Fordham (sticker) vs W&L ($$)
Posted: Sat May 08, 2010 5:21 pm
As one may guess from the name, I am a 2010 graduate from the University of Michigan. My GPA was relatively unimpressive (3.25) but i did well on the LSAT (167 & 173; i took it in sept and again in dec because i knew i could've done better). I was originally dead set on corporate law (specifically mergers and acquisitions) but as of recently I've become more and more interested in entertainment law. No matter which I end up in though, I would by far prefer to work in either New York or LA.
In any case, because I retook the LSAT, I didn't send out applications until January. As it stands right now, I am debating between offers of admission to Fordham and Washington and Lee. W&L offered me approximately 50% tuition in scholarships (I would pay approx $38,000 per year) whereas at Fordham I would have to pay approx $70,000 per year (COL, books, etc). I've also been wait listed at NYU, UCLA, USC, Cardozo, Wash U, UC Hastings, and W & M. FYI, i declined offers at UC Davis (sticker), Santa Clara ($$) and St. John's (Sticker).
I am currently leaning toward Fordham due to my desire to pursue a career in New York City. However, I have already borrowed approximately $150,000 to finance my undergraduate education, and thus I have substantial financial concerns. At the same time, much of what I have read suggests that W & L's placement is limited to the Southeast region for all but the top 10%. Both have highly regarded corporate law programs, but in regard to entertainment law, Fordham's Intellectual property curriculum is T15.
The question is, which offer makes the most sense? The current economic situation and bleak employment outlooks seem to suggest the smaller debt (W&L) would be the best path. At the same time, I spoke with a relative of a good friend who strongly recommended Fordham despite the need for loans. I highly respect her opinion as objective and accurate (she attended evening classes at a Tier 2 school in California about 30 years ago through student loans but became extremely financially successful through civil litigation). Obviously the best scenario would be to get in at NYU, but that notwithstanding, I don't know which of the two to choose.
Also, if I were to get into USC or UCLA (at sticker price), would it make more sense to attend either over Fordham? I honestly would probably prefer New York to LA but the difference in preference is quite minute.
Reapplying earlier next year is also not an option because of student loans.
In any case, because I retook the LSAT, I didn't send out applications until January. As it stands right now, I am debating between offers of admission to Fordham and Washington and Lee. W&L offered me approximately 50% tuition in scholarships (I would pay approx $38,000 per year) whereas at Fordham I would have to pay approx $70,000 per year (COL, books, etc). I've also been wait listed at NYU, UCLA, USC, Cardozo, Wash U, UC Hastings, and W & M. FYI, i declined offers at UC Davis (sticker), Santa Clara ($$) and St. John's (Sticker).
I am currently leaning toward Fordham due to my desire to pursue a career in New York City. However, I have already borrowed approximately $150,000 to finance my undergraduate education, and thus I have substantial financial concerns. At the same time, much of what I have read suggests that W & L's placement is limited to the Southeast region for all but the top 10%. Both have highly regarded corporate law programs, but in regard to entertainment law, Fordham's Intellectual property curriculum is T15.
The question is, which offer makes the most sense? The current economic situation and bleak employment outlooks seem to suggest the smaller debt (W&L) would be the best path. At the same time, I spoke with a relative of a good friend who strongly recommended Fordham despite the need for loans. I highly respect her opinion as objective and accurate (she attended evening classes at a Tier 2 school in California about 30 years ago through student loans but became extremely financially successful through civil litigation). Obviously the best scenario would be to get in at NYU, but that notwithstanding, I don't know which of the two to choose.
Also, if I were to get into USC or UCLA (at sticker price), would it make more sense to attend either over Fordham? I honestly would probably prefer New York to LA but the difference in preference is quite minute.
Reapplying earlier next year is also not an option because of student loans.
