DEATHMATCH: UIUC($$$) vs WF($) vs. UNC; BEER on me!!! Forum

[mez06]

First, thank you for your soon to be advice and sarcasm. If I am to attend the school you are soon to choose, first round or two of drinks are on me. Dig it? Now, on to the matrix...

A bit of background. I am a NC resident though I have only lived here a year. I went to UG in Florida. I am interested in corporate law/biglaw (firms that pay 85k+ plus). I have a significant other looking to go to grad school in the south. Though the south is a preference for us, we have been together 5 years so a long distance relationship for a couple of years would not hurt. UIUC seems like the best opportunity to obtain my salary and firm preference. I grew up in VA so I've been around snow. I've also spent a summer in Chicago so I know the city a bit and like it a lot. I'm also pretty obsessed with success and opportunity.

My top 5 places to practice include 1. Raleigh/Charlotte 2. Chicago 3. Atlanta 4.Florida 5. DC/VA

What do you think is the best decision? I've already tried to negotiate more aid from WF but it's not happening. Based upon cost and the sure market size/advantages of Chicago, UIUC seems like a great way to head. Am I crazy to be considering UNC? Where the hell should I go!?!

COA (tuition only)

UIUC 18k a yr x 3= 54
WF 28k a yr x 3= 84
UNC 18k a yr x 3= 54

[mez06]

Help a weeping soul out...

[IhateFoxHunting]

See you at UNC next year

[Justathought]

Help a weeping soul out...

Take one of the Carolina options. You have ties to the region, and its your preferred area to practice. I would probably go to UNC in your situation. If however, money matters most, go to UIUC, but be mindful of the fact that your dollar will probably not go quite as far up there.

[northwood]

UNC- its a big named school that places well in carolina. Its 30k cheaper than Wake, so you will have more money saved tuition wise. best of luck!

[sundance95]

UNC is the best school in NC, save Duke which sends most of it grads OOS. That, in addition to the in-state tuition and your local connections, makes UNC seem like a no brainer. WF should be off the table.

[Moral_Midgetry]

UNC since your first choice for work is in the South.

Also, I'm also in at UNC and to my knowledge they're still not done dishing scholarships. I think even at in-state sticker UNC is your best bet but it is a real no brainer if they throw you any cash.

[mez06]

Hah well just to add a bit of complexity in the picture, I haven't yet heard from UNC I'm part of the great majority that has yet to hear a freaking peep. Assuming I don't get in though, I can't really justify Wake over UIUC.

I have quietly stared to fall in love with UIUC b/c of the things Dean Pless has produced. But it's more like a love affair bc I'm waiting on UNC to ACTUALLY reply back. But given that I get in (lord willin), I wanted to see if it was a major mistake to still even choose UNC.