Berkley ($$$) vs. Stanford ($$/$$$) -- Running the Gauntlet in the 11th Hour Forum

[gnomgnomuch]

OP: I was a mid/late summer waitlist admit to Stanford as well, and had all of the same things in place in New Haven that you have with Berkeley when I was faced with this choice.

You were all set to go to Yale until you got Stanford off the waitlist? Why did you choose Stanford?

Cali >>>>>>>>>>>>> New Haven. (Probably.)

[rnoodles]

OP: I was a mid/late summer waitlist admit to Stanford as well, and had all of the same things in place in New Haven that you have with Berkeley when I was faced with this choice.

You were all set to go to Yale until you got Stanford off the waitlist? Why did you choose Stanford?

[UnicornHunter]

I'm a practicing attorney - Stanford is a no brainer to me.

Also they are within a one hour drive of each other, so whatever airport you're flying into will be close to both.

That said, I have general reservations on whether most people should go to law school period (including Yale) since it's probably a huge financial gamble for most and many people don't like practicing law, but if you're going to go to law school, might as well go to Stanford.

+100. Not even close. Not law school> stanford >> Berk here.

[Instinctive]

OP: I was a mid/late summer waitlist admit to Stanford as well, and had all of the same things in place in New Haven that you have with Berkeley when I was faced with this choice.

You were all set to go to Yale until you got Stanford off the waitlist? Why did you choose Stanford?

Saw this asked like 3 times in a row. My school's location was never a factor in any decision, as it was all about the best education and then setup for post-grad career for me. I wanted my JD/MBA, and the GSB is the best business school in the world. I got into both schools off the waitlist in the summer. (I had been admitted to Yale SOM also, so it wasn't like the degree was only possible at one school)

That said, there are multiple law students at SLS (not a ton, because there simply aren't a ton out there who fit) who turned down YLS for SLS. Generally, it seems to be not just the physical environment, but the welcoming environment at SLS as well. Some people don't seem to like the people at Yale. That was never it for me, I was very excited to go, just more excited for Stanford.

[CanadianWolf]

OP: Based on your profile, fit & comfort should be a major factor in your choice between Stanford & UC-Berkeley. In your situation, Berkeley might be the better choice.

P.S. I voted "Strong SLS" before reading your prior posts; now, I would vote "Lean Berkeley".

[Well Hung Jury]

Strong SLS.

[Fareslols]

I want to thank you all again for your input in this challenging decision!

After Berkeley's counter offer of full tuition plus $5,000 toward living expenses, the actual cost difference ended up being about $65k. After conferring with several contacts at both schools, recent alumni relying on LRAP, and other folks, I decided that Stanford is definitely worth that cost difference, and I'll be headed out to Palo Alto in a week and a half.

I'm thankful that the decision is past me, and I'm excited for the next step!

Thanks again.

[Instinctive]

I want to thank you all again for your input in this challenging decision!

After Berkeley's counter offer of full tuition plus $5,000 toward living expenses, the actual cost difference ended up being about $65k. After conferring with several contacts at both schools, recent alumni relying on LRAP, and other folks, I decided that Stanford is definitely worth that cost difference, and I'll be headed out to Palo Alto in a week and a half.

I'm thankful that the decision is past me, and I'm excited for the next step!

Thanks again.

Enjoy orientation!

PM when you're out there. Many 2Ls and 3Ls won't be back until Labor Day or later (myself included), but we're always available somehow if you want/need anything.

[handsonthewheel]

Stanford. Doesn't matter where you'll be happier, law school is 3 years and has nothing to do with your happiness. You are there to get good grades, get professors to be good LOR writers, and get a clerkship/job. $25k is not terribly much and Stanford makes you a slightly more scarce commodity.

Source: bay area biglaw attorney.

[WashingtonIrving]

Stanford. Doesn't matter where you'll be happier, law school is 3 years and has nothing to do with your happiness. You are there to get good grades, get professors to be good LOR writers, and get a clerkship/job. $25k is not terribly much and Stanford makes you a slightly more scarce commodity.

Source: bay area biglaw attorney.

I think you were doing it wrong. I'm here to take a three year vacation from the real world.

[NorCalLaw]

Stanford.

-Stanford doesn't have grades. Berkeley effectively does, or is at least closer to having real grades than Stanford.
-Every member of the class is considered to be a valuable hire.
-Class size is small, you will get more attention and opportunities (also, see above).
-Located in the core of the growth area in the Bay.
-Stanford kids get clerkships like candy, and you'll need one to one day become a judge.
-Berkeley students still have to hustle for jobs, especially below median. I've heard my share of horror stories about no-offers, bad OCIs, etc. from Berkeley. Stanford is on another level.

That about covers it. Feel/fit can't possibly make up for the gulf, and I doubt the campuses are as different as you expect (Berkeley is, after all, a T14 law school with its fair share of gunners).

[A. Nony Mouse]

The OP has already decided, folks.