UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker Forum
- Core
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 3:09 pm
UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
I posted about this in another thread, and everybody pretty much said Penn was the better choice, but I figure it can only help to get further insight.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also somewhat interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also somewhat interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Last edited by Core on Sat Apr 03, 2010 2:39 pm, edited 3 times in total.
-
- Posts: 403
- Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:49 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
money talks
in all seriousness.. what are your goals?
in all seriousness.. what are your goals?
-
- Posts: 1486
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:55 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
wow, tough call. I mean, personally, if I was pursuing JUST PI, I'd say take the money and run. But Chicago does do well with Clerskhips, and I imagine the differential in placement is significant. However, I also imagine Penn has stronger inroads into NYC, though that's speculation. Id visit both and make a judgment call.Core wrote:I posted about this in another thread, and everybody pretty much said Penn was the better choice, but I figure it can only help to get further insight.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
- AngryAvocado
- Posts: 774
- Joined: Sun Jul 19, 2009 11:22 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
This is a tough decision, imo. Before you reach any final conclusions, though, I'd wait to see what Chicago unveils re: LARP & PI at the asw this weekend. Also, have you been able to visit them both?
- Core
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 3:09 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
To be fair, my interest in a clerkship is minor. I doubt I'd have the grades to get one at either school, so nevermind that lol.miamiman wrote:wow, tough call. I mean, personally, if I was pursuing JUST PI, I'd say take the money and run. But Chicago does do well with Clerskhips, and I imagine the differential in placement is significant. However, I also imagine Penn has stronger inroads into NYC, though that's speculation. Id visit both and make a judgment call.Core wrote:I posted about this in another thread, and everybody pretty much said Penn was the better choice, but I figure it can only help to get further insight.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
- Rand M.
- Posts: 757
- Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:24 am
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
This needs a poll!
-
- Posts: 1486
- Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 8:55 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
PENN for the winCore wrote:To be fair, my interest in a clerkship is minor. I doubt I'd have the grades to get one at either school, so nevermind that lol.miamiman wrote:wow, tough call. I mean, personally, if I was pursuing JUST PI, I'd say take the money and run. But Chicago does do well with Clerskhips, and I imagine the differential in placement is significant. However, I also imagine Penn has stronger inroads into NYC, though that's speculation. Id visit both and make a judgment call.Core wrote:I posted about this in another thread, and everybody pretty much said Penn was the better choice, but I figure it can only help to get further insight.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
- Core
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 3:09 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
I have not, but I am visiting Penn this weekend.AngryAvocado wrote:This is a tough decision, imo. Before you reach any final conclusions, though, I'd wait to see what Chicago unveils re: LARP & PI at the asw this weekend. Also, have you been able to visit them both?
-
- Posts: 564
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:04 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
It seems that your basic options are Chicago with a year or two of biglaw to pay off your extra debt before you can do what you want to do in PI, versus Penn with graduation straight into doing what you want to do in PI. It is true Chicago would likely give you more slightly options. But it is hard to see that a year or two of really terrible quality of life in biglaw (given your career interests, not necessarily terrible quality of life for others) is worth it.
- najumobi
- Posts: 1054
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:36 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
exactly what about chicago enamores?Core wrote:I posted about this in another thread, and everybody pretty much said Penn was the better choice, but I figure it can only help to get further insight.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also somewhat interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
Last edited by najumobi on Sat Apr 03, 2010 2:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- scribelaw
- Posts: 760
- Joined: Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:27 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
Even at Penn, OP would have $120,000 in debt.sumus romani wrote:It seems that your basic options are Chicago with a year or two of biglaw to pay off your extra debt before you can do what you want to do in PI, versus Penn with graduation straight into doing what you want to do in PI. It is true Chicago would likely give you more slightly options. But it is hard to see that a year or two of really terrible quality of life in biglaw (given your career interests, not necessarily terrible quality of life for others) is worth it.
If you want to do PI straight away, you'll be relying on the LRAP either way.
- gossipgirl
- Posts: 261
- Joined: Sat Jan 10, 2009 1:25 am
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
I've actually now heard this same sentiment from more than 3 people about the financial aid dean. Unless it's everyone catching her on a bad day, I wonder why she reacts in such a bad way to people asking for some financial help.Core wrote:save for a rude response from their financial aid dean.
Go Penn!
- najumobi
- Posts: 1054
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:36 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
good point. OP should just pick whichever school OP likes more. the difference in debt can be overcome.scribelaw wrote:Even at Penn, OP would have $120,000 in debt.sumus romani wrote:It seems that your basic options are Chicago with a year or two of biglaw to pay off your extra debt before you can do what you want to do in PI, versus Penn with graduation straight into doing what you want to do in PI. It is true Chicago would likely give you more slightly options. But it is hard to see that a year or two of really terrible quality of life in biglaw (given your career interests, not necessarily terrible quality of life for others) is worth it.
If you want to do PI straight away, you'll be relying on the LRAP either way.
Register now!
Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.
It's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2010 1:10 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
As an SA-less CLS 2L, I'm staring down unemployment and 190k debt. I would do anything to go back and re-make my decision. I wish I had taken money at DCNG instead of going sticker at CLS. I got an unpaid internship with a state agency this summer with no reasonable possibility of a permanent hire.najumobi wrote:good point. OP should just pick whichever school OP likes more. the difference in debt can be overcome.scribelaw wrote:Even at Penn, OP would have $120,000 in debt.sumus romani wrote:It seems that your basic options are Chicago with a year or two of biglaw to pay off your extra debt before you can do what you want to do in PI, versus Penn with graduation straight into doing what you want to do in PI. It is true Chicago would likely give you more slightly options. But it is hard to see that a year or two of really terrible quality of life in biglaw (given your career interests, not necessarily terrible quality of life for others) is worth it.
If you want to do PI straight away, you'll be relying on the LRAP either way.
With an option like Penn + money, I would absolutely take Penn. The marginal advantage of hiring out of Chicago is miniscule at best.
- najumobi
- Posts: 1054
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:36 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
hmmm i guess it's different when you're actually facing the possibility of not having a way to pay back loans. how much would you have owed if you went to DCNG? and would that debt load still be hard to deal with?jobless2Lguy wrote:As an SA-less CLS 2L, I'm staring down unemployment and 190k debt. I would do anything to go back and re-make my decision. I wish I had taken money at DCNG instead of going sticker at CLS. I got an unpaid internship with a state agency this summer with no reasonable possibility of a permanent hire.najumobi wrote:good point. OP should just pick whichever school OP likes more. the difference in debt can be overcome.scribelaw wrote:Even at Penn, OP would have $120,000 in debt.sumus romani wrote:It seems that your basic options are Chicago with a year or two of biglaw to pay off your extra debt before you can do what you want to do in PI, versus Penn with graduation straight into doing what you want to do in PI. It is true Chicago would likely give you more slightly options. But it is hard to see that a year or two of really terrible quality of life in biglaw (given your career interests, not necessarily terrible quality of life for others) is worth it.
If you want to do PI straight away, you'll be relying on the LRAP either way.
With an option like Penn + money, I would absolutely take Penn. The marginal advantage of hiring out of Chicago is miniscule at best.
-
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sat Apr 03, 2010 1:10 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
I would have owed around 130k. Still a lot, but much more manageable than 190k. The difference is paying 1900/month v. 1300/month post tax.
My goal now is to get a job that qualifies for LRAP. If I don't get an offer from the agency I'm working for this summer, I will just spam government and public interest, and also midlaw (although that is probably futile, from what I've heard).
My goal now is to get a job that qualifies for LRAP. If I don't get an offer from the agency I'm working for this summer, I will just spam government and public interest, and also midlaw (although that is probably futile, from what I've heard).
- najumobi
- Posts: 1054
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:36 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
if you do get an offer, would you not also take advantage of IBR as well? that would limit your loan payments to under 500/month assuming you're making no more than 50k/yr.jobless2Lguy wrote:I would have owed around 130k. Still a lot, but much more manageable than 190k. The difference is paying 1900/month v. 1300/month post tax.
My goal now is to get a job that qualifies for LRAP. If I don't get an offer from the agency I'm working for this summer, I will just spam government and public interest, and also midlaw (although that is probably futile, from what I've heard).
Get unlimited access to all forums and topics
Register now!
I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...
Already a member? Login
- Core
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 3:09 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
The faculty, tiny class size, curriculum, amazing placement in just about everything, push for and assistance with publishing, and the quarter system.najumobi wrote:exactly what about chicago enamores?Core wrote:I posted about this in another thread, and everybody pretty much said Penn was the better choice, but I figure it can only help to get further insight.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also somewhat interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
$78,000 is just hard to turn down.
-
- Posts: 468
- Joined: Tue Sep 29, 2009 2:57 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
Chicago. Because I want your spot and $ at UP.
But in seriousness, take Penn. And Philly's a lot nicer than its rep would have you believe.
But in seriousness, take Penn. And Philly's a lot nicer than its rep would have you believe.
- Core
- Posts: 890
- Joined: Sun Oct 18, 2009 3:09 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
Sorry to hear about your situation. Thank you for the advice.jobless2Lguy wrote:As an SA-less CLS 2L, I'm staring down unemployment and 190k debt. I would do anything to go back and re-make my decision. I wish I had taken money at DCNG instead of going sticker at CLS. I got an unpaid internship with a state agency this summer with no reasonable possibility of a permanent hire.najumobi wrote:good point. OP should just pick whichever school OP likes more. the difference in debt can be overcome.scribelaw wrote:Even at Penn, OP would have $120,000 in debt.sumus romani wrote:It seems that your basic options are Chicago with a year or two of biglaw to pay off your extra debt before you can do what you want to do in PI, versus Penn with graduation straight into doing what you want to do in PI. It is true Chicago would likely give you more slightly options. But it is hard to see that a year or two of really terrible quality of life in biglaw (given your career interests, not necessarily terrible quality of life for others) is worth it.
If you want to do PI straight away, you'll be relying on the LRAP either way.
With an option like Penn + money, I would absolutely take Penn. The marginal advantage of hiring out of Chicago is miniscule at best.
-
- Posts: 564
- Joined: Fri Jan 15, 2010 6:04 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
najumobi wrote:good point. OP should just pick whichever school OP likes more. the difference in debt can be overcome.scribelaw wrote:Even at Penn, OP would have $120,000 in debt.sumus romani wrote:It seems that your basic options are Chicago with a year or two of biglaw to pay off your extra debt before you can do what you want to do in PI, versus Penn with graduation straight into doing what you want to do in PI. It is true Chicago would likely give you more slightly options. But it is hard to see that a year or two of really terrible quality of life in biglaw (given your career interests, not necessarily terrible quality of life for others) is worth it.
If you want to do PI straight away, you'll be relying on the LRAP either way.
Sorry guys, but I just don't see it that way. Using LRAP or IBR in effect caps your earnings till you pay off the loan in full or you wait out the decade or more below the cap at the qualifying job type. The job market is bad (some don't find qualifying jobs for LRAP), and the extra $78,000 will just sit there accruing interest over time at around 7 percent, even for those who gain employment.
Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.
Register now, it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
- MC Southstar
- Posts: 1191
- Joined: Sat Sep 26, 2009 3:27 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
Chicago, even more hated by TLSers than Penn.Nightrunner wrote:I knew Penn was going to win this poll, but I had no idea it would be such a landslide. It currently stands at 23-0.
Congrats on your great options, Core!
- najumobi
- Posts: 1054
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:36 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
to be honest, if you're going to pay to be some place, you might as well make it some place where you whole-heartedly want to be. just make sure you the loans you take out can qualify for ibr and the job you take after law school can qualify for lrap.Core wrote:The faculty, tiny class size, curriculum, amazing placement in just about everything, push for and assistance with publishing, and the quarter system.najumobi wrote:exactly what about chicago enamores?Core wrote:I posted about this in another thread, and everybody pretty much said Penn was the better choice, but I figure it can only help to get further insight.
I received a $78,000 award (mixture of a grant and a Dean's Scholarship) from Penn and absolutely nothing from Chicago. Negotiation with Chicago got me nowhere, save for a rude response from their financial aid dean. I am really enamored with Chicago, and Penn seems to be a step down, based on these boards and various rankings, so I don't know what to do - hence the creation of this thread. I have apps pending at CLS, HLS, and SLS, but I'd like to be able to decide between Penn and Chicago asap.
My ultimate goal is do get a government, nonprofit, or ngo job in NYC (D.C. is my second choice). I am not interested in Biglaw for the long term but am not opposed to doing it for a year or two directly after graduation. I am also somewhat interested in doing a clerkship after graduation.
Any insight would be much appreciated.
$78,000 is just hard to turn down.
-
- Posts: 867
- Joined: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:33 am
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
Seventy-eight thousand dollars
Last edited by APimpNamedSlickback on Sat Apr 03, 2010 2:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- najumobi
- Posts: 1054
- Joined: Thu Apr 24, 2008 12:36 pm
Re: UPenn w/ $78k Scholly vs. Chicago at Sticker
haAPimpNamedSlickback wrote:Seventy-five thousand dollars
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login