BC/BU vs. UH as Houston Resident Forum

[mackoftexas]

Fair enough, that's pretty cut and dry. Thank you all for helping me clear that up.

[Nachoo2019]

Fair enough, that's pretty cut and dry. Thank you all for helping me clear that up.

It's kind of a bummer, but it will be a win win situation for you! You will either be at UH for a negligible COA or you will have scored a 167+ and opened up some other great doors for yourself.

Good luck

[poptart123]

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[BigZuck]

This is literally what I did a few years ago.

Deposit at UH, retake in June, got 167+, withdrew, reapplied to law school the next cycle.

Good luck on the LSAT, OP. UH is a fine school but if you want big law/in house opportunities in TX you really should shoot for UT or a T14.

[mackoftexas]

My only fear would be burning a bridge with UH, although if I got into UT then it really wouldn't matter then would it? Kind of cynical to think about it that way though and I hope there aren't any repercussions for it.

In retrospect, I'm not entirely sure what got me the full ride. Maybe they're really reaching for applicants this semester, although my LSAT/GPA was in their 75th percentiles. I remember when the admissions office called me initially about going to UH. I channeled my inner TLS and talked only about their ABA employment statistics and their ranking, I suppose playing hardball worked out in the end.

[Nachoo2019]

My only fear would be burning a bridge with UH, although if I got into UT then it really wouldn't matter then would it? Kind of cynical to think about it that way though and I hope there aren't any repercussions for it.

In retrospect, I'm not entirely sure what got me the full ride. Maybe they're really reaching for applicants this semester, although my LSAT/GPA was in their 75th percentiles. I remember when the admissions office called me initially about going to UH. I channeled my inner TLS and talked only about their ABA employment statistics and their ranking, I suppose playing hardball worked out in the end.

If you sit out and reapply with a 167+ I think you can be pretty positive that UH will offer you the full ride without any negotiation next cycle. I wouldn't worry too much about burning a bridge with them if you score a 167+ and decide to sit out and reapply

[mackoftexas]

My only fear would be burning a bridge with UH, although if I got into UT then it really wouldn't matter then would it? Kind of cynical to think about it that way though and I hope there aren't any repercussions for it.

In retrospect, I'm not entirely sure what got me the full ride. Maybe they're really reaching for applicants this semester, although my LSAT/GPA was in their 75th percentiles. I remember when the admissions office called me initially about going to UH. I channeled my inner TLS and talked only about their ABA employment statistics and their ranking, I suppose playing hardball worked out in the end.

If you sit out and reapply with a 167+ I think you can be pretty positive that UH will offer you the full ride without any negotiation next cycle. I wouldn't worry too much about burning a bridge with them if you score a 167+ and decide to sit out and reapply

And that's after accepting the full ride then backing out? If so, that'd be fantastic.

Second point, the idea of doing an MBA program has been brought up several times at my work and at home. Objectively, is there any benefit to having an MBA in BigLaw? One from UH for that matter.

Secondly, is there any distinct possibility of receiving a scholarship for MBA? Upon telling my father about the full ride, he brought up the MBA again and offered to help pay for one if I elected to do it.

[BigZuck]

I don't see an MBA (especially a UH MBA) providing any value if you want to be a lawyer. What value are you and your family and your work seeing in the MBA?

[Nachoo2019]

My only fear would be burning a bridge with UH, although if I got into UT then it really wouldn't matter then would it? Kind of cynical to think about it that way though and I hope there aren't any repercussions for it.

In retrospect, I'm not entirely sure what got me the full ride. Maybe they're really reaching for applicants this semester, although my LSAT/GPA was in their 75th percentiles. I remember when the admissions office called me initially about going to UH. I channeled my inner TLS and talked only about their ABA employment statistics and their ranking, I suppose playing hardball worked out in the end.

If you sit out and reapply with a 167+ I think you can be pretty positive that UH will offer you the full ride without any negotiation next cycle. I wouldn't worry too much about burning a bridge with them if you score a 167+ and decide to sit out and reapply

And that's after accepting the full ride then backing out? If so, that'd be fantastic

Backing out and reapplying with the exact same application/numbers may hurt you, but if you sit out and raise your LSAT to 167+ it shouldn't hurt you at all.

Disclaimer: I am just an 0L, but I have read about this exact situation a bunch on TLS and this seems to be the consensus.

[mackoftexas]

I don't see an MBA (especially a UH MBA) providing any value if you want to be a lawyer. What value are you and your family and your work seeing in the MBA?

My father seems to think it'd be beneficial in a BigLaw corporate law setting, the old ex-BigLaw lawyer at my work seems to feel the same way. Admittedly, my father is a lawyer but hasn't worked for BigLaw and the old lawyer has not worked for BigLaw for years and his experiences in the field might not be applicable to today.

My father specifically sent me this article: http://www.lawschoolexpert.com/pros-and ... g-a-jdmba/

[Foghornleghorn]

Others might disagree, but a UH MBA is not worth it.

They list their median exit salary as $62k. That's below the 25th percentile of reported salaries for UH law grads that report.

http://www.bauer.uh.edu/career-center/g ... -stats.php

[mackoftexas]

Others might disagree, but a UH MBA is not worth it.

They list their median exit salary as $62k. That's below the 25th percentile of reported salaries for UH law grads that report.

http://www.bauer.uh.edu/career-center/g ... -stats.php

Ouch. Is an MBA/JD viable in any circumstance? Money aside, if I didn't do a UH MBA but till wanted one, would it be (a) Reasonable to do so in terms of time and effort and (b) Possible given the demands of a law firm. Say one from Rice which is substantially higher ranked (and substantially more expensive) than UH.

[BigZuck]

I don't see an MBA (especially a UH MBA) providing any value if you want to be a lawyer. What value are you and your family and your work seeing in the MBA?

My father seems to think it'd be beneficial in a BigLaw corporate law setting, the old ex-BigLaw lawyer at my work seems to feel the same way. Admittedly, my father is a lawyer but hasn't worked for BigLaw and the old lawyer has not worked for BigLaw for years and his experiences in the field might not be applicable to today.

My father specifically sent me this article: http://www.lawschoolexpert.com/pros-and ... g-a-jdmba/

In her first paragraph she talks about learning "skills" from law school and B-school so I think whatever she has to say is HIGHLY suspect. I don't think there's much of any skills to learn from law school (maybe writing a law school exam? Reading a case? There's very limited things that those "skills" apply to). And from what I understand, B-school is just an expensive opportunity to network with other B-schoolers.

Maybe those are overly-simplistic ways of looking at things but the idea that you're going to learn all this applicable stuff and help make yourself more employable is flame, IMO

[Dr. Nefario]

Congrats on the decision to retake! so many don't do it. Ya get three takes, might as well use em.

[mackoftexas]

In her first paragraph she talks about learning "skills" from law school and B-school so I think whatever she has to say is HIGHLY suspect. I don't think there's much of any skills to learn from law school (maybe writing a law school exam? Reading a case? There's very limited things that those "skills" apply to). And from what I understand, B-school is just an expensive opportunity to network with other B-schoolers.

Maybe those are overly-simplistic ways of looking at things but the idea that you're going to learn all this applicable stuff and help make yourself more employable is flame, IMO

Well said, not a good proposition then. Thank you.

Congrats on the decision to retake! so many don't do it. Ya get three takes, might as well use em.

I appreciate it!

One other thing. I want to be absolutely sure that I can back out with no problems if I retake, do better, and get into UT. I want to know because say I do get a 167, back out of UH, and do not get into UT. I would really hope that attending UH would still be on the table at that point.

I found this https://www.law.uh.edu/admissions/2015P ... ration.pdf but I'm not sure if that applies to my situation.

[Rigo]

Good choice retaking OP. You'll be thanking yourself down the line.

[mackoftexas]

Good choice retaking OP. You'll be thanking yourself down the line.

Thanks, I'm already thanking myself for it because I would have got a raw deal (1/2 scholarship at UH) rather than the win-win I'm in right now.

[favabeansoup]

OP, obviously the classic advice here is to retake.

Also, I would really reconsider trying to get an MBA. MBAs can helpful to corporate lawyers sure, but it rarely gives someone a huge competitive advantage over another successful J.D. only candidate. Practically speaking, everything you "learn" in an MBA program that might be useful to a corporate lawyer's life (understanding of the deal, certain business terms, etc.) can be learned either on the job quickly or through easy online + free methods.

I would absolutely never tell anyone to go 50k+ more in debt just for that slight increase in competitiveness. Especially in this case when you could take a year and retake, get into UT, and be more competitive for the same job than you would be at UH with an MBA. Your dad and ex-partner telling you to go for the MBA are coming from a different generation where MBAs and JDs were valued and perceived differently.

[KunAgnis]

Others might disagree, but a UH MBA is not worth it.

They list their median exit salary as $62k. That's below the 25th percentile of reported salaries for UH law grads that report.

http://www.bauer.uh.edu/career-center/g ... -stats.php

Ouch. Is an MBA/JD viable in any circumstance? Money aside, if I didn't do a UH MBA but till wanted one, would it be (a) Reasonable to do so in terms of time and effort and (b) Possible given the demands of a law firm. Say one from Rice which is substantially higher ranked (and substantially more expensive) than UH.

The JD/MBA is controversial from what I hear: it may help you transition into in-house and even snag you some clients in the finance sector; it ma also signal to BigLaw employers that you don't intend to stick around, which makes it more difficult for them to invest in hiring you since many firms hiring with the goal that some associates stick around and generate revenue for their firm.

I think given the short length of most MBA programs, it wouldn't hurt to get your JD and work, and see if you'd want your MBA later to boost your employment stats.

[mackoftexas]

Others might disagree, but a UH MBA is not worth it.

They list their median exit salary as $62k. That's below the 25th percentile of reported salaries for UH law grads that report.

http://www.bauer.uh.edu/career-center/g ... -stats.php

Ouch. Is an MBA/JD viable in any circumstance? Money aside, if I didn't do a UH MBA but till wanted one, would it be (a) Reasonable to do so in terms of time and effort and (b) Possible given the demands of a law firm. Say one from Rice which is substantially higher ranked (and substantially more expensive) than UH.

The JD/MBA is controversial from what I hear: it may help you transition into in-house and even snag you some clients in the finance sector; it ma also signal to BigLaw employers that you don't intend to stick around, which makes it more difficult for them to invest in hiring you since many firms hiring with the goal that some associates stick around and generate revenue for their firm.

I think given the short length of most MBA programs, it wouldn't hurt to get your JD and work, and see if you'd want your MBA later to boost your employment stats.

I didn't think of it that way before, I like the idea of waiting to do it later because as some other posters said, UH's MBA program is not that great compared to some other MBAs like Rice or my alma mater Texas A&M.

I called the UH admissions office and filled them in about my plan as well as paid the deposit. The admissions officer was really nonchalant about me refusing the offer for this year if I did well on the LSAT. Looks like I'm good to go. I will keep everyone updated on my progress and my LSAT score after June.

Thanks again for all your help!

[mackoftexas]

My LSAT Score for June was a 163, two points higher and a five percent jump in rank since my 161 in October last year. Since I didn't hit the 167. I will be attending UH Law this August with a full ride. Disappointing, especially after my 167 averages on PTs and after how great I felt on test day.

The breakdown was:
-2 LG (Drilling worked!)
-6 LR1
-7 RC
-4 LR2

I went from missing 26 on my first test to 19 on this one. Either way, I'm down that I got a -6 and -7.

I have thanked TLSers profusely in this thread, however I wanted to say it one last time how much it means to me that you pushed me to retake. Had I not, I would never have gotten the increased scholarship from UH by waiting. It is not an exaggeration to say that investing the time in a retake and posting on TLS has saved me upwards of $40,000. Thank you.

[favabeansoup]

My LSAT Score for June was a 163, two points higher and a five percent jump in rank since my 161 in October last year. Since I didn't hit the 167. I will be attending UH Law this August with a full ride. Disappointing, especially after my 167 averages on PTs and after how great I felt on test day.

The breakdown was:
-2 LG (Drilling worked!)
-6 LR1
-7 RC
-4 LR2

I went from missing 26 on my first test to 19 on this one. Either way, I'm down that I got a -6 and -7.

I have thanked TLSers profusely in this thread, however I wanted to say it one last time how much it means to me that you pushed me to retake. Had I not, I would never have gotten the increased scholarship from UH by waiting. It is not an exaggeration to say that investing the time in a retake and posting on TLS has saved me upwards of $40,000. Thank you.

Hey, UH on a full ride is really nothing at all to sneeze at. There are so many lawyers graduating with $100k+ debt, paying that off for 10 years or more, hating their job and only staying because that debt is hanging over them. You are in a fantastic position to graduate DEBT FREE!! UH is a decent school, just do your best and work hard and you can still have a shot at biglaw (just do well). Don't let the full ride mentality make you slack off.

[mackoftexas]

My LSAT Score for June was a 163, two points higher and a five percent jump in rank since my 161 in October last year. Since I didn't hit the 167. I will be attending UH Law this August with a full ride. Disappointing, especially after my 167 averages on PTs and after how great I felt on test day.

The breakdown was:
-2 LG (Drilling worked!)
-6 LR1
-7 RC
-4 LR2

I went from missing 26 on my first test to 19 on this one. Either way, I'm down that I got a -6 and -7.

I have thanked TLSers profusely in this thread, however I wanted to say it one last time how much it means to me that you pushed me to retake. Had I not, I would never have gotten the increased scholarship from UH by waiting. It is not an exaggeration to say that investing the time in a retake and posting on TLS has saved me upwards of $40,000. Thank you.

Hey, UH on a full ride is really nothing at all to sneeze at. There are so many lawyers graduating with $100k+ debt, paying that off for 10 years or more, hating their job and only staying because that debt is hanging over them. You are in a fantastic position to graduate DEBT FREE!! UH is a decent school, just do your best and work hard and you can still have a shot at biglaw (just do well). Don't let the full ride mentality make you slack off.

For sure, as soon as I put in my two weeks notice at my job I'm going to start on those E&Es I ordered. I've also been reading the TLS 0L guides and Getting to Maybe to be prepared. Thank you for the kind words.

[BigZuck]

My LSAT Score for June was a 163, two points higher and a five percent jump in rank since my 161 in October last year. Since I didn't hit the 167. I will be attending UH Law this August with a full ride. Disappointing, especially after my 167 averages on PTs and after how great I felt on test day.

The breakdown was:
-2 LG (Drilling worked!)
-6 LR1
-7 RC
-4 LR2

I went from missing 26 on my first test to 19 on this one. Either way, I'm down that I got a -6 and -7.

I have thanked TLSers profusely in this thread, however I wanted to say it one last time how much it means to me that you pushed me to retake. Had I not, I would never have gotten the increased scholarship from UH by waiting. It is not an exaggeration to say that investing the time in a retake and posting on TLS has saved me upwards of $40,000. Thank you.

Hey, UH on a full ride is really nothing at all to sneeze at. There are so many lawyers graduating with $100k+ debt, paying that off for 10 years or more, hating their job and only staying because that debt is hanging over them. You are in a fantastic position to graduate DEBT FREE!! UH is a decent school, just do your best and work hard and you can still have a shot at biglaw (just do well). Don't let the full ride mentality make you slack off.

For sure, as soon as I put in my two weeks notice at my job I'm going to start on those E&Es I ordered. I've also been reading the TLS 0L guides and Getting to Maybe to be prepared. Thank you for the kind words.

Good luck duder

But please, please, please don't read any E&E's before law school starts

[poptart123]

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