Fordham vs Illinois$ vs Wisconsin$ vs Loyola$$ vs USD$$$ Forum

[xtian]

Completely stuck on where to choose. Visiting campuses next couple weekends.

Got into Fordham @ sticker, Illinois w/ $5k/yr, Wisconsin w/ $15k/yr, Pepperdine w/$15k /yr, Loyola Marymount w/$23k yr and nearly got a full ride to U San Diego.

From what I've read on these forums, it seems like Fordham/Illinois/Wisconsin would be the wisest choices, based on their higher ranking, and all three feeding into two of the major law markets. I am interested in working my way into biglaw, although the prospect of working in San Diego with close to a free tuition doesn't sound bad.

Would it be more economically wise to go to USD with close to a full ride? $35k/yr

All opinions are appreciated.. thanks

EDIT: Also.. I scored pretty well on my LSAT, 167, but didn't have a great GPA (3.3). Basically, I'm pretty confident in my ability to perform in at least the top third of my class where ever I go. Interestingly, Pepperdine is the only school that has any stipulations on the scholarship, I must finish in top 3rd of class at end of each year.

[Hjones33]

EDIT: Didn't read the whole thing, my bad.

Also, I don't think you can consider Wisconsin a feeder school to Chicago. If you go to Wisconsin, expect work in Wisconsin (But then it might be hard w/o ties there. But then again, I have no evidence to back up my "ties" claim other than what I have read from this site).

[xtian]

just posted them in the edit

[xtian]

any other opinions? All advice is appreciated..

[blurbz]

Where do you want to work?

I knew I wanted to be in the midwest, so I took Illinois even though Wisconsin would have been cheaper and I was a WI resident. Wisconsin's placement was just abysmal outside the state and I thought Illinois would give me more portability. I'm still extremely happy with the choice!

[rad lulz]

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[xtian]

Basically, I'm pretty confident in my ability to perform in at least the top third of my class where ever I go.

lol you and everyone else

Where are you from and where do you want to work.

Yeah, I suppose that is a pretty cliche statement.

I've moved around a lot. I was born in NYC and then moved around as a kid from St. Louis to Chicago back to St. Louis and then ended up in CO when I was 14. So I guess I should say I'm from CO since I've been here for almost 9 years. But, I don't really want to stay in CO. I might eventually move back, but I want to get out after graduation this semester. I currently go to CU Boulder. I'd love to go the biglaw route, and judging from my options it seems that Fordham/Illinois are pretty much my only routes for that?

I'm also considering San Diego, because I LOVE the area, and close to a full ride in a place where I would love working in substitute for a t250 job doesn't sound bad....

[NYCbound35]

You may be able to squeeze some money from Fordham. Similar numbers have gotten 10k/year in the past. If so, I think that is the obvious choice. I'd say that it's also the top choice without any scholarship money, but most people on here don't think Fordham @ sticker is smart.

[rad lulz]

but most people on here don't think Fordham @ sticker is smart.

It's not. It's about a 25% shot at the jobs that will enable you to repay that money.

[rad lulz]

Full ride to USD is your best choice, but it's not a great option. Shot at biglaw is almost nil, and you have no ties to USD.

[071816]

USD seems like the best option, but beware that the San Diego legal market is extremely small. Not a lot of opportunity for big law there.

[xtian]

Full ride to USD is your best choice, but it's not a great option. Shot at biglaw is almost nil, and you have no ties to USD.

Ok, so slightly confused... I was reading on this site, @ http://www.top-law-schools.com/new-york ... hools.html , that although ranked #4 in the NYC area, Fordham still does very well, with 25% of grads placing in biglaw jobs, and a median $160k starting salary upon graduation.

Say I don't get any scholarship $ form Fordham, and end up with debt of ~$200k ($46,500*3yrs + 20k/yr living). If median salary is $160k, couldn't I assume I would be able to pay back within 5 yrs?

Also, I agree that if I go to USD I'd have almost 0% chance at biglaw. BUT, if I want to practice in USD, what's wrong with going there? Don't most ppl make ties while in school?

[blurbz]

Oh god, so much to learn.

[xtian]

You may be able to squeeze some money from Fordham. Similar numbers have gotten 10k/year in the past. If so, I think that is the obvious choice. I'd say that it's also the top choice without any scholarship money, but most people on here don't think Fordham @ sticker is smart.

If I've already been accepted, and I wasn't offered a scholarship, how would I go about "squeezing $ out?"

[rad lulz]

Ok, so slightly confused... I was reading on this site, @ http://www.top-law-schools.com/new-york ... hools.html , that although ranked #4 in the NYC area, Fordham still does very well, with 25% of grads placing in biglaw jobs, and a median $160k starting salary upon graduation.

Like many many schools, the self-reported stats are BS. You have about a 25% shot at that 160k. If not 160, the chances are you make 50k-60k due to the bimodal salary distribution of first year salaries.

[rad lulz]

Also, I agree that if I go to USD I'd have almost 0% chance at biglaw. BUT, if I want to practice in USD, what's wrong with going there? Don't most ppl make ties while in school?

Read this

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=178938

[xtian]

Also, I agree that if I go to USD I'd have almost 0% chance at biglaw. BUT, if I want to practice in USD, what's wrong with going there? Don't most ppl make ties while in school?

Read this

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=178938

Yea, I have been. Basically, what most people on here would agree with, is that since none of my options are national schools, go with USD if I like the San Diego area and because I'll be paying only $6.5k/yr, right?

[rad lulz]

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[xtian]

For argument's sake, say I throw at USD. What would you say is my next best option, taking all factors into account, and not assuming anything about preferring any location over another?

[rad lulz]

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[071816]

What are the stips on these schollys by the way?

[rad lulz]

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[xtian]

I was also accepted into CU Boulder, where I would get in-state tuition @ $28,195, and I am currently waiting on a scholarship offer in the mail, which I feel confident that I will get some $.

No stips on any of the offers except for Pepperdine, where I'll have to finish in top 3rd of class each year to keep the $.

EDIT: So Boulder is another option, after evaluating everything, if I receive scholarship $ from CU.

[071816]

What are the stips on these schollys by the way?

Only stip is top third for Pep

RC fail on my part. Damn Loyola really eased up a lot on their stips from last year.

[dingbat]

If, as you say, you want to work in biglaw, Fordham is your best bet.
But, you've only got a 1 in 4 chance of getting it.

Based on your LSAT and GPA, you do not have any better chance than anyone else starting there.

So, do you want to risk a 75% chance of having crushing debt that you'll never manage to pay off?
If so, go for Fordham - it's a good school and places well in NYC.
But, again, only 25% get biglaw - and the school isn't exactly cheap.

Otherwise, take the money in San Diego - graduating law school with minimal debt is something you'll really appreciate 5 years from now.