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I've debated this endlessly and thought I'd see what everyone on here has to say. I'm from Chicago, undergrad in LA. Family in Chicago and LA. Friends in Seattle and st louis. Have experience with nonprofits working with immigrants and refugees. I plan on doing public interest work relating to immigration. Or anything I could get abroad as well. Offered 32K a year at Loyola plus guaranteed summer employment for 2 years in public interest. Wash U 10K a year. UW nothing, but told me I could reapply next year for scholly. Love LA but cost of living is ridiculous and I would need to buy a car. I also love Seattle but not sure it's worth 180 in debt, especially going into PI. Also considering a joint degree in social work, which UW and wash u offer but have heard mixed results on how useful that actually is.

What's the COA at WUSTL? Are you okay with practicing in the Midwest?

UW at 180k is a terrible choice.

Off the top of my head I think COA at WUSTL is 43K. I would love to practice in Chicago, anywhere else in the Midwest no...

Is retake not an option?

I could retake in June, but I'm pretty set on starting this Fall. I'm also not even sure I could score better. I studied for months, and only once did I ever score higher (by one point) on a practice test than I did on the real thing. Standardized tests are not my thing... I also got into WUSTL off the wait list and I was surprised they gave me money. If I scored better in June is there a chance they would up my scholarship or is it likely it would just stay the same?

Loyola LA or retake. Do they have an lrap?

If OP doesn't want the Mid West, then he shouldn't go Wash U.

Loyola or retake.

seattle is a horrible city. stay away.

Loyola Marymount appears to be your best option from among the three based on total COA & your career goal of PI.

Chicago is not guranteed from WashU, plus at 43k per year it's no bargain.

UW is out of the picture.

Loyola LA is not really worth paying.

Retake and reapply the only good answer here.

Loyola's scholarship offer ($96,000) is significant especially in light of the guaranteed employment for two summers in your chosen field. If this is paid employment, then Loyola looks even more attractive based on OP's geographic & career goals.