Brooklyn (full ride) vs Minnesota $$ Forum

[Smithfield]

After weighing all my options I had decided on Minnesota & really looking forward to attending. Loved the school and everything about it except maybe the location, meaning the midwest. Like other posters on TLS I just received an offer of full tuition from Brooklyn after withdrawing my application. Received the $5,000 living stipend if I choose to live in off campus housing too. Ultimately I want an enjoyable good education that will open some doors when I graduate. The thought of graduating with only living expenses (New York City!) is very tempting. Any thoughts are apprecated & especially from any 1L who might be experiencing the strings attached to the full tuition.

[fwaam]

UMN has some portability, but it sounds like you don't want to end up in the Midwest, you do want to end up in NYC, and now you're being offered tons of money to do so. The only catch would be section-stacking, if it happens, and I can't help you on that. But realize that, just as you'll have to stay in the top 40-50% at Brooklyn to keep your full scholarship, you'd probably want to be in the top half the class at UMN to get a job outisde the midwest, unless you have one already lined up--so you're taking a gamble either way. Go with the one that feels better to you.

[You Gotta Have Faith]

The only catch would be section-stacking, if it happens, and I can't help you on that.

This section stacking that you speak of... I have heard it talked about multiple times here on TLS. Is that something that Brooklyn Law actually does? I thought at most schools (or at least at my school, because my professor told me so), they try to balance it all out very evenly. Then again, my school doesn't do GPA requirements. I understand many do though.

[Smithfield]

Thanks for the input, it is really hard to turn down tons on money since obviously it would take some pressure off finding 'the' job to pay back debt or finding a job that might be more enjoyable after graduation. I would be really interested hearing more about this section stacking that is refered to in this forum.

[You Gotta Have Faith]

Btw, how much money are you getting at Minnesota? It does say you have something there. I don't think it would take all that much for me (personally) to pick Minnesota. But I know everyone is different, and the allure of debt-free is always enticing.

[reverendt]

Thanks for the input, it is really hard to turn down tons on money since obviously it would take some pressure off finding 'the' job to pay back debt or finding a job that might be more enjoyable after graduation. I would be really interested hearing more about this section stacking that is refered to in this forum.

Is the scholarship to Brooklyn conditioned on maintaining a certain gpa or class standing?
Section stacking means they put all the scholarship people in 1 section and let them compete against each other. This generally means:
1) That section will likely be the most competitive academically; and
2) half the scholarship people will lose their scholarship after 1L.

Rumor has it Brooklyn does stack, but I'd look into it before I let it factor into your decision.
If they don't, by all means go to Brooklyn.

[Smithfield]

I'm getting just under 1/2 tuition at Minnesota & obviously the COL is way less. The stipulation on the scholly is class standing so yes, that makes it difficult to know what to expect. I do agree that money isn't everything which is why this is so difficult.

[fwaam]

I'm getting just under 1/2 tuition at Minnesota & obviously the COL is way less. The stipulation on the scholly is class standing so yes, that makes it difficult to know what to expect. I do agree that money isn't everything which is why this is so difficult.

Could you expand a little more on your location preferences? If they're pulling you the same direction as the money, I'd go with Brooklyn, but that's because I got the impression from your OP that you don't especially like the Midwest. If, however, you think you'd be happy ending up in the Midwest if your grades aren't the best, that's another factor.

All I know about section stacking is the TLS rumor, so I'd definitely recommend finding some Brooklyn students and talking to them about it. If there aren't any on TLS, you could ask the school to put you in touch with some. If they tell you that "getting a full-ride scholarship doesn't necessarily mean you'll be in the top half of your class," be wary.

[You Gotta Have Faith]

After living expenses at both places are tallied, that makes Brooklyn about half as much, if you're getting nearly half tuition at Minnesota. Hmm, I'm going to guess that for NYC, Brooklyn is the no-brainer choice, for the Midwest, Minnesota wins it hands-down, and for anywhere else... well, I'd guess Minnesota has the edge, but I'm not sure.

Not sure if I quite caught it, but MN has stipulations too? If they don't have any rank you need to hit in order go keep the nearly half tuition mark, then I'd go with them (unless you're sold on NYC of course). Just weigh it out... good luck!