Top Law Schools

I've narrowed it down quite a bit and I really need to make a decision.

I just got into UF. I love the school and it seems like job prospects are good. I keep hearing that UF is top dog in Florida, but is it worth sticker over FSU w/ $?

FSU is offering a small scholarship. I love Tallahassee and I have north Florida connections. Ideally, I'd like to practice in Tampa or Jacksonville. From their info about where students are going, they place well in both areas. I have to accept this offer by April 1st.

I have in-state at Georgia State, and it's a damn good deal. However, I loathe the area and grew up around Atlanta. I really don't want to go back, but my dad could probably get me a great job in the city.

Then there's Alabama. I've called and I'm on alumni hold. Sent LOCI three weeks ago. Their first deposit is due April 1st, so maybe some spots will open up, but I'm not sure about my chances. I would gladly stay here in Tuscaloosa if admitted.

So I have a choice to make here in the next few days. Do I jump at the FSU scholly and forgo UF? Do I go for UF or GSU and leave behind the scholly? Do I just choose the one I like best and hold out for Bama?

I'm facing a similar dilemma. I'd definitely recommend taking Georgia State off your list. If you hate Atlanta, why go to a school that'll only place there?

UF's tuition next year for OOS is going to be $40,000, and I do not believe that is justifiable. I would take GSU off your list, as Cosby said don't go to a place you hate. If Bama doesn't work out, I would recommend moving to FL, establishing residency, work for a year and apply right at the beginning of the cycle. $22,000 difference between in-state and OOS is a substantial one.

PEEEEEEYUNK. Sorry. Let me read the post now.

I wouldn't pay for UF or FSU out of state. Don't go to GSU if you hate it. Bama's worth it if you want to practice in Bama. If you don't get into Bama, retake and reapply.

Can you get more specific. What type of $ is coming with FSU?

I would send in the first seat deposit at FSU and wait for Bama. GSU should be crossed off, as you dont want to stay in the area. UF at sticker oos is a bit expensive. With your fathers connections you could rely on them if you needed to- but you would have to work on those connections though and be willing to work in Atlanta for a bit. Ride Bamas waitlist train and use the time to see how bama plays out, and to weigh out the results. Make sure that whereever you end up you are comfortable with both the school, the area, and the job prospects for the area ( and where you are most likely to end up working afterwords). Worst case scenario is you re take and reapply unless you are totally comfortable with it.

Also do you have ties to Tampa of Jacksonville? If not, it's gonna be tough. If you don't go to a FL school, and probably even if you do. But they're not worth the money. Move to one of those cities for a year to get some ties and establish FL residency? You're not in a good spot here.

Ehh I'd go UF in this situation

mez06 wrote:Can you get more specific. What type of $ is coming with FSU?

I'm negotiating up from $3,000 per year. I called today and should know if I got more $ tomorrow.



It seems like I should drop GSU from my list, but if I did like ATL, would it still be worth it? Just curious.

rad law wrote:Also do you have ties to Tampa of Jacksonville? If not, it's gonna be tough. If you don't go to a FL school, and probably even if you do. But they're not worth the money. Move to one of those cities for a year to get some ties and establish FL residency? You're not in a good spot here.

I have ties to both, but they're not as good as the ones I have in ATL. I want to move and establish residency, but I have been unable to find a job and I can't just move down there with nothing to go on. My parents don't help, and I was on work-study through college, so I don't have much money/savings. I'm not trying to throw a pity party here, but I am in a tough situation.

To everyone who suggests moving to FL to establish residency: You can gain in-state tuition at FSU after 1L. How is it worthwhile to miss out on one year's career salary to negate an 18k difference in total cost of attendance?

EricBerry wrote:To everyone who suggests moving to FL to establish residency: You can gain in-state tuition at FSU after 1L. How is it worthwhile to miss out on one year's career salary to negate an 18k difference in total cost of attendance?

I don't think it's that easy or a sure thing, but I could be wrong.

you just have to live in FL for 12 months before the start of 2L, get a FL license, register to vote, etc. It's basically guaranteed if you get that stuff done in early august. No idea about establishing residency for UF, though.

EricBerry wrote:you just have to live in FL for 12 months before the start of 2L, get a FL license, register to vote, etc. It's basically guaranteed if you get that stuff done in early august. No idea about establishing residency for UF, though.

That's what I've gathered based on my discussions.

pinkcamellia wrote:

mez06 wrote:Can you get more specific. What type of $ is coming with FSU?

I'm negotiating up from $3,000 per year. I called today and should know if I got more $ tomorrow.



It seems like I should drop GSU from my list, but if I did like ATL, would it still be worth it? Just curious.

I think it would be. GSU is pretty cheap and places much better than expected for a school of it's rank.

Note: UF always wins these "polls" (even when FSU offers a large scholarship) for the obvious fact they churn out double the students. Interviewers view them the same, seriously.

Of the schools listed, Alabama is top, UF/FSU same, GSA behind those.

If you plan to stay in-state, go GSU. If you may have the desire to live in Florida, go FSU or UF (depending on if UF will match or beat the $).

Even so Alabama is the top school, unless you get $$$ from them (doubtful it seems) or plan to practice in Alabama, I would not consider it. As good as it is, it is still not considered an "elite" school. It is still regional -- which means if you do poorly your job prospects will be just as bad if you went to the other schools and did poorly.

Good luck.

FSUAlumniAtlanta wrote: Interviewers view them the same, seriously.

Conversations I've had with a wide range of lawyers in Miami speak otherwise to this.

Lol. If you say so.

In all candor, I agree UF is seen as the "top dawg" -- because everyone (undergrad) that views US News thinks seeks that UF is 4 spots ahead. Also, the school has been in existence for MUCH longer, therefore UF's vanguard of "good ol boys" is admittedly stronger than UF. Bear in mind, FSU was not founded until the late 60's.

But, that's all Friday afternoon bar talk. In reality, when people are actually reviewng resumes being top 10-15% from either school will get you in the door. Once you are on the interview, no one cares if you went to UF, FSU, or Yale -- it's 100% about how they view you as a person and nothing to do with your law school. On the other hand, as I have said before, if you do poorly at FSU or UF (bottom half), the same doors will shut. This is what I mean when I say practically, in terms of job prospects, it does not matter FSU or UF.