Decision Time: Duke, Georgetown or Cornell? Forum

[Ascher86]

So unless something miraculous happens and I get into Columbia or NYU, these are my top choices. Almost definitely not interested in Biglaw unless I can work abroad, preferably in China (I translate Chinese novels for a minimum wage living). Not sure what I want to specialize in, was leaning towards Georgetown for the International Law stuff and seemingly wide range of strengths, but it has that huge class size and I'm not sure its reputation can compare to Duke or Cornell's. I live in New Orleans now (originally from Western Massachusetts), so I don't mind living in the South, but I've heard Durham is none too exciting. I visited friends at Ithaca a while back and it was beautiful, but I've heard the best time of year is the summer, when unfortunately we'll all be off slaving away in some other city/country then.

I'm going to visit Duke and Georgetown in April, and possibly Cornell again (but take a real law school tour this time), but as of right now I really have no idea. I'm leaning towards Duke, but for no other reason than because of its ranking, name recognition, job placement stats and the isolation of Cornell and size of Georgetown...though I do think I'd like living in D.C.

So what do you folks think, my ears are open to any and all suggestions. (Scholarships not a factor in this discussion).

Thanks in advance.

[fatduck]

Cornell if you want NYC, otherwise Duke

[Ascher86]

Anyone else?

[KMaine]

I like Cornell alot, but probably would have gone to Duke if $ were the same. So Duke barring a money difference or other strong consideration in the other direction. For me it would be between those too unless you love D.C., need to work there etc. Really, all are peer schools so go where you will be the most comfortable.

[StickyIcky]

I am in the exact same situation. I dreamed of Columbia/NYU, but realize that it probably aint happening and am now choosing between Cornell, Duke, and GULC.

Duke is leading for me right now, and what you said here:

I'm leaning towards Duke, but for no other reason than because of its ranking, name recognition, job placement stats and the isolation of Cornell and size of Georgetown...though I do think I'd like living in D.C.

is exactly what I'm thinking. It's weird how close our situations are.

Please keep me updated on your thought process and decisions.

[FuManChusco]

what fatduck said

[unc0mm0n1]

I'd do Cornell. But I think between those schools it's just a personal choice.

edit: read money is not a factor.

[BlueDiamond]

Duke.. I want to get into GULC and Cornell

[sundance95]

Duke or Cornell, better prospects and lower CoL at each, especially since you are not interested in BigLaw.

Law school is only three years long. Live in DC when you have cashflow.

Edit: I live in DC, and IMO it's not all that great. But I went to UG here and this will be my sixth year here. YMMV.