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UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:36 pm
by LawyerlyLady
Completely torn between these two schools.

When I visited, I loved the University of Maryland Law School itself (the building was great, they seemed to have a lot of good programs, etc). Also, it's ranked about thirty spots higher than Temple in the US News Rankings. If location had nothing to do with it, I'd choose UMD, hands down.

But Temple, although I am far from sold on the school itself, is located in Philly, where I did my undergrad. It's a city I'm familiar with, a city in which I know people, and a city which, in my opinion, is far better than Baltimore.

Thoughts?

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:39 pm
by 03121202698008
LawyerlyLady wrote:Completely torn between these two schools.

When I visited, I loved the University of Maryland Law School itself (the building was great, they seemed to have a lot of good programs, etc). Also, its ranked about thirty spots higher than Temple in the US News Rankings. If location had nothing to do with it, I'd choose UMD, hands down.

But Temple, although I am far from sold on the school itself, is located in Philly, where I did my undergrad. It's a city I'm familiar with, a city in which I know people, and a city which, in my opinion, is far better than Baltimore.

Thoughts?
Where would you like to work after graduation? Few Maryland grads work in Philly and few Temple grads work in Baltimore.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:57 pm
by RayFinkle
UMD.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 2:58 pm
by 03121202698008
RayFinkle wrote:UMD.
Not if OP wants to work in Philly...

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 3:09 pm
by Aberzombie1892
Given your attachment to the city, Temple. It's cheaper and in a location you like.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 3:10 pm
by Shaggier1
Where would you like to work after graduation? Few Maryland grads work in Philly and few Temple grads work in Baltimore.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 3:10 pm
by 03121202698008
Also, http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 0#p3017810

Just because you didn't like any answers to your first thread doesn't mean you should start a second. Neither of those schools place well in NYC. Plan to live and work in whatever area the school is located.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 3:22 pm
by LawyerlyLady
blowhard wrote:Also, http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 0#p3017810

Just because you didn't like any answers to your first thread doesn't mean you should start a second. Neither of those schools place well in NYC. Plan to live and work in whatever area the school is located.
Like I said in that thread, I was just wondering about the possibility of a job New York. That will have no effect on my final decision. This is a different topic entirely.
Shaggier1 wrote:
Where would you like to work after graduation? Few Maryland grads work in Philly and few Temple grads work in Baltimore.
Thanks. I'm not sure. I love Philly-- but who knows, I could love Baltimore too. I guess I need to figure out if I am willing to take that risk.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 3:27 pm
by 03121202698008
LawyerlyLady wrote:
blowhard wrote:Also, http://top-law-schools.com/forums/viewt ... 0#p3017810

Just because you didn't like any answers to your first thread doesn't mean you should start a second. Neither of those schools place well in NYC. Plan to live and work in whatever area the school is located.
Like I said in that thread, I was just wondering about the possibility of a job New York. That will have no effect on my final decision. This is a different topic entirely.
Shaggier1 wrote:
Where would you like to work after graduation? Few Maryland grads work in Philly and few Temple grads work in Baltimore.
Thanks. I'm not sure. I love Philly-- but who knows, I could love Baltimore too. I guess I need to figure out if I am willing to take that risk.
FWIW, I'm pretty sure there are more job opportunities in Philly and Temple tends to lead that market as most Penn students go elsewhere.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 5:23 pm
by manbearwig
You need to decide where you want to live after law school, and make your decision based on that. Between these schools, ranking really doesn't matter. Both are regional, and that's it. If you really don't think you'll regret taking the chance on Baltimore, then go to UMD because you like the school better.

Is there any particular reason you're not sold on Temple? That's where I'll be going next year, and I've really grown to like the school a lot. Also, Philly's awesome and I want to live here after law school. If you can't get into Penn, Temple really dominates the market with its alumni network and connections. (Please disregard my bias against Nova, but I do think Temple tops it.)

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 6:07 pm
by 09042014
Powerscore LSAT class.

Re: UMD or Temple?

Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2010 6:17 pm
by krj02004
I live in Baltimore. UMD grads can find jobs in DC as well...mainly public service and non-profit or NGO jobs though. But the legal market isn't doing so well in Baltimore right now... especially biglaw. The average salary as a UMD grad is like $80k as well. You need to breakdown the debt load at each school and compare the post-grad salaries.

Baltimore is OK. If you aren't into the whole pub/bar scene every night as the only type of social life, then you won't like B-more. Baltimore is extremely expensive as well if you want to live in a safe place (which will NOT be near the law school,,, that area is not good past 8 pm). Canton, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Washington Heights/ Mt. Vernon are your only options... My 2-bedroom condo in Canton (which isn't upgraded) costs $1650/month (utilities NOT included).

If it was me, I'd choose Temple. You alread know Temple places in Philly, and the city is better than Baltimore, IMO. I think the COL will be lower near Temple as well.

But if you decide to attend UMD, hit me up and I can give you some insight on COL expenses and places to look for an apartment.