Top Law Schools

Hey folks,

Looking for some advice on these two choices. I'm a native New Yorker and am pretty sure I'd like to practice in NYC. My two top options now are Fordham (which has offered me a package totaling 74,000) and Cornell (for which I'll probably have to pay sticker. I haven't submitted financial aid forms yet, but based on what I'm hearing on this forum about scholarship money, that seems to be the case).

I've been it Ithaca before. It's definitely not NYC. It's pretty much the opposite. I can't say how much I'd enjoy living there, but is that something to consider?

Is it worth it to take Cornell over Fordham? Will Cornell open up that many more doors for me that Fordham won't? Should I take the money at Fordham and run? Thoughtful advice is greatly appreciated.

Fordturkey

Cute. Why?

Statistically speaking, your bigLaw future is brighter if you go to Cornell than if you go to Fordham (So yes, Cornell would more likely open more doors than not). However, in light of Fordham's reputation and the uncertain future of our economy (to implode or not implode, that is a question we must ask the Europeans), common sense dictates Fordham with $$$ should get more weight because in the worst case scenario, your debt won't be haunting you days and nights.

Guest080 wrote:
Is it worth it to take Cornell over Fordham?

With Fordham's offer, no, not really..

Will Cornell open up that many more doors for me that Fordham won't?

Maybe a few years ago....now? Probably not. Atleast not worth the debt burden.

Should I take the money at Fordham and run?

Yes, be happy. I couldn't imagine attending a school with a massive debt burden hanging over me. While you'll still be looking at 6 figures....it's still an awful lot less than Cornell's. Despite what some think, it is possible to live on the (relative) cheap in NYC. Plus Fordham's location is truly stunning/ makes networking easier because you're already in the city.


Of course, take my advice with a grain of salt, I will be attending Fordham with no debt...

OP's debt if Cornell = $210,000+
OP's debt if Fordham = $136,000+

OP's other threads indicate a bias toward working in the public sector, which makes Fordham a more logical choice. The networking bonus conferred from Fordham's location within NYC has already been mentioned.

I vote Fordham. $210,000+ in debt is outrageous.

Thanks for the replies, guys.

The public sector thing was just something I was entertaining for a bit. The honest truth is that, not having started law school yet, I have no clue as to what I want to do.

Also, how do you figure that Fordham will cost $136,000? Unless I'm doing my math wrong, it looks like my debt would be at around $60,000.

UFMatt wrote:OP's debt if Cornell = $210,000+
OP's debt if Fordham = $136,000+

OP's other threads indicate a bias toward working in the public sector, which makes Fordham a more logical choice. The networking bonus conferred from Fordham's location within NYC has already been mentioned.

I vote Fordham. $210,000+ in debt is outrageous.

Is 136,000+ in debt really that much of a sigh of relief versus 210,000? And if the OP wants to work in public sector, that's where LRAP comes into play, making debt less of an issue. ITE advice ITT seems to point to lower debt...I think now more than ever you need to go to the school with the better options for employment. Cornell is TCR.

Guest080 wrote:Thanks for the replied, guys.

The public sector thing was just something I was entertaining for a bit. The honest truth is that, not having started law school yet, I have no clue as to what I want to do.

Also, how do you figure that Fordham will cost $136,000? Unless I'm doing my math wrong, it looks like my debt would be at around $60,000.

You've gotta live somewhere, right? And eat?

Encyclopedia Brown wrote:

Guest080 wrote:Thanks for the replied, guys.

The public sector thing was just something I was entertaining for a bit. The honest truth is that, not having started law school yet, I have no clue as to what I want to do.

Also, how do you figure that Fordham will cost $136,000? Unless I'm doing my math wrong, it looks like my debt would be at around $60,000.

You've gotta live somewhere, right? And eat?

Says you.

Here's a question:

Is there any program that Cornell is better known for than Fordham?

Guest080 wrote:Here's a question:

Is there any program that Cornell is better known for than Fordham?

I think it has a more well known law school

jcl2 wrote:

Guest080 wrote:Here's a question:

Is there any program that Cornell is better known for than Fordham?

I think it has a more well known law school

International Cliff Jumping springs to mind, but other than that I dunno

chicoalto0649 wrote:

jcl2 wrote:

Guest080 wrote:Here's a question:

Is there any program that Cornell is better known for than Fordham?

I think it has a more well known law school

International Cliff Jumping springs to mind, but other than that I dunno

HA! Awesome.

Guest080 wrote:

chicoalto0649 wrote:

jcl2 wrote:

Guest080 wrote:Here's a question:

Is there any program that Cornell is better known for than Fordham?

I think it has a more well known law school

International Cliff Jumping springs to mind, but other than that I dunno

HA! Awesome.

I donno, Ithaca is a love it hate it kinda place- I am from Buffalo NY so I know what its like to be couped up for 7 months out of the year, cold and miserable. Plus it makes u gain loads of weight! Here's a question too often neglected to be asked by most prospective law students: where would I be most happy? Ask yourself that...

If you're going for public service, Cornell hands down. Its LRAP is hard to beat (outside the T14,) and I don't suspect Fordham's is anywhere comparable. It makes the money issue moot. So, without money being an issue, where do you think you have a better chance at actually getting a public service job, particularly a competitive one?

Fordham

Im guessing you got offered the "whole Shmear" at BK<---- saftey too and didnt want it.

Hello....I have the same decision to make as you... Cornell (Sticker) vs Fordham ($) however, I received less of a scholarship than you...10k per yr, but I would be commuting from home and saving approx. 10k per yr as well....I am pretty sure I will not be receiving any financial aid too...

I want to go into corporate law and work in nyc...will the long term benefits of Cornell outweigh the added costs?

did you make your final decision? I am leaning towards Cornell, but its a tough choice, esp since I just found out that I was accepted to Cornell yesterday and have been set on Fordham for the past month.

Any advice???

Thanks!

GordonBombay wrote:Fordham

Im guessing you got offered the "whole Shmear" at BK<---- saftey too and didnt want it.

The only shmear I care for is of the cream cheese variety....whats the "whole" shmear" ?

I'm turning down $30k/year at Fordham to go to Cornell. I think it's worth it, but it's a very hard/personal decision and Fordham with money wouldn't necessarily be a bad choice either. If you want to read the advice people gave me and my reasons for why I chose Cornell, they're all in this thread: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 60ef54ac10. Feel free to PM me as well if you want to talk more.