Top Law Schools

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My first thought is, how much have you tried to negotiate? You should be able to play Villanova and Temple off each other and ND and GW off each other (go to ND w GW's offer first, get more than 30K/year, then go back to GW, etc). Treat these offers like the first offer in a bargaining process. Schools desperately need bodies with decent numbers, and they will get even more desperate as it gets down to the wire.

I don't think you should actually go to ND if your aim is Philly although it is somewhat less regional than other T20-T30 schools. Maybe someone from ND can comment on the likelihood of getting Philly PI from ND. I kinda lean toward using Villanova's offer to get a full ride (or close to it) from Temple and then going to Temple because Temple will give you the opportunity to be in Philly during the school year, doing clinics and externships with Philly PI lawyers, making the contacts that will hopefully land you a job. GW and ND are not prestigious enough, IMO, to sacrifice the benefit of that proximity for. Beware, though, that PI hiring, depending on what you are aiming for, can be very prestige-oriented. What are your PI goals?

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...bump?

If you wanted BigLaw I'd say ND but given your aspirations I think Temple is the clear winner here. It's not in the class of "only go there for free" schools IMO. 70k is manageable.

nebula666 wrote:If you wanted BigLaw I'd say ND but given your aspirations I think Temple is the clear winner here. It's not in the class of "only go there for free" schools IMO. 70k is manageable.

+1

Temple with in-state tuition and as big a scholarship as you can get (half off is probably possible, right?) would probably be the best choice.

I'd suggest Temple.

Stips?

Temple is probably the best right now. Wouldn't pay more than 90K for ND/GW.

i think it comes down to preferences as most philly based lawyers ive talked to value temple and villanova fairly equal in terms of prestige....im sure TLS will argue otherwise

goldenboy514 wrote:i think it comes down to preferences as most philly based lawyers ive talked to value temple and villanova fairly equal in terms of prestige....im sure TLS will argue otherwise

As far as employment goes, they're more or less the same, though everyone I've asked seems to really believe that Temple give you a more hands-on, real-world approach than Villanova. Temple's alumni network is also more active and helpful than Villanova's, so it's really up to what you value and what you find important during your post-grad years.

goldenboy514 wrote:i think it comes down to preferences as most philly based lawyers ive talked to value temple and villanova fairly equal in terms of prestige....im sure TLS will argue otherwise

Just anecdotal, but I've heard almost all of the attorneys at the Philly DA's office are Temple alums.

SportsFan wrote:

goldenboy514 wrote:i think it comes down to preferences as most philly based lawyers ive talked to value temple and villanova fairly equal in terms of prestige....im sure TLS will argue otherwise

Just anecdotal, but I've heard almost all of the attorneys at the Philly DA's office are Temple alums.

It may appear to be a superficial, but the fact that Temple is located in the city (unlike Villanova) lends itself to students being able to do more externships (and part-time internships during 2L and 3L). Networking is key, and there is a general love for Temple in Philadelphia... the same is not necessary true for Villanova which isolates itself both on the basis of geography and demography.

The Temple vs. Villanova decision should come down to cost of attendance. Because it seems like Villanova is the cheaper option (given your full ride offer) you would be best served picking Nova over Temple.

As to ND/GW, I lack information sufficient to form an opinion on your decision between Nova for free and those schools at sticker.

Congrats on both acceptances. You may want to keep in mind the question of whether you'd be able to afford Villanova if you lost the scholarship, especially if you're doing PI. Best if luck with the decision.

Tag. Wish I had advice but I hope to be in your situation in a year! Good luck!

magp90 wrote:

SportsFan wrote:

goldenboy514 wrote:i think it comes down to preferences as most philly based lawyers ive talked to value temple and villanova fairly equal in terms of prestige....im sure TLS will argue otherwise

Just anecdotal, but I've heard almost all of the attorneys at the Philly DA's office are Temple alums.

It may appear to be a superficial, but the fact that Temple is located in the city (unlike Villanova) lends itself to students being able to do more externships (and part-time internships during 2L and 3L). Networking is key, and there is a general love for Temple in Philadelphia... the same is not necessary true for Villanova which isolates itself both on the basis of geography and demography.

I'd agree for undergrad, but law school? Not really sure this is true.

I'm biased because I'm at Temple now, but I would still choose it over Nova. Temple is known for its practical skill classes, and the location does mean you get more opportunities in the city.

manbearwig wrote:I'm biased because I'm at Temple now, but I would still choose it over Nova. Temple is known for its practical skill classes, and the location does mean you get more opportunities in the city.

+1

manbearwig wrote:The location does mean you get more opportunities in the city.

Any actual evidence of this? The difference between 10 minutes on the Broad St. line and 20 minutes on the R5 is not that great.

manbearwig wrote:I'm biased because I'm at Temple now, but I would still choose it over Nova. Temple is known for its practical skill classes, and the location does mean you get more opportunities in the city.

This is silly. Nova and Temple offer the same career opportunities. Do not, under any circumstances, pay sticker at Temple when you have a full ride at Nova.

Nelson wrote:

manbearwig wrote:The location does mean you get more opportunities in the city.

Any actual evidence of this? The difference between 10 minutes on the Broad St. line and 20 minutes on the R5 is not that great.

You'd be surprised. I work in the city and live in the suburbs, and that's more of a drag than you'd expect. Of course, it wouldn't stop someone who really wanted to do that commute. I'm just saying that it takes more of an effort, and Temple has strong connections. Anyone could do it if they wanted.

Got my answer. Loved Nova's ASD, looking like ill end up there after all. Thanks - good luck everyone!