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I just received my financial aid package from Chicago and, well... I didn't receive any financial aid. I am very much debt averse and the hefty price tag gives me serious pause.

I am first year teacher in NYC straight out of undergrad and will manage to scrape away 20k in disposable income by summers end. If I stay another year teaching (defer), I am looking at an additional 30k saved. I am slated to receive a masters degree in Jan 2014 and will be 23 at the time of matriculation (if I defer).

Gut feeling tells me to stay. Opportunity costs (factoring in future employment in BIGLAW--my goal) suggests that I should make the jump.

Though I 'enjoy' teaching, I'm looking to get on with my life in a new city.

I am looking for outside commentary to hone my thinking. Your thoughts...?

This was posted in the NYU thread bu its for UChi

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub ... rQ3c&gid=1


Definitely scary but I'd go for it. Depends on what situation your giving up.

Thanks for the link!

Is reapplying really a viable option in my circumstance?

I wouldn't pay sticker anywhere outside of HYS. It's just too expensive relative to your likely salary and career path. I say defer and save up some money so you can at least cover COL.

Any seconds on this encouragement?

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P-salms wrote:Any seconds on this encouragement?

Do you have scholarship offers anywhere else? Chicago may be willing to negotiate, especially if you hold out until near the deadline.

Chi I would consider attending at sticker. You're young. Why not defer? You're smart to save, and you seem wise to it. Also, you can mentally prepare yourself for 1L, since you know you'll be going. It seems that there is a lot to be gained in studying up on 1L.

Do schools offer scholarships if you defer? I am currently admitted to NU but haven't received any scholly info. I am considering the June LSAT to improve my score. If I defer and get a higher score, will I be considered for schollys?

badaboom61 wrote:

P-salms wrote:Any seconds on this encouragement?

Do you have scholarship offers anywhere else? Chicago may be willing to negotiate, especially if you hold out until near the deadline.

Thanks for the input, guys.

I have generous scholarship offers (60-100k range) from schools in the T20. I doubt those would factor into a Chicago negotiation, right?

I am on a few waitlists in the T14 and I haven't heard from NYU, penn, and Columbia. With a favorable outcome from the 3 schools mentioned, I'll have a more complete picture... Hopefully.

P-salms wrote:

badaboom61 wrote:

P-salms wrote:Any seconds on this encouragement?

Do you have scholarship offers anywhere else? Chicago may be willing to negotiate, especially if you hold out until near the deadline.

Thanks for the input, guys.

I have generous scholarship offers (60-100k range) from schools in the T20. I doubt those would factor into a Chicago negotiation, right?

I am on a few waitlists in the T14 and I haven't heard from NYU, penn, and Columbia. With a favorable outcome from the 3 schools mentioned, I'll have a more complete picture... Hopefully.

It's worth a try. You should be able to get a little money. Speak to your concerns about debt and cost of living. The worst thing they could do is say "no money". They won't rescind your admission offer.

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walkingpanda wrote:Do schools offer scholarships if you defer? I am currently admitted to NU but haven't received any scholly info. I am considering the June LSAT to improve my score. If I defer and get a higher score, will I be considered for schollys?

Anyone with knowledge regarding this?

Also a bit surprised by the results overwhelming in favor of going at sticker price. Really do appreciate the input.

Honestly, 23 isn't so bad to matriculate, dude. You're still young and you get to go in with ~$50,000 instead of ~$20,000. That's pretty good. It immediately makes sticker slightly more manageable because you're not dealing with those loans compounding at 7.8%. Beyond that, your job will be easier since you know it's going to end and you have time to think about LS or other careers.

P-salms wrote:

walkingpanda wrote:Do schools offer scholarships if you defer? I am currently admitted to NU but haven't received any scholly info. I am considering the June LSAT to improve my score. If I defer and get a higher score, will I be considered for schollys?

Anyone with knowledge regarding this?

Also a bit surprised by the results overwhelming in favor of going at sticker price. Really do appreciate the input.

I'm also interested in answers to this question.

P-salms wrote:

walkingpanda wrote:Do schools offer scholarships if you defer? I am currently admitted to NU but haven't received any scholly info. I am considering the June LSAT to improve my score. If I defer and get a higher score, will I be considered for schollys?

Anyone with knowledge regarding this?

Also a bit surprised by the results overwhelming in favor of going at sticker price. Really do appreciate the input.

I know NU offers some people schollys to defer

Would a June LSAT retake factor into merit based scholarship consideration for admitted students (assuming a higher score)?

P-salms wrote:Would a June LSAT retake factor into merit based scholarship consideration for admitted students (assuming a higher score)?

Possibly, although a) they would need to have money left in the pot and b) you would need to convince them that you weren't entirely committed, which may be difficult at that point. If you're entirely committed, why would they offer you more money?

badaboom61 wrote:

P-salms wrote:Would a June LSAT retake factor into merit based scholarship consideration for admitted students (assuming a higher score)?

Possibly, although a) they would need to have money left in the pot and b) you would need to convince them that you weren't entirely committed, which may be difficult at that point. If you're entirely committed, why would they offer you more money?

In order to avoid total derailment of this thread, I direct those further interested in this to post questions and answers here: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 2&t=206171

deleted

Would a generous scholarship offer from a T-20 school be in play in negotiations w/ Chicago?

Held at Columbia today.

whereskyle wrote:Chi I would consider attending at sticker. You're young. Why not defer? You're smart to save, and you seem wise to it. Also, you can mentally prepare yourself for 1L, since you know you'll be going. It seems that there is a lot to be gained in studying up on 1L.

Don't hesitate to retake the LSAT and reapply early next year (what are your stats?), because (1) you're young (2) you like you current job (3) you can save (4) you might get better options/money by reapplying. But let's be clear: "studying up" on 1L is fruitless. You can try to defer at UChi but usually schools will require that you don't apply to other schools in the intervening year. Why not retake in June and, if your score improves, withdraw from UChi and reapply in the fall?