Cornell vs Berkeley Forum

[iMisto]

At the moment, both are at sticker (though I will try to negotiate with Cornell now).

My family is up and down the west coast, and primarily in Phoenix. My partner works in Phoenix, but we had planned on moving and working in NYC after I finished at Cornell. I would NOT be opposed to working in SF, but would probably prefer NYC over LA.

I really didn't see this coming, so I have no idea what to do. Currently have an apartment in Ithaca - lease starts in August. I could probably get somebody to take my lease, no?

Ack! Thoughts? Advice? Help me.

[Lavitz]

Was anticipating this when I saw the Berkeley WL activity.

Voting Cornell just because.


And also because you said you'd probably prefer NYC to LA.

[jbagelboy]

I would go to Berkeley for my goals, but if you want to work in NYC after graduation, then Cornell is a better choice. Honestly I'm conflicted about advising anyone to attend Cornell at sticker. but it sounds like you were willing to do that anyway.

[comeonletsgo]

Congrats on getting into Berkeley! If Cornell doesn't give you a scholarship based on Berkeley's offer of admission, I would look at employment stats and COA. I figure living in Berkeley will be more expensive than Ithaca, but Cornell's tuition is outta control so who knows. Keep us updated!

[iMisto]

Who is voting for Berkeley and why??

[BigZuck]

I wouldn't do either at sticker so insert obligatory "retake" comment. But yeah, this is a toss up, I would choose based on geographical preference and school preference. To me, that sounds like Cornell so I vote Cornell.

[ManoftheHour]

Cornell.

Dat Ivy League preftige.

[Lavitz]

Congrats on getting into Berkeley! If Cornell doesn't give you a scholarship based on Berkeley's offer of admission, I would look at employment stats and COA. I figure living in Berkeley will be more expensive than Ithaca, but Cornell's tuition is outta control so who knows. Keep us updated!

I couldn't find Berkeley's budget for this year, but last year it was $76,862.50 for non-residents. Cornell's is $77,106 this year. I think total COA will be a wash, but I would also hope that Cornell can afford to dish out some last-minute aid considering all the people who turned down scholarships late in the cycle.


When you say you wouldn't be opposed to SF, what does that mean? NYC=SF>LA or NYC>SF>LA? And how undesirable is LA?

I have no idea how Berkeley places w/r/t SF vs. LA.

I wouldn't do either at sticker so insert obligatory "retake" comment.

Knew this was coming.

Cornell.

Dat Ivy League preftige.

+1

[Legen..waitforit]

Congrats on your choices! Employment wise, both are peer-ish (Overall, Berkeley has a tad bit more legal prestige I think) and assuming you do "well" in school, you could get NYC from both (suppy and demand says you would get more NYC bids at Berkeley as most B kids are going for inner-state jobs?).

Still, I voted Berkeley. I weigh quality of life heavily when deciding between peer schools, and Berkeley wins in this respect. I am VERY opposed to Cornell's graded writing class, competitive student body, super small student body (everyone knows each other's bizness/high school all over again) and living in freezer-conditions for three years. Berkeley isn't perfect-- I'm not a huge fan of their HH/H/P/F system---but I'd rather spend a quarter of a mil at Berk than Cornell.

I'm also a 0L and don't know a whole lot about either school other than what I've researched and experienced during my visits.

[Jaqen]

Who is voting for Berkeley and why??

It's a toss-up, but people are probably giving B the slight edge due to ranking.

I say Cornell. Effectively equal COA and placement rates. You already have an apartment in Ithaca. You want NYC. I remember from the Cornell thread that you love the school and area. Lavitz is there.

[Big Dog]

fwiw:

you can easily get instate tuition at Cal after the first year. (But that only reduces the cost a few $thou.)

[iMisto]

I'd say I'm NYC>SF>>LA.

After living in CT for the past 2 years, the east coast has definitely left a bad taste in my mouth. The ONLY place I'd be willing to live/work would be NYC. I'm a west coaster through n through.

From what I've heard, I think my quality of life would be much better at Berkeley (I like to run and be outside, etc.). I also think the lack of a grading system would allow me to relax (a tiny bit). However, if I chose Berkeley, I'd have to have a roommate (don't like that idea so much).

I have absolutely no ties to any major legal markets, so my school/performance need to do some leg work.

Lastly, I have signed a lease in Ithaca. I'm not sure what it takes to break one, or find some sort of different arrangement.

[Lavitz]

Lastly, I have signed a lease in Ithaca. I'm not sure what it takes to break one, or find some sort of different arrangement.

I think you just have to find a replacement.

[iMisto]

Lastly, I have signed a lease in Ithaca. I'm not sure what it takes to break one, or find some sort of different arrangement.

I think you just have to find a replacement.

Or pay out the whole thing?? *gulp*

[Lincoln]

Email Cornell and negotiate, stat.

[iMisto]

Email Cornell and negotiate, stat.

Done.

[HBBJohnStamos]

Who is voting for Berkeley and why??

It's a toss-up, but people are probably giving B the slight edge due to ranking.

This. Most people that vote in these polls are usually (I suspect) uninformed 0Ls.

[Lincoln]

I'm going to the alumi reunion dinner tomorrow. I'll tell them all to shell out for some scholarship $$$ for you, iMisto.

FWIW, I think it's basically a toss-up at sticker. As much as I love Cornell and couldn't have asked for a better outcome from here, I miss NorCal.

[Tekrul]

Lastly, I have signed a lease in Ithaca. I'm not sure what it takes to break one, or find some sort of different arrangement.

I think you just have to find a replacement.

Or pay out the whole thing?? *gulp*

Idk about Ithaca, but if it's anything like NYC, you will have to pay a penalty of 1-2 months rent to pull out of a lease after it's been signed by both parties even if you find someone to take it from you. If your lease doesn't say that you can't sublet the unit, then you can have someone "take over your lease" by keeping the lease you have and having him pay to you while you pay to the landlord and you'll avoid the penalty. Of course I'd have your subletter sign something.

[worldtraveler]

If you want west coast, Berkeley is a much better option.

[iMisto]

I want biglaw at the end of the day. Does this change anything?

Can some kind soul pretty please make a pros list for each option?

Ty!

[Lavitz]

I want biglaw at the end of the day. Does this change anything?

Can some kind soul pretty please make a pros list for each option?

Ty!

Not really. I think they place about the same in biglaw--just in different regions.

Cornell Pros
Known factor (you've visited)
You have a lease for a nice studio for a good price.
Good NYC biglaw placement. Consistent with your current plan to move to NYC with your partner after graduation.
Ivy prestige.
LGBT Clinic.
Law and Public Policy Journal.
Gorges.
Lavitz.


Berkeley Pros
Weather.
You've expressed a preference for their grading policy.
Good Cali placement. Possible to get NYC as well.
West coast prestige.
Proximity to family.
Gender, Law & Justice Journal.
Hippies.
Twinkletoes.

[BigZuck]

I want biglaw at the end of the day. Does this change anything?

Can some kind soul pretty please make a pros list for each option?

Ty!

Not really. I think they place about the same in biglaw--just in different regions.

Cornell Pros
Known factor (you've visited)
You have a lease for a nice studio for a good price.
Good NYC biglaw placement. Consistent with your current plan to move to NYC with your partner after graduation.
Ivy prestige.
LGBT Clinic.
Law and Public Policy Journal.
Gorges.
Lavitz.


Berkeley Pros
Weather.
You've expressed a preference for their grading policy.
Good Cali placement. Possible to get NYC as well.
West coast prestige.
Proximity to family.
Gender, Law & Justice Journal.
Hippies.
Twinkletoes.

I love them both but Twinkle and iMisto together would just be too much.

[iMisto]

I want biglaw at the end of the day. Does this change anything?

Can some kind soul pretty please make a pros list for each option?

Ty!

Not really. I think they place about the same in biglaw--just in different regions.

Cornell Pros
Known factor (you've visited)
You have a lease for a nice studio for a good price.
Good NYC biglaw placement. Consistent with your current plan to move to NYC with your partner after graduation.
Ivy prestige.
LGBT Clinic.
Law and Public Policy Journal.
Gorges.
Lavitz.


Berkeley Pros
Weather.
You've expressed a preference for their grading policy.
Good Cali placement. Possible to get NYC as well.
West coast prestige.
Proximity to family.
Gender, Law & Justice Journal.
Hippies.
Twinkletoes.

This is what really matters!!

[sinfiery]

It really comes down to location, do you want to live/work in NYC or Cali for the next 7ish years?