Please help! Loyola Marymount vs. WUSTL ($) Forum

[jaket]

Hey everyone! First time user here. I'm in need of some advice really quickly, since I have to make a decision in the next few days. Any and all help would be appreciated.

I have to choose between two schools: Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles) and Washington University (St. Louis). These are the major factors that are making it tough to make a decision:

1. WUSTL has offered me a scholarship whereas LMU has not. After the three years, I would be in about half as much debt if I go to WUSTL instead of LMU.

2. I want to practice law on the West Coast, preferably in SoCal. I recognize that LMU has a strong alumni base there, specifically in LA, yet WUSTL has the stronger reputation (for example, U.S. News has WUSTL at 23, LMU at 51). I know that with the legal market the way it is, I can't afford to be picky, but I've lived in Missouri all my life and I know that working in the Midwest (WUSTL's typical region) is not my ideal.

So what do you all think the best choice would be? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Oh, and if you want any additional info, just ask!

[Nova]

GPA/LSAT? How much $ is your scholarship at WUSTL? Since you have lived in MO all your life, what makes you want the west coast?

Loyola at sticker is a no go. Perhaps they will be willing to negotiate since you have a better offer from a better school.

[top30man]

WUSTL is the way better choice. Though depending on how much money you got it may still be too expensive.

[jaket]

Thanks for the prompt replies, guys!

Nova: 3.55/162. I've traveled extensively to the West Coast (Seattle, LA, San Diego, etc.) and I am very confident that it fits the lifestyle I want (not fiscally, sure, but as far as culture and other factors, its a great fit).

The main thing I'm worried about is WUSTL's reputation (or maybe lack thereof?) on the West Coast, specifically Cali.

[mr.hands]

If reputation is a concern for you, then Loyola Marymount shouldn't even be in consideration. It is a terrible school. Period.

EDIT: According to LST, Loyola Marymount has more people graduating unemployed than as lawyers. You don't have a scholarship there. Do not go.

[Dreas]

I've traveled extensively to the West Coast (Seattle, LA, San Diego, etc.) and I am very confident that it fits the lifestyle I want (not fiscally, sure, but as far as culture and other factors, its a great.

Please, spare us.. we've got enough tourists out here. The last thing we need in Cali is more attorneys, law students, and "actors" (from out of state, at least).

No offense, really.

[Nova]

If reputation is a concern for you, then Loyola Marymount shouldn't even be in consideration. It is a terrible school. Period.

EDIT: According to LST, Loyola Marymount has more people graduating unemployed than as lawyers. You don't have a scholarship there. Do not go.

Loyola in general is not a good move, and is a really bad move at sticker. Sitting out, retaking, and snagging USC/UCLA or UC-D/I/H with $$ would be a million times better, and is within reach.

WUSTL is a great option for the greater midwest, and I assume if you do exceptionally well it can get you to the coasts. Of course, you shouldnt bank on doing exceptionally well.

Dreas, dont be such a cunt

[Dreas]

Can you honestly blame me? =)

[romothesavior]

WUSTL student here.

No way I would choose either one if your goal is California, especially if you are a lifelong Midwesterner. Loyola at sticker is a categorically terrible choice, and I would not go there unless I 1) was from the area AND 2) had a huge scholarship. You have neither going for you, so Loyola is out. Re: WUSTL, your odds of landing a decent job in California as a non-Cali native from WUSTL are essentially non-existent.

Why are you so anti-Midwest? Where in Missouri are you from? I'd say WUSTL would be a great choice if you were aiming for KC or STL and had significant ties to the area. Also, how big is your scholarship to WUSTL? Must be pretty small if you couldn't get money from Loyola.

As I see your options now, you should:

1) Retake. If you want to settle down out there, you need much, much better options for the state.
2) Gain an appreciation for STL/KC and the midwest generally, and go to WUSTL, assuming it isn't prohibitively expensive

[top30man]

Thanks for the prompt replies, guys!

Nova: 3.55/162. I've traveled extensively to the West Coast (Seattle, LA, San Diego, etc.) and I am very confident that it fits the lifestyle I want (not fiscally, sure, but as far as culture and other factors, its a great fit).

The main thing I'm worried about is WUSTL's reputation (or maybe lack thereof?) on the West Coast, specifically Cali.

How much money did you get? But what romo said. Either go for the Midwest or retake.

[sunynp]

Listen to romo.

Where else did you apply? What were your results?

[Nova]

what romo said.

Listen to romo.

+1

[joe20007]

If reputation is a concern for you, then Loyola Marymount shouldn't even be in consideration. It is a terrible school. Period.

EDIT: According to LST, Loyola Marymount has more people graduating unemployed than as lawyers. You don't have a scholarship there. Do not go.

How do you figure this?

[rad lulz]

--ImageRemoved--

[mr.hands]

If reputation is a concern for you, then Loyola Marymount shouldn't even be in consideration. It is a terrible school. Period.

EDIT: According to LST, Loyola Marymount has more people graduating unemployed than as lawyers. You don't have a scholarship there. Do not go.

How do you figure this?

--LinkRemoved--

Check out the Employment score vs unemployment score. Plus, 7.4% of those included in the employment score are employed by the school. Awful.

[romothesavior]

If reputation is a concern for you, then Loyola Marymount shouldn't even be in consideration. It is a terrible school. Period.

EDIT: According to LST, Loyola Marymount has more people graduating unemployed than as lawyers. You don't have a scholarship there. Do not go.

How do you figure this?

Law School Transparency. See the ABA data. This is true of a lot of schools and true of most California schools past USC.