Michigan or Duke or bottom T14 Forum

[splitterstatus]

Hey TLS. I don't often post, but I'm having trouble choosing between law schools, and I'd like to ask for some help. Still haven't heard back from my top 2 choices, (which I prob won't be accepted to) but I have some good options to pick from now. In order to make this easier, let's say my top priority is the salary I'll make after law school, and I'm willing to live in any major city- NY, Boston, Chicago, LA, etc. I'm still not sure exactly what I want to do or where I want to live, so a versatile degree is important to me. Michigan is the "best school" I've gotten into, but I've heard some negative things about the school's future rank and prestige, especially as it pertains to big law (I sound like a douche, whatever). Between Michigan and Duke, at lets say sticker, UT with 60k, and UCLA with a scholarship I haven't gotten yet, what should I choose? Thanks for any help and sarcasm you may provide.

[Nelson]

Where do you want to work? If Texas, UT. If California, wait to hear from UCLA about money, otherwise, probably Michigan. If the South, Duke. If Midwest/Chi, Michigan. If NYC, whichever T14 is cheapest.

If you have no preference for location, pick the cheapest of Mich/Duke. If they're the same price, visit and pick the one you like best.

[buckilaw]

A school's US News Rank is immaterial once you are in the T14. I wouldn't go to a school because its rank is going to move up or down, hiring partners/committees don't pay attention to US News, and it's not likely to benefit or harm you if your school moves around the rankings a bit when you are a 2L or 3L. That said for the best cahnce of biglaw post graduation you should pick Michigan or Duke. I don't think either school has too big an edge on the other for OCI so whichever is cheaper would be the smart pick. You should also go to both school's ASW's to figure out which one is a better fit.

[dabbadon8]

I went to duke over michigan at equal money. Glad I did everyday. Law school can suck, make sure you are somewhere where the people, weather or anything else doesn't make it worse (and preferably makes it better).

[rad lulz]

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[bdubs]

OP wants geographically diverse options and strong firm placement, both of those point toward Michigan as being the correct choice for him/her.

[rad lulz]

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[smokeylarue]

You want the Big Law and don't care where you live. Michigan and Duke give you roughly the same decent shot. Visit both, pick your favorite, and profit.

[shoeshine]

Umm maybe you don't care where you live but firms 100% care where you have ties to (unless New York).