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Michigan ($187K debt) UT Austin ($117K debt)

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 9:52 pm
by PunkedbyReality
Goals: I want to do BigLaw for a few years after graduating (primarily to pay off the debt) or I would like to try for DC. As for BIgLaw, I could practice in Texas, but I am also interested in practicing where it will represent the best start for my career (NY, maybe Chicago) if that makes sense. The school I go to will help me decide where to practice and if I will pursue BigLaw initially or something more public-service oriented.

Relevant data:

Michigan (scholarship of $22,500 per year)
Michigan Total Cost of Attendance less help: $187,000 in debt
Probability of getting BigLaw: ~$43%

Texas (financial assistance of $18,000 per year; in-state tuition)
Texas Total Cost of Attendance less help: $117,000 in debt
Probability of getting BigLaw: ~25-26%

Where would you go?

Re: Michigan ($187K debt) UT Austin ($117K debt)

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:01 pm
by y2zipper
Michigan is worth the money, comparatively speaking. Without numbers I can't tell you to retake, even though I should.

Re: Michigan ($187K debt) UT Austin ($117K debt)

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:02 pm
by PunkedbyReality
y2zipper wrote:Michigan is worth the money, comparatively speaking. Without numbers I can't tell you to retake, even though I should.

I have already taken it three times and am now in China. Average test scores were mid 170s, real thing was a sad dose of reality.

Re: Michigan ($187K debt) UT Austin ($117K debt)

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:13 pm
by BigZuck
What are your ties to Texas?

Michigan is not worth it if you wanted Texas big law (which you did not say that you did), I also don't really know if its worth it at all at that price to be honest.

Re: Michigan ($187K debt) UT Austin ($117K debt)

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:27 pm
by Doorkeeper
If you want TX more than other locations for biglaw, then Michigan isn't worth an extra $70k over Texas.

But, if you want to start out in NYC or DC and keep your options open, then Michigan is definitely worth the money.

Re: Michigan ($187K debt) UT Austin ($117K debt)

Posted: Tue Apr 30, 2013 10:34 pm
by PunkedbyReality
BigZuck wrote:What are your ties to Texas?

Michigan is not worth it if you wanted Texas big law (which you did not say that you did), I also don't really know if its worth it at all at that price to be honest.
I grew up right outside of Austin, but I have no ties which could land me a job or really even point me in the right direction.

I'm not sure that I want Texas big law. I just want big law somewhere so that I can pay off the debt as quickly as possible.