Top Law Schools

I've been accepted to both of these schools (and am still waiting on Northeastern). UNH is offering me $25,000 a year on condition of maintaining a 3.2 (losing $5,000 a year for every tenth under that) while American hasn't given me any scholarship information yet. I may be able to negotiate a little higher on UNH, but it's still a tier 3 versus a tier 1 (even if it is at sticker, although I applied for need-based aid at American). I intend to work in government, but I'm not entirely sure about that yet. Any suggestions?

(If your answer is "neither" then please do not bother posting. Thank you.)

Method of Madness wrote:I've been accepted to both of these schools (and am still waiting on Northeastern). UNH is offering me $25,000 a year on condition of maintaining a 3.2 (losing $5,000 a year for every tenth under that) while American hasn't given me any scholarship information yet. I may be able to negotiate a little higher on UNH, but it's still a tier 3 versus a tier 1 (even if it is at sticker, although I applied for need-based aid at American). I intend to work in government, but I'm not entirely sure about that yet. Any suggestions?

(If your answer is "neither" then please do not bother posting. Thank you.)

If your heart is set on attending one of these schools, retake your LSAT and then go to whichever of the two will give you the most money.

UNH: http://www.lstscorereports.com/?school=franklinpierce

American: http://www.lstscorereports.com/?school=american

According to LST, UNH has better placement. Absolutely do not go to American without any money (which means that you probably shouldn't go there, since they don't give out very much money). UNH seems like it will be your best bet, depending on where you're from? Why are these the only two schools you'll consider right now? Northeastern isn't a very good option, either.

Last of all, don't come onto a forum asking for advice and preclude us from giving you the best advice we can. That sounds really retarded.

UNH: Probably about 5K higher than I would pay and the stip is abysmal. That's top 1/3 probably. It's a school where if you can't meet the stip, drop out.

American: Just no. No. No fucking way should you drop 50K/year on that school.

American's job prospects are terrible. Of those two, I would choose UNH but make sure you negotiate more money and easier stips.

Method of Madness wrote: (If your answer is "neither" then please do not bother posting. Thank you.)

And why is that? So you can continue to cover your ears and close your eyes to a comfortable degree? "Neither" is the absolute best advice that can be given you. ANY Tier 3 school, if you actually attend, should be at no cost to you and without stipulation. PERIOD. And even if a Tier 3 is free, you still have to ask yourself whether it is worth it to exhaust 3 years of your life doing mountains of tedious, turgid work for a JD that will probably not get you gainful legal employment and will close doors on other opportunities.

Going to American is a terrible decision. The DC market is hideously saturated and competitive. It's a haven for Ivy grads.

Your goal is to "work in government?" That's pretty vague, and not something you necessarily need a JD to do...

Flame? C'mon man, you have to know how people here are going to respond to these options.

The credited solution is, of course, to retake.

People aren't sure if t14 at sticker is worth it ITE, these schools are absolutely not worth it.

You should retake in June.

Forget rankings. Americans job placement is worse than many TTTs. (look at nmop's links)

You should find out what class rank you need to be 3.2 is at UNH so you know how likely it will be that you will lose your scholarship. You should also caluculate total cost of attendance (tuition + fees + cost of living) + undergrad debt.

Nova wrote:You should retake in June.

I don't know if I can wait another year, I'm already three years out of college.

Method of Madness wrote:

Nova wrote:You should retake in June.

I don't know if I can wait another year, I'm already three years out of college.

Holy shit!! You're right! You need to go now!! One more year and you'll be way to old!

Method of Madness wrote: (If your answer is "neither" then please do not bother posting. Thank you.)

Fascist.

<<----------

Method of Madness wrote:

Nova wrote:You should retake in June.

I don't know if I can wait another year, I'm already three years out of college.

Retaking in June could result in better offers this cycle.

Also, law school is a huge investment. Would you rather have a great career that lasts 39 years, or a shitty career that lasts 40?

Not saying either is a sure thing, but you can shift the odds in your favor by being prudent now. Old future you would probably thank young you for doing so.

Icculus wrote:

Method of Madness wrote:

Nova wrote:You should retake in June.

I don't know if I can wait another year, I'm already three years out of college.

Holy shit!! You're right! You need to go now!! One more year and you'll be way to old!

I am 26 and I feel too old. Unless you are going to be a politician (like me), there shouldn't be any rush to attend law school. Even then, a TTTT law degree wouldn't do much for your political career.

Method of Madness wrote:

Nova wrote:You should retake in June.

I don't know if I can wait another year, I'm already three years out of college.

Just out of curiosity, what do people who say "I can't wait another year, I'm already X years out of college" do during their years off? I'm two years out of college and these two years have been nothing but valuable experiences. In short, they've been awesome. Go explore different careers. Work different jobs. Go live with your friends. Date different people. Go travel. Enjoy life.

I'm two years out, and aiming for my third retake this June. If it's finally the score I am satisfied with, I'll disregard this current cycle, take another year off, and reapply next cycle.

Nova said it best. What's ONE more year? This is your career you're talking about.

Honestly? Substitute teaching and waiting for August.

Method of Madness wrote:Honestly? Substitute teaching and waiting for August.

Good. You should be signed up to retake in June. If all you're doing is subbing, you should have no problem finding time to study.

No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No.

Retake the LSAT and reapply next cycle.

For the love of all things holy.

You know what? I've been an asshole and I apologize. I'm gonna give it some thought but I think I'll end up retaking. I didn't study enough in October, I'm sure I can do much better on the June LSATs if I start prepping now, and after that I'll look for a job for the next year.

Good decision!

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 6&t=195603

My GPA's not that impressive, though. 3.36 from a state school with a Classics major. Will that be enough to keep me from the T14s even if I manage to get into the 170s on my retake?

Method of Madness wrote:My GPA's not that impressive, though. 3.36 from a state school with a Classics major. Will that be enough to keep me from the T14s even if I manage to get into the 170s on my retake?

Yes. You'll probably get multiple T14 offers.

You guys have been great. And Doorkeeper, love your avatar.

Gracias.

See how much easier things are when you're not a douche about things?

Yes. I'm really sorry about that, I guess I didn't want to be convinced not to start even if that was clearly my best move. Again, thanks people. Especially thanks for ignoring my unreasonable request.

Method of Madness wrote:Yes. I'm really sorry about that, I guess I didn't want to be convinced not to start even if that was clearly my best move. Again, thanks people. Especially thanks for ignoring my unreasonable request.

You're welcome. Hit the books hard. You can take June and then take again in October. There is a ton of incentive in doing so. Good luck!

If only all of these threads ended like this...