UConn vs. Washington and Lee Forum

[retinadoc]

Interested in staying in the Northeast (prefer NY/Conn., but anywhere from Boston to D.C. would be acceptable) and not necessarily interested in big law. Live in CT, so would have in-state tuition plus a Dean's Scholarship (10K) for the first year. Very much like the atmosphere of W&L (small size, honor code, academic bent, etc.), but know that UConn is also very good and has an amazing job network in Connecticut. Any thoughts?

[retinadoc]

Would appreciate any specific thoughts/comments on the choice. Thanks!

[retinadoc]

Appreciate any comments on choice.......Thanks!

[klussy]

since you're interested in the northeast, I'd say go with UConn. W&L is good, but not a sure bet outside of its region (same as others outside t14)

[kalvano]

Any money at W&L?

[patrickd139]

Do you want to work in CT or the D.C. area/VA? Pick one, go to the closest school geographically.

[retinadoc]

Would prefer CT/NY (close to family, etc.), but could also live in DC to Philadelphia corridor. UConn has offered a one year Dean's Scholarship (in addition to in-state tuition), whereas I would be paying full cost at W&L (but have parental support for tuition, living, etc.) so finances are not as critical an issue (but, of course, a factor). Most interested in thoughts on comparative qualities of programs, graduate placements, job prospects, etc. (or is it really a matter of choose where you want to live and either should be OK?).

[patrickd139]

Would prefer CT/NY (close to family, etc.), but could also live in DC to Philadelphia corridor. UConn has offered a one year Dean's Scholarship (in addition to in-state tuition), whereas I would be paying full cost at W&L (but have parental support for tuition, living, etc.) so finances are not as critical an issue (but, of course, a factor). Most interested in thoughts on comparative qualities of programs, graduate placements, job prospects, etc. (or is it really a matter of choose where you want to live and either should be OK?).

The bolded. With the caveat that UConn is a tough sell to get you into NYC (not sure if that's what you meant by NY) and W&L is far from a golden ticket to Philly, or even D.C. for that matter. But I'm sure you know that already.

[chris888777]

Hey-

I was in a similar position as you last year and ended up turning down both W&L and UCONN to continue working. UCONN is a great school but its in a very small market and has to compete with some nearby schools (BU/BC). Because Boston's legal market is not all that great some BU/BC grads migrate to Connecticut taking away some potential jobs from UCONN grads. UCONN also seems to be VERY regional. A few of their grads will find their way to NYC or Boston but they seem to be the top 5-10%

W&L seems to be more mobile. Still, its a regional school with most of the grads working in Richmond, DC, NOVA, etc.... For me, the price tag did not justify the opportunities.

That said, i think both schools are excellent in their own way. Cost is a huge consideration for me and i was not willing to go 6 figures in debt for law school. If you can get a degree from UCONN with less than 50K in debt and you want to live in CT i would go for it. Great Campus, great faculty/staff, friendly students, and good job prospects in the Connecticut.

Hope this helps.

[retinadoc]

Thanks, Chris! Very good insights. Decision time coming soon....

[retinadoc]

Any impressions from UConn ASD yesterday?

[retinadoc]

Deposits due Thursday....new rankings out.....any additional comments???
Thanks.

[patrickd139]

Deposits due Thursday....new rankings out.....any additional comments???
Thanks.

Still think you should pick geography first, school second.

[chris888777]

Don't worry about the rankings. Honestly i think you should go with what is cheaper and where you see yourself living in 3 years. I have no doubt you will get a job out of both schools (at a similar salary assuming your first job is at a firm) but only in the region where the school is located. W&L has a more dispersed alumni network but you would really have to hustle to get a job outside of VA/DC. And as i said before you would be looking a jobs in CT or RI out of CT. Good luck with your decision.

[StephHall]

Normally, I would tell you to go with WashLee because it's a better school. However, if you have money at UConn and are looking to stay in Connecticut anyway, I would go there. It's going to work out better for you in the long run because you won't have as much debt and WashLee grads, even if they do get jobs in DC, aren't going to be getting as high-paying of jobs as, say, Georgetown or GW. WashLee has a good reputation among small schools and I'm sure that with a little work, you could find a job in CN. However, I think it's probably in your best interest to go to UConn based on the scholarship and where you want to practice.

[retinadoc]

Thanks for all of your input!

[patrickd139]

Thanks for all of your input!

So which did you choose?

[Speedzie]

My 2 cents: As a nutmegger going to school @ Illinois, I wonder sometimes if I'd have been better off at UConn. My job search would certainly be easier if I'd stayed there, that's for sure. It's hard to appreciate, as an applicant, how much location matters for finding your first job after school. I'm largely on my own to find one; there's alot less handholding for students looking outside of Illinois for work.

[patrickd139]

My 2 cents: As a nutmegger going to school @ Illinois, I wonder sometimes if I'd have been better off at UConn. My job search would certainly be easier if I'd stayed there, that's for sure. It's hard to appreciate, as an applicant, how much location matters for finding your first job after school. I'm largely on my own to find one; there's alot less handholding for students looking outside of Illinois for work.

This post ought to be in the TLS Hall of Fame.

[Speedzie]

My 2 cents: As a nutmegger going to school @ Illinois, I wonder sometimes if I'd have been better off at UConn. My job search would certainly be easier if I'd stayed there, that's for sure. It's hard to appreciate, as an applicant, how much location matters for finding your first job after school. I'm largely on my own to find one; there's alot less handholding for students looking outside of Illinois for work.

This post ought to be in the TLS Hall of Fame.

You're welcome? I'll just assume you're complimenting me on my sound advice, rather than mocking me for stating the obvious.

[patrickd139]

My 2 cents: As a nutmegger going to school @ Illinois, I wonder sometimes if I'd have been better off at UConn. My job search would certainly be easier if I'd stayed there, that's for sure. It's hard to appreciate, as an applicant, how much location matters for finding your first job after school. I'm largely on my own to find one; there's alot less handholding for students looking outside of Illinois for work.

This post ought to be in the TLS Hall of Fame.

You're welcome? I'll just assume you're complimenting me on my sound advice, rather than mocking me for stating the obvious.

Was a serious complement. Few people on this site seem to realize how important your point is. Granted, lots of them are gunning for the t14, but it just doesn't work like that for the vast majority of the rest of the law schools.

[retinadoc]

Thank you for your insights. I think that they are very a propos and valid. In fact, many of the lawyers I spoke with who practice in CT strongly support the UConn decision. So...deposit placed at UConn (but pending some WL and "still to come" decisions").

[chris888777]

Congrats on your decision. How can you go wrong with tuition of about 10K+ living for an excellent law school? Graduating with "only" about $60,000 in debt will give you alot of options rather than big law or business. Good luck and perhaps i'll see you there when you are a 3L.

My only advice would be to ask Dean Demoela if the Deans scholarship could be extended for all three years. I know you probably lost your leverage by sending the deposit but i know they have extended it for students in the past.

Chris