Top Law Schools

Hey TLSers,

I've narrowed it down to two schools and I was hoping I could get some input. I've been admitted to both Pepperdine and Southern Methodist University and have paid both of their seat deposits, but will need to make a decision sooner rather than later. Here are my facts:

Raised in southern California and would prefer to work here after school. However, I do like Dallas and wouldn't mind staying there for a few years after law school if necessary. I've visited both schools and felt at home on either campus.

I've received scholarships from both schools worth a little over half of tuition, but Pepperdine's offer is contingent on me staying in the top third of my class. If I lost the scholarship + Pepperdine's much much higher COL, I'm looking at a difference of 75k or more. Currently negotiating to have that removed (stats in profile) but I'm not sure how successful I'll be.

Anyway, i really appreciate any constructive feedback i can get. Thanks

If you want to be in California, go to school there.

Despite the fact that I like Pepperdine more, it seems that SMU would be best. They dominate in Dallas + you are guarenteed the scholarship.

I voted SMU because of renewability. If Pepperdine gets rid of the top 1/3 contingency, then I'd vote Pepperdine. What about Arizona? Would your scholarship there make COA lower than both Pepperdine and SMU? IIRC, they seem to have decent placement in CA.

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