Choosing between Cornell (Sticker) - WUSTL (114k) - BU (75k) Forum

[damage-inc]

Need help in choosing a school to attend for Fall of 2011.

I'm from Hartford and would ideally want to work in the Hartford/Stamford Area. I have no gripes against NYC and would gladly work there if I am unable to land something in Hartford or Stamford.

In regards to Boston, I am indifferent on working and living there.
As far as St.Louis goes, I visited and thought it was a very relaxed and friendly city but I really have no idea of what to expect if I lived and worked there.

Is Cornell's prestige and networking powerful enough to justify taking it over the other 2?

Edit add per KRAD's reply: I have 30k of undergraduate loans to pay but am willing to take on debt if it means long term benefits. I would say that my career goals would either be to land an in-house position in sports and entertainment law or land the best possible biglaw job and attempt to make partner

[krad]

How debt-averse are you? What are your career goals?

[ahduth]

How debt-averse are you? What are your career goals?

This. 114k is not chump change.

[krad]

Edit add per KRAD's reply: I have 30k of undergraduate loans to pay but am willing to take on debt if it means long term benefits. I would say that my career goals would either be to land an in-house position in sports and entertainment law or land the best possible biglaw job and attempt to make partner

Since you will practice before looking for an in-house position, let's assume that you're planning to gun for biglaw in the northeast. If it were me, I'd remove WUSTL from the equation and decide whether or not Cornell's prestige/placement is worth the debt.

[damage-inc]

Since you will practice before looking for an in-house position, let's assume that you're planning to gun for biglaw in the northeast. If it were me, I'd remove WUSTL from the equation and decide whether or not Cornell's prestige/placement is worth the debt.

I agree with your point. I really feel like its become a Cornell vs. BU question for me. And yes, I plan on practicing before looking for an in-house position but would work towards staying with the firm if making partner is a possibility

[krad]

I agree with your point. I really feel like its become a Cornell vs. BU question for me. And yes, I plan on practicing before looking for an in-house position but would work towards staying with the firm if making partner is a possibility

Did you try asking Cornell for $? I have no idea if they negotiate much, if at all, but I'm curious.

[damage-inc]

Did you try asking Cornell for $? I have no idea if they negotiate much, if at all, but I'm curious.

Yes. Got shut down cold.

[rebexness]

[FiveSermon]

BU or Cornell

[northwood]

BU. $100,000 is a lot after interest

[krad]

Cornell is like 217k COA
BU @ 180,000 COA- 75k scholly = 105,000

Big difference especially if you have 30k in loans already.

Wow I did not realize Cornell was THAT much more than BU.

I'm voting for BU (I'm a little biased but I'm also debt-averse and with your UG loans on top of LS, I don't think I could stomach $217k+).

[bk1]

How big is the CT legal market? I'd imagine it is pretty small so it's not like there are a lot of jobs out there that can help you pay down almost $250k debt from Cornell.

Cornell really isn't worth the debt compared to BU and BU can definitely get NYC, so I say BU.

[elm84dr]

BU, especially if they up your package...You know where I stand bro!

[Perch]

I'm in a similar position but worse since I'm WL at Cornell and considering the possibilities of "if" I get in then where do I go. I'll be interested to track this progress.

I agree with the others that it's BU or Cornell, though I have a hard time picking between the two for you since I can't even do it for myself. Not voting, just following.

edit: hope to see some pro-Cornell arguments just since in other threads all I've seen written is go to BU with $$ but the vote gets close anyway.