Tell me I am not an idiot, or am I an idiot?? Forum

[Northeast]

I decided to take the no debt option at UNC (full ride and parents will cover CoL) over 40% tuition at ND which would leave me in around 50K of debt and a 50% scholarship at W&M leaving me in 30K of debt upon graduation.


I would love to get DC but I heard it would be tough from any of the 3 schools? Am I making a poor decision?

[jtemp320]

Very good decision - you are not an idiot at all

DC would require top top grades from any of those schools or a lot of luck in networking - UNC with no debt is a great deal - not having to make those payments will be a big deal for you and take a lot of pressure off.

Also I've heard Chapel Hill is a good college town - if you like North Carolina and will be happy going to school there and probably practicing there you absolutely made the right decision.

[Law Sauce]

not an idiot

[KMaine]

This is easily the best option you have.

[crit_racer]

I would have taken W&M. 30k debt is nothing and could be paid back easily. And it places *better* in your desired market.

[Z3RO]

Not an idiot. I'm normally one of the "best school you can get into" people, but having 0 debt coming out of school opens so many doors, plus you don't have to do laundry.

[Northeast]

I would have taken W&M. 30k debt is nothing and could be paid back easily. And it places *better* in your desired market.

You are right, however, after looking at placements I felt that I would have to finish at the top at UNC or W&M to get DC. MY second option would be NC over VA.

[TheFactor]

not an idiot

[Northeast]

I am feeling good. Any more thoughts?

[snapdragon]

I am feeling good. Any more thoughts?

You're absolutely not an idiot.

[fatduck]

you am not an idiot

[Slevin Kelevra 2011]

Not an idiot. Keeping your debt down is important from any of the schools you mentioned, none of which place well into biglaw and will likely get you a midlaw position or good gov't position. Very smart decision.

[bhan87]

Good decision. DC is tough to get, but you'll have options in NC and the zero debt aspect will make your life a whole lot easier when you graduate

[jtemp320]

I would have taken W&M. 30k debt is nothing and could be paid back easily. And it places *better* in your desired market.

You are right, however, after looking at placements I felt that I would have to finish at the top at UNC or W&M to get DC. MY second option would be NC over VA.

Wise

[Northeast]

Thanks to TLS for making this feel right. I hope I do not look back and regret it but right now zero debt sounds great.

[solotee]

Not an idiot. I can put you in contact with a few people I know got DC big law from UNC (some on TLS)

[flcath]

Not an idiot.

Though if you'd ask me to guess what total CoA a 40% scholarship at ND would leave you with, I'd guess around $90K.

So you may be even less of an idiot than you initially thought.