Top Law Schools

USC - 120k
Vanderbilt - 75k
Georgetown
Cornell - 37.5k
Duke - 54k

I haven't heard from the second two about scholarships yet, but with my numbers (3.75/167) I don't think that any money is likely. Negotiating some scholarship $$ is a possibility, though. I'm from DC, so COL at Gtown is a little lower since I could live at home if I wanted and my family would help me out with food, etc. Other than that, financing this educational venture is all on me. I know the big question is where I want to eventually end up working, but honestly I don't know at this point. I expect I could be happy just about anywhere in the country.

UPDATE: Have been accepted at Cornell and Duke, and have received a few more scholarship offers. Added above.
UPDATE 2: Scholarship from Cornell

You'll probably get $ from Vandy at least, so wait for that

With what you have now, I would take USC and not look back whether you want big law or PI/gov. But do wait for your other offers and use them to negotiate bigger scholarships. Then, as a general principle, go with the cheapest one. These schools are basically peers although USC and Vandy are pretty regional so if you want to work in CA or the South, that might be a consideration. But if you're getting USC for 80K-100K (or less after negotiation), I wouldn't go to Vandy for much more than that. I would plan to live in CA rather than the South with USC, though.

You could also consider retaking. Your GPA won't hold you out of many schools, and with a few more points, you could be looking at scholarships to better T14 schools (while GT is technically T14, it is really more of a peer with USC/Vandy/UT/UCLA in terms of placement). NU or Duke at a discount are pretty good deals. With a 175+ score, you'd even have an outside shot at Harvard. With a 172, you'd probably get two or three of CCN.

Updated to include new and exciting (and surprising) developments. Thanks for your help!

I'd kill for 120 at USC. It's pretty much the entire goal of my June retake.

you are from the east coast and want USC? I don't know...that would pretty much limit you to SoCal. If you miss top 1/3 you will be out of Big Law and might not like what you get.

I'd take the 54k at Duke. You could even get back to D.C. if you wanted.

I think you should retake and get more money from the T-14.

Have you negotiated with any of these schools?

Since you're undecided on location, Duke gives you more options. Since you're from DC and would have some of you COL covered, Georgetown would be a good option if you can get them to offer you money. Not so sure about USC unless you want LA.

Duke is the best option if things stay the same.

Rev. Cherrycoke wrote:Have you negotiated with any of these schools?

Since you're undecided on location, Duke gives you more options. Since you're from DC and would have some of you COL covered, Georgetown would be a good option if you can get them to offer you money. Not so sure about USC unless you want LA.

Duke is the best option if things stay the same.

Yeah, I tried to get Vanderbilt to match USC's offer but they wouldn't do it. I'll contact Georgetown and see if they have any wiggle room, thanks for the advice!

OP, what is your preferred area to practice? you must have some idea. i would take duke or usc. i think vandy is neither here nor there in terms of limiting debt or offering great employment placement.

I'd go Duke, especially since you aren't from Cali.

sinfiery wrote:I'd go Duke, especially since you aren't from Cali.

+1 on duke, congrats on the scholarship thats cray cray money with 167

I would definitely take Duke with 54k.

I would take Duke right now. Tbh that scholarship is more than I'd expect for your numbers (I guess they're trying to hold their GPA steady). Turning down Duke would be looking a gift horse in the mouth, but it's worth trying to get money out of GULC since you're from there, although IMO Duke is by far the superior school.

Duke is probably the safest bet.