Chicago or Berkeley Forum

[tintin]

Hi all, I can't seem to find much info comparing these schools. I just got the Berkeley wait list action email and I'm in the top 25%. I know they don't give you very much time to make a decision, so IF they call me, I'd like to not be in a panic about my decision at that point. I've already put down a deposit at Chicago. I realize it's a great school, I'm not in love with it though. I do think that national reach, academia, and prestige in general is stronger at chicago. Thoughts? stats i should consider if I need to make this choice?

factors:
-lifetime CA resident, probably want to stay on this coast (though not necessarily in CA)
-not interested in biglaw. possible career paths: gov, academia, PI
-love the bay area, have lots of friends there, love the gay scene
-while i've walked around the berkeley campus, i've never visited the law school to sit in on classes, meet profs, etc.

[gochrisgo]

.

[clintonius]

Wow. I left this overnight and still nothing. Tin, I'm convinced that, if you get in, you'll have one of the toughest decisions on these boards. Ordinarily I'd say Chicago without a doubt. However, that doesn't seem totally valid in your situation. All I can tell you is that I know someone who took Berkeley over Chicago (and most of the rest of the t14) and is confident that it's among the best decisions she's ever made.

[Fancy Pants]

Berkeley will absolutely be the right decision for you. Go there if you get the opportunity.

[tintin]

thanks for the links, I somehow didn't come across those when searching. yeah, i will be pretty torn at this point but still leaning towards berkeley. i wonder if i'd regret never leaving california though....or if the sinking uc system will impact berkeley moreso than it already has....

this is all hypothetical though at this point

[xyzzzzzzzz]

between your other thread about where to go (a long time ago) and this one, I want to know what you decide!

[Tangerine Gleam]

I'm biased, but I would say Berkeley if it works out. That said, you're in at Chicago, so party on either way. Coming back to Cali won't be a problem from there. Regardless, I'm still crossing my fingers for you!

[Fancy Pants]

Regardless, I'm still crossing my fingers for you!

+1

[tintin]

thanks guys now all i gotta do is get into berk....