Duke, Cornell, or Vandy? Forum

[yeahboiii]

Received merit aid offers 80k from Vandy, 60k from Cornell, 48k from Duke.
Total cost would be roughly:
170k Cornell
180k Duke
135k Vanderbilt

Just curious as to people's thoughts. From east coast, probably want to practice NYC.
Not retaking, def want to go next year.

[Rahviveh]

Make sure you negotiate

[drive4showLSAT4dough]

PM'd

[yeahboiii]

Make sure you negotiate

Would I have a chance? What incentive would Cornell have to match a lower ranked school if they're already giving me something, and same with Duke?

[mephistopheles]

Make sure you negotiate

Would I have a chance? What incentive would Cornell have to match a lower ranked school if they're already giving me something, and same with Duke?

it's likely they would, based on personal experience. you have to really sell your interest in each LOCI/negotiation letter, though.

[Brixton]

I'd say it never hurts to negotiate. Worst case scenario they say no to giving you more aid.

[BigZuck]

Duke and Cornell are peers and if you want NYC above all else I say go to the school that is closer and slightly cheaper. Cornell wins at these prices IMO but I think Duke is justifiable if you like it more/want better weather, etc. See if Duke will match Cornell at least.

[yeahboiii]

Thanks so much guys! I'm totally smitten with Vanderbilt (almost surprised everybody completely dismissed it) but not sure if I can swing it with NY job prospects. I do really like Cornell though, and hoping to get a feel for Duke over ASW.

[WhiskeynCoke]

Thanks so much guys! I'm totally smitten with Vanderbilt (almost surprised everybody completely dismissed it) but not sure if I can swing it with NY job prospects.

When you say you want NYC, is it safe to assume that you mean biglaw? If so, Cornell is definitely worth the $35k difference as it gives you a much better shot at that goal. If it was a $100k difference, maybe not.

[Big Dog]

I'm totally smitten with Vanderbilt..

Totally understand. They really roll out the red carpet treatment.

That being said, for NYC, Cornell is the no-brainer (unless you hate, hate Ithaca or have other reasons to choose Duke.)