Top Law Schools

I am not a Top 100 applicant (155/3.4) but my decision is getting the best of me. My top choice and the perfect fit is Ole Miss. From looking at similar applicants, I am seeing that most in my range are being waitlisted. Since a decision has not yet been rendered, but based on the above fact, I am expecting to be waitlisted and will keep OM from consideration in this question.

My problem is that I am having a hard time deciding between co #2's, Mercer University and U of Memphis. I am a non traditional student with 4 children that I have a financial responsibility to. Memphis offers a very affordable education. Mercer offers a stronger education with much more hands on experience but at a considerable price tag.

I am from a very rural small town and find myself very uncomfortable, even depressed in Memphis, Macon feels like a home away from home.

I plan to pursue a career in Public Service and am aware of the loan forgiveness and IBR repayment plans, but have concerns that these plans may not survive upcoming budget cuts

I prefer Mercer but am terrified of the price tag. Does anyone have any advice?.

Take a cycle off, retake the LSAT, get up to at least a 160, and then walk into Ole Miss next year with $$. Memphis is a rough city, but there are a lot worse, just enjoy it for a year and focus on killing the LSAT. If Macon feels like a home away from home, imagine Oxford.

Fred_McGriff wrote:Take a cycle off, retake the LSAT, get up to at least a 160, and then walk into Ole Miss next year with $$. Memphis is a rough city, but there are a lot worse, just enjoy it for a year and focus on killing the LSAT. If Macon feels like a home away from home, imagine Oxford.

This, just sit down and really study for a bit, you can easily do better. And, if you do well enough you can get good scholarship which will help you out.

Send a LOCI to Mississippi. Memphis was recently named the most dangerous city in the US--probably not a good place to raise a family.

CanadianWolf wrote:Send a LOCI to Mississippi. Memphis was recently named the most dangerous city in the US--probably not a good place to raise a family.

Naw dude, according to the fbi stats it's st.louis

Thanks for the replies. I agree sitting out this cycle and prepping for the LSAT in June after I graduate would be ideal. It would allow for improvement and also let my 3.39 move closer to a 3.5 making me a much stronger candidate. Unfortunately, due to an agreement with the state of Tn, (Child Support) I have 4 years to receive my law degree, that includes this last year of undergraduate.

Ole Miss and Mercer are nearly equal, with the slight edge going to Ole Miss because of a certification program. As far as a LCOI, I have sent 2. I have also visited and on Jan 11, I was told that a decision would be made within 3 weeks...but still it hasn't. As per their request, I call on Fridays the day after their committee review meetings. Just still no consensus on my app. But I am very involved, I believe as much as I can be.

As far as Memphis, my aversion to large cities is not only limited to there. I have withdrawn offers in Atlanta and in Knoxville(not UT) for the same reason. I just prefer a smaller city. It is really a total culture shock thing. Driving,Renting,Shopping,just basic necessities are dramatically different from what I have known, and it is an adjustment I am struggling to make.

Thanks again!

Actually no, I can't get an amendment. I had to challenge my divorce from 07 all the way to the Appeals Court just to win the right to go to law school. My agreement was post appeal settlement offer with ex wife and child support. I have 4 years of a greatly reduced cs obligation, but after 4 years it balloons back to a higher rate. The state's position previously had been that I should continue working menial jobs and pay what limited cs I cld till my children were grown, then seek a law degree.

Memphis was named by the FBI as the most violent crime ridden city within the last few years. I realize that St. Louis grabbed the top spot this year, but that doesn't mean Memphis is suddenly Pasedena.

I go to Ole Miss for undergrad. If you think you'll fit the Ole Miss profile, it's definitely an amazing place. If you don't fit in, you'll hate it. I'd say the main attraction would be the girls, but you seem pretty taken at the moment.

They do have a great new law building opening this spring, and rent is cheap in the area.

Macon and Oxford are very similiar and both are exactly what I am looking for in a town. As far as girls go, I'm not taken, very single, but my tail chasing days are a bit behind me. At 35 I've learned to let the tail come to me.

I really want to enjoy a deep south experience while studying in a comfortable location.

SECOND football is a plus...

I think paying sticker at Mercer would be a huge mistake. You could very well be in debt past retirement age. Do what you can to get off the waitlist at Ole Miss, but as a TN resident, it really seems like you should try your damndest to make Memphis work (in-state tuition is dirt cheap). Find a safe area to live outside of the city that has a slower, small town pace. That way, your only exposure to city life is the drive to and from school.

EDIT: If Mercer has IBR repayment, ignore what I said and do what you're comfortable with.

Mercer does have IBR plan. Ole Miss offers residential after first year. It is actually lower than Memphis after that first year. Balances out in the long run. I'm really looking for Ole Miss's Criminal Law certification and Project Innocence Program.

You got a facebook Eric? We keep bumping into each other from forum to forum...

atlantisdan wrote:Mercer does have IBR plan. Ole Miss offers residential after first year. It is actually lower than Memphis after that first year. Balances out in the long run. I'm really looking for Ole Miss's Criminal Law certification and Project Innocence Program.

You got a facebook Eric? We keep bumping into each other from forum to forum...

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