UVA (sticker) vs. Vandy ($$) Forum

[leche]

I sort of posted this in another forum earlier and was being vague about the schools, so take 2:

I was offered $20k/year at Vandy with no GPA requirements. Tried negotiating a scholarship from UVA but after two weeks I have yet to hear back (and am not very hopeful). I loved loved loved Vandy - it has been my top choice since about halfway through the application process, but I also didn't think I had a shot at a top 10 school. UVA was more "Eh, I guess I could handle this for three years."

My dream job is in PI work, environmental law specifically, but I am realistic enough to keep my options open. However, UVA has an amazing LRAP.

Not sure where I want to end up - DC maybe. My family lives in Ohio, where I definitely do not want to live, but I'd like to at least be on this side of the country. I already have a few ties in Pittsburgh (Vandy alumni actually) who have been an incredible help through this process, one of whom is most likely going to hire me for a summer internship as a 0L.

Thoughts?

[#1gunna]

FYI, the former EPA Chief of Staff teaches Environmental Law at Vandy. UVA's placement is better in DC, but that's a solid offer from Vandy.

[woeisme]

Your blah reaction to UVA was after visiting?

If so, I'd go Vandy. Sounds like that's where you want to be. It's justifiable.

[leche]

Your blah reaction to UVA was after visiting?

If so, I'd go Vandy.

Yes, I visited both. I was dead set on Vandy after visiting, but I got home and my law friends essentially told me I was dumb for turning down a top 10 school.

[CanadianWolf]

Vanderbilt since it costs less & you like it more.

[woeisme]

Your blah reaction to UVA was after visiting?

If so, I'd go Vandy.

Yes, I visited both. I was dead set on Vandy after visiting, but I got home and my law friends essentially told me I was dumb for turning down a top 10 school.

I mean, top 10 is a meaningless and arbitrary cutoff. I think it depends on schools in question. Vandy with money over UVA is justifiable. Especially given your very clear preference

[American_in_China]

Vandy.

[pinkcamellia]

If you check out the ABA's data on Vandy's Class of 2011 http://placementsummary.abaquestionnaire.org/home.aspx, DC was the third most common area Vandy grads worked in (after Tennessee and New York).

I'd take Vandy with $ in this case, since you feel it's the right place for you to succeed, May as well enjoy your three years.

[quiver]

How much total debt at each? I understand why everyone is saying Vandy, and that's definitely a good choice, but depending on the debt difference that UVA LRAP could be a huge factor. Although there is IBR + PSLF anyway. Tough call.

[rad lulz]

Neither choice is really bad, but I think UVA has the better LRAP. With $100k+ debt from both, you're going to be relying on LRAP + PSLF to pay this off, because your PI salary will barely hit the principal, if at all (I'm assuming you're PI committed). Depends how much you like Vanderbilt I guess.

[enzo66]

FYI, the former EPA Chief of Staff teaches Environmental Law at Vandy. UVA's placement is better in DC, but that's a solid offer from Vandy.

A former EPA general counsel teaches environmental law at UVA.