Tx Tech ($$), Tulane ($$), or Arkansas ($$)? Please help Forum

[blazer14]

I have narrowed down my search to basically these three schools. I need help in choosing which one is best for me and my career aspirations. I want to study immigration law or sports/entertainment law and eventually I want to practice in Miami or Austin when I get out of law school. I have ties in TX, but not FL. Ideally I would like to have as many options as possible with my law degree to practice in either TX or FL.

I would receive in state tuition at Tx Tech. Arkansas is the cheapest (regarding tuition) for me to go to. And Tulane would be the most expensive. At this point I like Tulane the best, although the cost is daunting. Tx Tech has a really excellent bar passage rate in TX and a strong alumni base. And Arkansas has great name recognition and a brand new immigration clinic which sounds exciting.

I am still on the waitlist at Miami, Illinois, and IU-Bloomington. Assuming I get into these schools, I don't expect any scholarships from these schools considering how late it is in the cycle. Please I need help... Where should I attend?

[mbusch22]

"Good alumni base"?. Remember that Tech is a TTT is sitting far behind UT, SMU, UH, and Baylor, which is a lot of competition.

I vote Tulane.

Edited: and bar passage rates shouldn't affect your decision either.

[bearsfan1]

Tx Tech for Texas but I wouldn't count on Austin. Miami for Miami but I wouldn't pay sticker there. I wouldn't go to Arkansas unless you wanted to work in Arkansas. Tulane might be your best option since it has the better reputation of the three. Even Illinois or IUB would make it hard to find work in Austin or Miami.

[Fred_McGriff]

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[BeautifulSW]

I happen to like Texas Tech and Lubbock but I don't know how well the degree will sell outside of the Panhandle and South Plains and Eastern N.Mex.

If you know the area and think you wouldn't mind living there, a decent career is possible. But I sure wouldn't commit to the High Plains sight unseen. "Dusty, flat and desolate" is an acquired taste.

[kalvano]

Why is this even a question?

Go to Tulane.

[blazer14]

I appreciate the feedback.

But how well does Tulane place into Austin or Miami? I know Tulane has decent placement in LA, NY, & CA. However, would Tulane really give me a better shot (or at least a fighting chance) at landing a job in either of these cities, rather than going to Tx Tech or Miami ?

Additionally, (assuming I get off the waitlist) how well does Illinois place in TX? Would it be advisable to take Illinois over Tulane?

[akili]

From what I hear, it's pretty challenging for UT grads to get Austin... I wouldn't count on it from any of your choices.

[Aberzombie1892]

Unless you grew up in Austin and have awesome grades from any school you go to, you aren't getting Austin (unless you start a firm there, join a small firm, or do government).

If you have no ties to Miami, you will have trouble in Miami even from T14 schools. Tulane is no different.

Tulane gives you the best job prospects, and is generally well regarded in Texas if OCI employers or martindale alumni searches are any indicative of anything.

[patrickd139]

From what I hear, it's pretty challenging for UT grads to get Austin... I wouldn't count on it from any of your choices.

This, at least from a biglaw perspective. You will not land anywhere near a market rate job in Austin from any of those schools unless you are very, very high up in the class. I worked at a firm in Austin with multiple paralegals who had TTU JDs, TTU JDs populate the staff of state legislative members and a select few who also were CPAs, or those who had engineering backgrounds or BBAs are able to get entry level jobs with some of the accounting/consulting firms, but those are all tough pills to swallow given the investment you're making to get a JD.

I think you're overstating the "national" reach of Tulane, but it will undoubtedly give you better prospects in the aggregate than TTU or Miami because of it's relatively better portability and location in a stronger legal market (though not really even the latter these days).

If you want Austin, you should retake to up the score significantly and reapply.