Harvard v. UChicago Forum

[swimbrad]

So... this is probably going to sound pretentious, and I apologize in advance

So - about me... I just finished my masters in accounting and am finishing up the CPA now....

Career Goals: Elite firm (V10 in my dreams/wishes) would like to practice M&A, possibly a clerkship, and an interest somewhere in the back of my mind of academia (but not serious enough to heavily influence my decision

Chicago - Liked it there, have a nice place to live, enjoy the city, fairly close to home, comfortable in the midwest and know people in the chicago-land area, major interest in the law and economics approach, not really scared by the "rigor", got $60k from them.

Harvard - ??? I mean - it's harvard, never been to boston and have 2 weeks to decide... trying to find flights now!

Thanks in advance for all your help, let me knwo if you need more info

[James Bond]

Go to Harvard you clown

[d34d9823]

If you can't figure this out then...Chicago for you, definitely Chicago.

*facepalm*

[APimpNamedSlickback]

Go to Harvard you clown

[swimbrad]

yea... this was kinda what i was figuring the answers would be (which i DO appreciate). I'm just trying to nail down some of the concrete reasons H is better (beside the obvious H is fawking amazing )

ps - good to hear from you APNS

[APimpNamedSlickback]

yea... this was kinda what i was figuring the answers would be (which i DO appreciate). I'm just trying to nail down some of the concrete reasons H is better (beside the obvious H is fawking amazing )

ps - good to hear from you APNS

holy crap. congrats on the success bro!!!!!!1

i fully expect to be seeing you next fall. i'm currently using a phone so not in a position to really lay out an argument until perhaps later, but dude this is a no brainer.

fucking congrats again though man, this is fantastic news.

[tallboone]

I'm sure a lot of people pick UofC over Harvard for personal/family/love Chicago reasons, and there is nothing wrong with that. Especially if you are just planning on working in Biglaw and don't have any dreams of being a professor or ambassador to the UN. Harvard is Harvard, but Chicago is a spectacular school with great prospects. People on this board tend to underestimate the value of personal preference and happiness. When you are talking about elite schools, you should always go to the one that fits best with your career goals and personal happiness.

[legends159]

Why is Harvard better than Chicago? I'm not sure there really are concrete answers to that in terms of legal academics but it is better in terms of prestige.

People, including future employers and judges will think you're smarter just b/c you went to Harvard. That first impression is very important b/c everything else will be viewed through that prism.

[swimbrad]

Thanks for the replies so far... I appreciate it!

[kmap]

Echoing "go to Harvard, you clown" Yay for last-minute waitlist admissions!

[kittenmittons]

IB the xo link

[Rand M.]

As a soon to be Chicago 1L who is usually extolling the virtues and advantages of Chicago, I vote H in this case. I don't think it's necessarily an open and shut case, but the sort of strong factors (MORE money, really strong family connections IN the city, STRONG geographic preference, etc.) that would put Chicago in a stronger position just aren't present in your case. There's just not enough working against Harvard for this to go the other way.

[swimbrad]

As a soon to be Chicago 1L who is usually extolling the virtues and advantages of Chicago, I vote H in this case. I don't think it's necessarily an open and shut case, but the sort of strong factors (MORE money, really strong family connections IN the city, STRONG geographic preference, etc.) that would put Chicago in a stronger position just aren't present in your case. There's just not enough working against Harvard for this to go the other way.

I did get $60k from UChicago... not that that really matters... (i'm mean, this whole lawl school thing is what - $200k?)

[Unitas]

As a soon to be Chicago 1L who is usually extolling the virtues and advantages of Chicago, I vote H in this case. I don't think it's necessarily an open and shut case, but the sort of strong factors (MORE money, really strong family connections IN the city, STRONG geographic preference, etc.) that would put Chicago in a stronger position just aren't present in your case. There's just not enough working against Harvard for this to go the other way.

I did get $60k from UChicago... not that that really matters... (i'm mean, this whole lawl school thing is what - $200k?)

Eh, that does change it somewhat. Wait to see if Harvard offers you any assistance. But 60k should not be laughed at especially considering it will be $20k not bearing interest for 3 years, 20k not bearing interest for 2 years, and 20k not bearing interest for 1 year. So forth. Then over time that interest being compounded.

[hiromoto45]

Why is Harvard better than Chicago? I'm not sure there really are concrete answers to that in terms of legal academics but it is better in terms of prestige.

People, including future employers and judges will think you're smarter just b/c you went to Harvard. That first impression is very important b/c everything else will be viewed through that prism.

That doesn't hold with UChicago.

[lawapps0502]

depends on your interests. some people would argue that uchicago is a more 'academic' law school, with its journals occupying a place of prominence in academic and political circles. at the same time, harvards journals also tend to be politically influential. i also believe chicago is a smaller program, so it depends on what kind of community you want.

i understand your problem, harvard would be a tough school to turn down. good luck with your decision.

[swimbrad]

depends on your interests. some people would argue that uchicago is a more 'academic' law school, with its journals occupying a place of prominence in academic and political circles. at the same time, harvards journals also tend to be politically influential. i also believe chicago is a smaller program, so it depends on what kind of community you want.

i understand your problem, harvard would be a tough school to turn down. good luck with your decision.

I think this is part of my problem. I am somewhat excited about the possibility of going some place sorta intense, b/c I never felt very academically challenged at my Big 12 school. I had a great time here and all, but it's definitely not a top-20 school. My graduate program was about 100 kids and I liked the smallness because it enhanced my relationships with both faculty, the admin folks and my classmates. But I've never really been a part of a huge class to the extent that I would know what that was like.

sorry for the incoherent ramblings, but I think you did a good job at identifying what's keeping UChi in the race

[Emma.]

If you could leverage your Harvard acceptance for more money at UChi I'd say it'd be a strong contender. Otherwise though I'd think it wasn't much of a contest....

[beef wellington]

IB the xo link

+1

anybody?

[swimbrad]

IB the xo link

+1

anybody?

If it's reposted, Please let there be some paragraphing or at lest some punctuation... it's so hard to read

[Na_Swatch]

IB the xo link

+1

anybody?

lol that was the 1st thing i thought of when i saw the thread title

[beef wellington]

IB the xo link

+1

anybody?

If it's reposted, Please let there be some paragraphing or at lest some punctuation... it's so hard to read

aw, it's not as much fun if OP's already seen it. go to Harvard, OP, and congrats.

[swimbrad]

IB the xo link

+1

anybody?

If it's reposted, Please let there be some paragraphing or at lest some punctuation... it's so hard to read

aw, it's not as much fun if OP's already seen it. go to Harvard, OP, and congrats.

I mean I had to read it... it's who I was gonna be right?

Thanks for the wishes - and ps, your 'tar makes me hungry

[mike7174]

you have to be kidding....HARVARD

see http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=113740

[Dr. Strangelove]

I think you'd do fine with Chicago but Harvard's better- so Harvard.