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I received 20K/year at Vandy and Cornell is currently sticker. My COL will be covered by my significant other so it is just tuition for both schools. I have zero ties to the south so I am concerned it would be hard to get BigLaw even with a Vanderbilt degree. I want to end up in a smaller market like Nashville, Charlotte, etc. I wouldn't mind coming back to NY if it was the only way to get a job. To be fair, I haven't heard about money from Cornell but I am not expecting anything.

Vandy- 81K
Cornell- 170K

Thoughts?

What are your numbers? If you had ties to the South, then Vandy would be a reasonable option, but you do not. As for Cornell, 170k is quite a bit. However, if you are prepared to gun for NYC biglaw, hold on as long as you can, and then move on with the CV, that could make sense.

Right now, leaning towards Cornell, although I still think you should retake, if possible, and shoot for higher schools, preferably CLS, Chicago, NYU and Penn, for NYC biglaw.

If you're not tied to the South, I would try to get Cornell to give you some money because of their higher biglaw stats. Try to use the Vandy scholarship (or any other acceptance with scholarship in the T10-18 range) to bargain with Cornell to give you some $$. You have some time, so I would imagine you might hear from some other places before you have to make the decision.

Cornell 105K scholarship= 72K COA

Vanderbilt 60K scholarship= 85K COA


I live within 3 hours of Cornell so the move and other logistics are much easier. Hard part is I was really impressed by Vanderbilt during my visit. Am I silly to turn down Cornell. I THINK I want BigLaw, but I am hoping less debt gives me options in case I change my mind. Thoughts?

Cornell, not even a question.

If you want Vandy for some reason that I cannot think of, shop Cornell to Vandy and demand a full ride + maybe even a stip

DEFINITELY Cornell, especially since your COL is being covered. Cornell will give you dat mobility.