Schools Forum

[nbaguy]

.

[Rock Chalk]

.

[nbaguy]

.

[thickfreakness]

I think it depends quite a bit on your career goals and geographic preferences. 200K is a ton of debt and the opportunity to get a good law degree for a great price can't be overemphasized. If you'd prefer Ohio but can see yourself living elsewhere I think you should just stick with OSU. However, if you're pretty set on practicing outside of Ohio or the midwest after school, especially for biglaw or prestigious PI, then I think you should bite the bullet and go to Duke. If you haven't visited then I strongly suggest doing that if you can afford it before you make a decision.

[nbaguy]

.

[cavebat2000]

please PM me. I am basically in the same boat as you. Let's chat.

[thickfreakness]

I did have the opportunity to visit both schools. I was impressed with both schools, but neither provided a decisive edge. I prefer the city of Columbus to Durham. Clearly Duke outplaces OSU in prestigious biglaw and PI positions. What about the bottom half of the classes; any insight as to where a bottom or middle 50% student at Duke ends up as opposed to OSU?

I think that's where Duke has the edge. If you're top 25% at OSU you're in a great position, but median at Ohio State can't really compare with median at Duke. Also, since Duke doesn't rank its students and it's on a full lottery OCI system its more difficult for employers to figure out who's top 30% (or 50%, etc.) versus who's not.

[colforbin]

I did have the opportunity to visit both schools. I was impressed with both schools, but neither provided a decisive edge. I prefer the city of Columbus to Durham. Clearly Duke outplaces OSU in prestigious biglaw and PI positions. What about the bottom half of the classes; any insight as to where a bottom or middle 50% student at Duke ends up as opposed to OSU?

I think that's where Duke has the edge. If you're top 25% at OSU you're in a great position, but median at Ohio State can't really compare with median at Duke. Also, since Duke doesn't rank its students and it's on a full lottery OCI system its more difficult for employers to figure out who's top 30% (or 50%, etc.) versus who's not.

I don't buy the top 25% at OSU and you're fine. My tour guide at the admitted student's day was a 2L on law review with no summer job other than work study.

[thickfreakness]

I did have the opportunity to visit both schools. I was impressed with both schools, but neither provided a decisive edge. I prefer the city of Columbus to Durham. Clearly Duke outplaces OSU in prestigious biglaw and PI positions. What about the bottom half of the classes; any insight as to where a bottom or middle 50% student at Duke ends up as opposed to OSU?

I think that's where Duke has the edge. If you're top 25% at OSU you're in a great position, but median at Ohio State can't really compare with median at Duke. Also, since Duke doesn't rank its students and it's on a full lottery OCI system its more difficult for employers to figure out who's top 30% (or 50%, etc.) versus who's not.

I don't buy the top 25% at OSU and you're fine. My tour guide at the admitted student's day was a 2L on law review with no summer job other than work study.

To be fair, current 2Ls have it very rough with the current economic climate. I think that top quarter at Ohio State would be alright for entering 1Ls. Still, I think it's obvious that the employment options between Duke and Ohio State are different.

[nbaguy]

please PM me. I am basically in the same boat as you. Let's chat.

PM'd.

[nbaguy]

.

[nbaguy]

.

[thickfreakness]

Bump for any more thoughts? I've been getting pretty mixed opinions. Today the consensus was that if I am sure I want to stay in Ohio, then Ohio State is worth the cheaper price. For everything else, Duke. But I can still get back into Ohio from Duke? What about if I finish in the bottom 50% after first semester/year; would it be better to drop out of OSU with less debt and pursue finance (my ugrad major) or finish at Duke bottom 50% with 200k debt?

If you're from Ohio, grew up there, went to UG there or otherwise have a connection to the state, I think Duke would very easily carry you back. There's likely going to be an issue if you're from another state and trying to target Ohio from Duke. Employers likely want a tangible, demonstrated connection to a secondary market before they hire from a T12 school over a top regional school candidate.

[showNprove]

.

[nascent]

Duke. You have a 100% chance of being employed at graduation LOL

+1

I don't know how they did it, but it's official according to USN that once you are in Duke, getting a job is guaranteed no matter what.

[scribelaw]

Are you up for the Moritz scholarship?

That's the only way I'd consider OSU over a T14.

[TTH]

Are you up for the Moritz scholarship?

That's the only way I'd consider OSU over a T14.

This, more or less. Sounds like Duke is the way to go.

[nbaguy]

.