Prestige or Cost? HELP
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2012 10:42 pm
Two of CCN at sticker. I've received a half tuition scholarship at one of MVP and I've received money from Texas that would make it the most affordable option and I'd like to negotiate for more. I love all of the schools that have accepted me.
Considerations:
-I want to practice civil rights/public interest law (ideally ACLU-type organizations or perhaps government). I expect to make very little money doing this, so I am somewhat debt averse because I know I will not be making the kind of salary that could help me pay back loans quickly.
-I would really, really like to clerk for a federal appellate judge; in my dreams, I would love a Bristow Fellowship too. I plan to work my ass off in law school but I recognize how difficult these particular goals are to achieve.
-I'm from Texas and I adore Austin. If I went to Texas I would be close to family and friends and I know I'd be happy and my life might be a bit simpler.
-I would love to practice in Texas, but I do not want to be restricted to Texas- I think DC is eventually where I want to be.
I feel lost and torn - I have never dealt with debt because I am very young and it's hard for me to fathom how burdensome debt could be on my life. I also want to make the decisions that will best serve my career goals and I know the reputation of one's law school really has an impact. I think choosing a more prestigious school may open more doors for me.
What do you think? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Considerations:
-I want to practice civil rights/public interest law (ideally ACLU-type organizations or perhaps government). I expect to make very little money doing this, so I am somewhat debt averse because I know I will not be making the kind of salary that could help me pay back loans quickly.
-I would really, really like to clerk for a federal appellate judge; in my dreams, I would love a Bristow Fellowship too. I plan to work my ass off in law school but I recognize how difficult these particular goals are to achieve.
-I'm from Texas and I adore Austin. If I went to Texas I would be close to family and friends and I know I'd be happy and my life might be a bit simpler.
-I would love to practice in Texas, but I do not want to be restricted to Texas- I think DC is eventually where I want to be.
I feel lost and torn - I have never dealt with debt because I am very young and it's hard for me to fathom how burdensome debt could be on my life. I also want to make the decisions that will best serve my career goals and I know the reputation of one's law school really has an impact. I think choosing a more prestigious school may open more doors for me.
What do you think? Any advice is greatly appreciated.