UC Hastings vs Loyola LA
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2011 3:10 am
I've been stressing over these two, and I'm having trouble deciding. So I've come here for some outside perspective/insight that might help me in making my decision. The reason this is last minute is because my law school choices depended on my fiance's job opportunities, and she recently received an offer in the bay area and LA.
Here are some things to note:
-I want to practice in California, but I'm not picky whether it's north or south (as long as it's near the coast).
-I've received scholarships/grants from both universities, but Loyola has the 30% stipulation while Hastings has none. Loyola's scholarship will pay about 70% of my fees/tuition, while Hastings' will pay for a little over 50%. I also have some Veteran benefits that will cover the remaining of the first year balance, so my first year will be free regardless of where I go.
-I scored a 158 on my LSAT and graduated with a 3.78 GPA from a CSU.
-I am interested in practicing in the Public Interest realm, most likely at a non-profit.
The reason that I'm torn is because I feel the 30% stipulation is a trap of sorts (only 40% of the students who received it were able to retain it last year); but from my understanding the non-profit legal market is larger in Los Angeles, so I figure that Loyola gives me a better chance at entering that market. On the other hand, Hastings supposedly has a very large Public Interest job fair.
Any advice and/or insight is appreciated.
Here are some things to note:
-I want to practice in California, but I'm not picky whether it's north or south (as long as it's near the coast).
-I've received scholarships/grants from both universities, but Loyola has the 30% stipulation while Hastings has none. Loyola's scholarship will pay about 70% of my fees/tuition, while Hastings' will pay for a little over 50%. I also have some Veteran benefits that will cover the remaining of the first year balance, so my first year will be free regardless of where I go.
-I scored a 158 on my LSAT and graduated with a 3.78 GPA from a CSU.
-I am interested in practicing in the Public Interest realm, most likely at a non-profit.
The reason that I'm torn is because I feel the 30% stipulation is a trap of sorts (only 40% of the students who received it were able to retain it last year); but from my understanding the non-profit legal market is larger in Los Angeles, so I figure that Loyola gives me a better chance at entering that market. On the other hand, Hastings supposedly has a very large Public Interest job fair.
Any advice and/or insight is appreciated.