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I don't know what reciprocity rate is, but assuming cost is within 30K or so, go to Illinois.

I had a similar decision to make (in state at WI but large scholarship from Illinois) and I chose Illinois. I haven't regretted it for a second. Well, that's not true: I like Madison more than Champaign, but I didn't let that sway me. The staff/faculty/current students I met while making the decision made Illinois the runaway winner and talking to friends who work in Chicago biglaw solidify my belief that I made the right choice. Both schools are about the same distance from Chicago but most large Chicago firms don't go to Madison.

What are your ultimate goals?

I'd say it depends where you want to practice. If you want to stay in Wisconsin, you're better of there. If you want to be in Illinois, and have a shot at Chicago, go to UIUC.

Overall, Illinois probably has a bit more portability, but if you just want Wisconsin then that's the better option.

duckmoney wrote:I'd say it depends where you want to practice. If you want to stay in Wisconsin, you're better of there. If you want to be in Illinois, and have a shot at Chicago, go to UIUC.

Overall, Illinois probably has a bit more portability, but if you just want Wisconsin then that's the better option.

Oh yeah, if you want Wisconsin, this changes things. You wouldn't have to even take the bar if you graduated from there. But for anywhere else, Illinois.

Madison & freedom from sitting for the Wisconsin bar favors Wisconsin. When others are prepping for their first bar exam, you can sit for your first bar exam as a member of the Wisconsin state bar.

It will be interesting to read of your impressions of & experiences at Illinois Law.

Two great options--congratulations !

Yeah: The "no bar" in WI is another reason I chose Illinois--I didn't want to feel as though I were stuck in Wisconsin because it'd be easy to get admitted and start working. It certainly is convenient, though!

When you visit Illinois, go to The Blind Pig for a beer in Champaign. There are two locations, both are good.

Easy bar admission & a job as a lawyer are the reasons you decided against Wisconsin ?

Do you also believe that Urbana-Champaign is nicer than Madison, Wisconsin ?

If it was just based on the city, I probably would've chosen Wisconsin. I love Madison, and almost went to Wisconsin for UG.

But it ended up being my 5th choice. I received no financial offer from there (and got $$$ from 3 better schools), and for whatever reason I've been getting some really negative vibes about the atmosphere there. Just what I've gathered, I might be totally off base. But yes, I think UIUC is probably a slightly better opportunity overall.

CanadianWolf wrote:Easy bar admission & a job as a lawyer are the reasons you decided against Wisconsin ?

Do you also believe that Urbana-Champaign is nicer than Madison, Wisconsin ?

Well if you'd read my other posts in this thread, you'd see that I said that I like Madison more than CU.

But to your other questions: Yes. I grew up in Wisconsin and could see myself settling there (and I mean settling as in just doing it because it's easy) when I really don't want to be in the state. I wanted to eliminate that temptation so I didn't allow it to become a significant factor in my decision making process.

I'm at undergrad at UIUC right now and it's a pretty cool experience. For law school, however, I would much prefer a more urban/city atmosphere such as Madison.

JamMasterJ wrote:I don't know what reciprocity rate is, but assuming cost is within 30K or so, go to Illinois.

Cost is I think 26k for Minnesotans and 16k for WI residents.

Now, it's going to be a little bit tougher to get a job in Chicago if you go to UW (obviously). For the OP, if you're all right with working in WI or MN with a smaller possibility of working in Chi or a larger market than my vote is UW.