UCI ($$) or Cardozo Law ($) Forum

[Jiejiaxiang]

Im looking at these two schools while waiting on 2 others but doing some math Im looking at paying about 93K for Cardozo and about 139K(Ive accounted for moving in state and have factored it in)
The numbers I have are pretty much the COA with everything included including living there

60K Cardozo Tuition
96k Irvine Tuition

Is UCI's reputation and standing worth it?
All my financing will be from loans
Im originally from NYC but would not mind practicing in California

164/3.7

Taken the LSAT twice (probably not going to retake - am 25 and have a hard time justifying another year)

UPDATED!

[romothesavior]

Show us your math.

Also answer these questions.

[Jiejiaxiang]

Done

[Mick Haller]

Would not do either at those debts

[linquest]

"Is UCI's reputation and standing worth it?"

Reputation and standing after only 1 graduating class means little. Between the $59K difference, established alumni network, and your prior connections to NY, Cardozo is a no-brainer (and then only if you're absolutely certain you should go to law school at all). I would only take a gamble with UCI if you were committed to practicing in SoCal and the COA were significantly lower (basically a full-ride), neither of which apply to you.

[hephaestus]

Would not do either at those debts

[Meepo]

cardozo, u can' t beat NY location

[Ti Malice]

Im looking at these two schools while waiting on 2 others but doing some math Im looking at paying about 93K for Cardozo and about 139K(Ive accounted for moving in state and have factored it in)
The numbers I have are pretty much the COA with everything included

Too expensive for either school, in my opinion. But Fordham is the clear "less bad" choice here.

Is UCI's reputation and standing worth it?

UCI as yet has no "reputation and standing." They've graduated one tiny class, all of the members of which attended on full scholarships. The outcomes for their first class have no predictive value for outcomes in future years.

164/3.7

Taken the LSAT twice (probably not going to retake - am 25 and have a hard time justifying another year)

Twenty-five is not old. One more year is nothing if it radically changes the trajectory of your career, and no test you ever take will have a greater impact on your career possibilities than the LSAT.

[Dr. Dre]

Is UCI's reputation and standing worth it?
All my financing will be from loans
Im originally from NYC but would not mind practicing in California

[dissonance1848]

25 is not old at all. There are quite a few law school vets on these boards who were 30 and over as 1Ls. What really matters is the school you go to and how much.

As it stands, even with the numbers you are quoting for COA, these schools are not worth it.

You need to retake, it would be a crime to squander that GPA.

Retake, or don't go.

[romothesavior]

Would not do either at those debts

+1

And did you include interest?

[Myself]

.

[Dr. Dre]

UCI law will never be worth it

[Jiejiaxiang]

Yes actually I have added interest! but it seems that the overall advice is to not head to UC-I, although when speaking with some students they seem to all be in the same boatload in terms of debt.

[Cellar-door]

Retake, with that 3.7, you will open much much better opportunities if you can improve your LSAT.

[gitguy]

UCI law will never be worth it