Chicago vs. Michigan. vs. Virgina Forum

[frankthetank613]

I would appreciate some different perspectives on this decision. I've been admitted to Chicago (sticker), Michigan (30k) and UVA (75k). I'd like to stay in the Midwest and eventually work in Chicago or a secondary market like Indy or Cinncy. BigLaw is a goal. Michigan seems like the best fit for me, but I'm not sure if I can justify turning down Chicago or the cost relative to UVA's offer.

Any thoughts would be great!

[bernaldiaz]

The 30k at Michigan isn't nearly enough to turn down Chicago, IMHO. If you can negotiate their offer up to the level of the Virginia offer, then it might be a close call, but I'd still go Chicago.

[bk1]

Michigan is out, imo. UVA trumps it on cost and UChi trumps it on placement.

150k debt at UVA, 250k at UChi. I'd probably take UVA. UChi will give you a marked advantage for Chicago, but that 250k debt would be rough. It would be especially rough if you wanted to work in a secondary market where you won't be making 160k starting. I just don't see the extra 100k debt worth it.

[CanadianWolf]

Ask Michigan for more scholarship money based on your other offers.

[frankthetank613]

I let Michigan know about my other offers and unfortunately they declined to increase their award.

[duckmoney]

Ask Chicago for more money. Last year they gave me half of what Duke was offering. You may have to wait until some of the deadlines pass, though, before they move at all (I think they have April 1st and April 15th deadlines).

[Tom Joad]

I let Michigan know about my other offers and unfortunately they declined to increase their award.

Reason number 480 why Michigan sucks.

[09042014]

I would appreciate some different perspectives on this decision. I've been admitted to Chicago (sticker), Michigan (30k) and UVA (75k). I'd like to stay in the Midwest and eventually work in Chicago or a secondary market like Indy or Cinncy. BigLaw is a goal. Michigan seems like the best fit for me, but I'm not sure if I can justify turning down Chicago or the cost relative to UVA's offer.

Any thoughts would be great!

Are you from Chicago? I'd imagine at UVA you'd have to do a lot of mass mailing, instead of OCI to get the midwest from UVA. Also, if you aren't from Chicago, you might have a hard time.

This really sucks. How open are you to working in maybe NYC? If you aren't, you really need to take U of C.

[CanadianWolf]

Then visit all three before deciding because you have three great options. Congratulations !

[frankthetank613]

I would appreciate some different perspectives on this decision. I've been admitted to Chicago (sticker), Michigan (30k) and UVA (75k). I'd like to stay in the Midwest and eventually work in Chicago or a secondary market like Indy or Cinncy. BigLaw is a goal. Michigan seems like the best fit for me, but I'm not sure if I can justify turning down Chicago or the cost relative to UVA's offer.

Any thoughts would be great!

Are you from Chicago? I'd imagine at UVA you'd have to do a lot of mass mailing, instead of OCI to get the midwest from UVA. Also, if you aren't from Chicago, you might have a hard time.

This really sucks. How open are you to working in maybe NYC? If you aren't, you really need to take U of C.

I'm not from Chicago -- more like northern Indiana. Regarding NYC, it's not an absolute aversion to working there, but I do have a strong preference to stay in the midwest if able.

I feel like Chicago and Virginia each have substantial advantages and problems relating to location/job placement and cost. And Michigan is pretty average on both counts, relatively.

[Doorkeeper]

If biglaw and Chicago is your goal, I say go UChicago.

[09042014]

I would appreciate some different perspectives on this decision. I've been admitted to Chicago (sticker), Michigan (30k) and UVA (75k). I'd like to stay in the Midwest and eventually work in Chicago or a secondary market like Indy or Cinncy. BigLaw is a goal. Michigan seems like the best fit for me, but I'm not sure if I can justify turning down Chicago or the cost relative to UVA's offer.

Any thoughts would be great!

Are you from Chicago? I'd imagine at UVA you'd have to do a lot of mass mailing, instead of OCI to get the midwest from UVA. Also, if you aren't from Chicago, you might have a hard time.

This really sucks. How open are you to working in maybe NYC? If you aren't, you really need to take U of C.

I'm not from Chicago -- more like northern Indiana. Regarding NYC, it's not an absolute aversion to working there, but I do have a strong preference to stay in the midwest if able.

I feel like Chicago and Virginia each have substantial advantages and problems relating to location/job placement and cost. And Michigan is pretty average on both counts, relatively.

I think you can make a pretty good case at OCI that you want to be in Chicago. Northern Indiana is close enough.

How did you do at Northwestern? If you get in there, they might match UVA.

[frankthetank613]

I'm admitted at Northwestern, still waiting for FinAid.

Btw, thanks all for the help thus far.

[09042014]

I'm admitted at Northwestern, still waiting for FinAid.

Btw, thanks all for the help thus far.

Northwestern will be better than Michigan and UVA for Chicago law firms, and only slightly behind U of C. If you can get them to match UVA, I'd go there.

Also going to NW or U of C will help you create more ties to Chicago for OCI. "I came to Chicago to law school because I want to practice here."

[moneybagsphd]

If biglaw and Chicago is your goal, I say go UChicago.

[JasonR]

I'm admitted at Northwestern, still waiting for FinAid.

Btw, thanks all for the help thus far.

Use UVA's offer to get money at NW. NW with substantial money would be your best option.

[BarcaCrossesTheAlps]

Debt is scary, but I'd go with UChicago. Place you for the rest of your life if you're smart about it.

[buckilaw]

Well if you want to work in Chicago, Chicago seems like a good fit. If you want to pursue Mich try to get them to match UVA's aid. If they don't....UVA or Chicago.