GW/ND/USC/WUSTL Forum

[mi-chan17]

(Scholarship amounts indicate total over three years.)

So, barring anything coming out of my waitlists and still pending at both UCLA and Cornell, these are looking like my top 4 options.

My current goal is to work for the DOJ. I am not particularly picky about where I end up geographically, nor am I overly concerned about the potential for BigLaw. Even if the DOJ thing doesn't pan out, the insanity that is being a BigLaw associate doesn't seem appealing to me.

So, with that in mind, what would you guys do and why?

[starsong]

(Scholarship amounts indicate total over three years.)

So, barring anything coming out of my waitlists and still pending at both UCLA and Cornell, these are looking like my top 4 options.

My current goal is to work for the DOJ. I am not particularly picky about where I end up geographically, nor am I overly concerned about the potential for BigLaw. Even if the DOJ thing doesn't pan out, the insanity that is being a BigLaw associate doesn't seem appealing to me.

So, with that in mind, what would you guys do and why?

GWU. D.C. networking + externship during academic year w/fed gvmt are perfect for your career goals.

[mi-chan17]

I was thinking that too, but because of DC's COL WashU would be cheaper (about 60k less debt over three years). ND is on there because...the name is just so pretty - I'm having trouble ignoring the pull of the ND brandname. USC is an option because I'm from Southern CA and my family lives down there (about an hour from the school).

GWU is leading a bit, but I'm still torn.

[mi-chan17]

Bumping because I'm still feeling uncomfortable with making a decision.

[Teoeo]

It looks like we are in similar positions with similar goals, what would you do if you got into, say Cornell? I am starting to think that the DC location might trump T14 in this case -_-

[mi-chan17]

Teoeo: I currently have no idea what I would do if UCLA or Cornell came knocking. I'd probably have to book a quick flight over to NY, since I've never been to Ithaca. The issue of scholarships v. name would become a serious issue at that point, I think. No idea yet, since I haven't been put into that position and with how Cornell's been handling their deferred EA people, I may never have to.

Thanks to those of you who are voting. Anyone willing to give me the "why" behind your vote?

[mi-chan17]

Edited to reflect increased scholarship money.

And bumped. That too.

[beef wellington]

It depends how sure you are about your present career goals. If there's only a very small chance you'd change your mind I'd take GW. Otherwise WUSTL. If you are dead set on govt then UCLA would be better than any of your other options given their LRAP.