Help choosing a school, sticker v. money Forum

[strokes788]

Hi all, so with the current bad economy and the issue of ranking v. money at lower schools, if anyone could give me their opinion/insight on these, and what you think would be more worth it:

Northwestern (sticker unless I get a scholly offer)
Georgetown (sticker unless I get a scholly offer)
Duke (sticker unless I get a scholly offer)
UT - 84K
Vanderbilt - 60K

I am leaning towards a T14 mainly because of national portability of the degree, and because I'm not sure where I want to practice (leaning towards LA/NYC/Boston/Chicago/Bay area), but tuition is super high, I mean Northwestern 47K is insane. I am also leaning toward biglaw and it seems Northwestern places awesome in that, not just from this year's rankings putting them number 1 but just generally in years past, but its just super expensive, a lot of loans, etc. If anyone, especially anyone who took a half or full ride to a lower ranked school versus sticker at a higher school especially in the T14 could offer any insight I would greatly appreciate it

[EdmundBurke23]

It depends on what kind of money:D

If it's one of those where they get you to compete in a classroom full of students who also got money, then I'd say sticker. If not, go for the money.

[strokes788]

I think UT and Vandy tend to offer money to a good number of students I'd be competing against in the classroom, so by that argument for now I guess sticker wins lol

[DallasCowboy]

but they don't have gpa requirements

[lakerfanimal]

For the areas you mentioned I think Northwestern and Duke should be your top two choices if being able to work in those areas is the biggest factor to you, I think Duke does well in NY from what I've seen/heard but Northwestern probably does better than that in Chicago.

[strokes788]

but they don't have gpa requirements

I actually haven't seen my offer letters from most schools except NU who sent it abroad as I'm getting a master's in the UK, so I actually had no idea which ones have GPA requirements. Just out of curiosity, do GPA requirements extend to master's programs, or if you've finished your undergrad and gotten your degree/final GPA are you good to go

[doinmybest]

It depends on what kind of money:D

If it's one of those where they get you to compete in a classroom full of students who also got money, then I'd say sticker. If not, go for the money.

There is no way you chose that avatar by coincidence.

[kurla88]

I would go to Texas as the numbers are currently, but I assume with a 84K offer from TX you will have $$ coming from the other schools soon. If not, leverage!

[strokes788]

*Bump*

[Philaw]

I would go to Texas as the numbers are currently, but I assume with a 84K offer from TX you will have $$ coming from the other schools soon. If not, leverage!

+1

[Pearalegal]

I think UT and Vandy tend to offer money to a good number of students I'd be competing against in the classroom, so by that argument for now I guess sticker wins lol

Do NOT be so arrogant to believe that you will be solely competing in law school against the people who had similar numbers to yours in college-as if that determines the quality of a law student's work. If anything, the people paying sticker have more incentive to kick your ass.

Or maybe I read your meaning wrong. If so, apologies.