Fordham/BU/Vandy/Cornell Forum

[mstich]

So it's getting down to crunch time and I can't say I'm completely set on any one place. I'm probably going for Northeast/ DC federal clerkship / Big Law don't really have an interest in PI. BU gave me $60k but I am in the process of trying to get them to match my Fordham scholly, however I have not visited and would probably rather live in NYC. I have never been to the south or visited Vandy but I can't rule it out because of the money and career prospects. I checked out Cornell this past weekend however I am also unsure if I want to spend another three years in upstate New York and I have yet to hear about any possible $$. Any help would be appreciated.

[keg411]

I'm probably going for Northeast/ DC federal clerkship / Big Law don't really have an interest in PI.

Cornell and don't look back.

[Core]

I'm probably going for Northeast/ DC federal clerkship / Big Law don't really have an interest in PI.

Cornell and don't look back.

+1

[KMaine]

Try to use Vandy to get some money from Cornell, then go to Cornell.

[OperaSoprano]

Is Cornell at sticker really >>>>>>>> $72/k from Vandy? Seriously? Given my own stubbornness (and love of NYC), I would've stayed here for $75k, even granted a Cornell acceptance. It is undoubtedly a wonderful school, but I don't think OP's decision is that clear cut.

[keg411]

Is Cornell at sticker really >>>>>>>> $72/k from Vandy? Seriously? Given my own stubbornness (and love of NYC), I would've stayed here for $75k, even granted a Cornell acceptance. It is undoubtedly a wonderful school, but I don't think OP's decision is that clear cut.

Since OP wants the Northeast/DC, then yes. If OP wanted the south, it might be different.

[OperaSoprano]

Is Cornell at sticker really >>>>>>>> $72/k from Vandy? Seriously? Given my own stubbornness (and love of NYC), I would've stayed here for $75k, even granted a Cornell acceptance. It is undoubtedly a wonderful school, but I don't think OP's decision is that clear cut.

Since OP wants the Northeast/DC, then yes. If OP wanted the south, it might be different.

A lot of Vandy kids go to DC, and even to New York, surprisingly. It's a pretty national school, though arguably not as national as Cornell. I think Cornell might be a better fit for OP location wise, but the schools are close enough in terms of career prospects that it's hard to argue that one is worth $72k more than the other.

[KMaine]

Maybe Cornell is not $72K better than Vandy. In fact, I really like Vandy. I guess what I am saying, is try to use the $ to make it easier to choose Cornell. If you do not get any $, Vandy may be the wiser choice. In fact, I am not sure that Vandy v. Cornell at equal money is a slam dunk for Cornell (though for me it would have been).

[Grizz]

Last year, I believe a plurality of grads took the bar in NY. Vandy also beat Cornell in the most recent NLJ250 placement. Without money from Cornell, I'd go to Vandy.

[mstich]

$30k from Cornell but currently trying to negotiate before the seat deposit deadline.

[jenesaislaw]

When I tried to negotiate with Cornell with my Vandy scholarship, Cornell pretended Vandy was not a peer school. Interestingly, they were willing to listen about my Texas scholarship. I wonder if their delusion still exists now that for two (and probably three) years going, Vandy has had stronger incoming numbers.

[dakatz]

When I negotiated with Cornell, I mentioned my BU, GW, and WUSTL scholarships, and they didn't sound particularly impressed, but as soon as I mentioned my Chicago acceptance (no scholarship), they seemed much more receptive, and asked that I send the Chicago letter regardless. Honestly, I think that letter alone helped me get a 45K a year scholarship. I'm negotiating to try and get it raised a bit more, but I doubt my Illinois, W&L, and updated BU scholarships will change anything. I'm right on the fence with Cornell, and any additional money will let me commit immediately. I told this to Cornell, and I hope they realize how sincere I am.

[mstich]

Fordham comes to 90k with need-based aid, however I still have no idea what I am going to do. Still waiting for Cornell and BU to respond to my negotiation request. My main concern with Fordham is, no offense to any students, that I am selling myself short by going to the highest ranked school I was admitted to with probably the weakest job prospects in my field of interest.