOnce]

Sounds like you've already made your decision, but if you're looking at private work just to pay back loans, it may be worth considering that NYU has one of the best LRAP's in the country (100% repayment up to $85K/year, which is high for the public sector, especially outside of NYC). If your ultimate goal is public service, their alumni connections in that field, especially in south Florida, may be more helpful to you.

While the thought of carrying significant loans can be scary in the meantime--and you may find it worthwhile to gain experience in the private sector anyway--I think it's a worthwhile option that too few people consider, especially given the varying quality and vague correlation of LRAP quality to rankings among top schools.

Either way, those are great choices you are looking at, so best of luck!