Duke vs. Texas Forum

[Notmyrealname13]

Any thoughts as to this tough choice imo? Is austin really that cool? Is Durham cool at all? Is there really that big of a difference in how they are regarded?

Not trying to ruffle feathers but i have very little knowledge of either city.

[nebula666]

If you want to work in Texas, UT. If you want to work anywhere else, Duke. Not a hard decision.

Also, read the rules.

[rad lulz]

.

[Notmyrealname13]

Thanks. sorry.


-Duke, Texas, Vandy
-I'd be paying sticker.
-Loans
-From SC but doesn't matter to me much. Am open to anywhere besides New England.
-Big Law is not a must. Would like to make a fair amount of money but mostly desire to do interesting civil cases.
-transfer student but top 7% of my class

Mostly seems like a hard decision because people are so complimentary of Austin.

[rad lulz]

Thanks. sorry.


-Duke, Texas, Vandy
-I'd be paying sticker.
-Loans
-From SC but doesn't matter to me much. Am open to anywhere besides New England.
-Big Law is not a must. Would like to make a fair amount of money but mostly desire to do interesting civil cases.
-transfer student but top 7% of my class

Mostly seems like a hard decision because people are so complimentary of Austin.

The only one I'd even consider paying sticker at is Duke

And I probably wouldn't do Duke at sticker

Also if you pay sticker you're gonna want a big firm job dood

[jbagelboy]

Thanks. sorry.


-Duke, Texas, Vandy
-I'd be paying sticker.
-Loans
-From SC but doesn't matter to me much. Am open to anywhere besides New England.
-Big Law is not a must. Would like to make a fair amount of money but mostly desire to do interesting civil cases.
-transfer student but top 7% of my class

Mostly seems like a hard decision because people are so complimentary of Austin.

The only one I'd even consider paying sticker at is Duke

And I probably wouldn't do Duke at sticker

Also if you pay sticker you're gonna want a big firm job dood

As a transfer isnt OP just paying for 1 year (or at most 2 yrs) of sticker? We have to know OPs debt load from their current LS. Paying sticker at Duke for one year (~70K) with negligible outstanding debt is a good deal, although I cant speak to how transfers function at OCI. Even 2 yrs of sticker debt (~155 after interest) is defensible at Duke, just not 3 yrs.

[Notmyrealname13]

Even as a single early twenty-something you wouldn't consider paying sticker? Figure if I did well it would not be a problem landing a 160k+ job and paying back the 200k or so in a few years. Also, assuming I continue to do well in law school (and yes I realize the jump in degree of difficulty) ,I think those schools offer upperclassmen scholarships for the third year so maybe it wouldn't be sticker after 2L. Is that logic flawed?

[The Brainalist]

I'm not sure how this is even a question. I'm sure Austin is a great city, but it isn't heaven on earth. If it was, then every UT grad would have over six figure employment and under six figure debt. What the hell have people been telling you about Austin that make it worth the limited employment opportunities and leaving behind the advantage of being at least somewhat close to a market you have ties to with Duke? I seriously want to know...

[Notmyrealname13]

I'm not sure how this is even a question. I'm sure Austin is a great city, but it isn't heaven on earth. If it was, then every UT grad would have over six figure employment and under six figure debt. What the hell have people been telling you about Austin that make it worth the limited employment opportunities and leaving behind the advantage of being at least somewhat close to a market you have ties to with Duke? I seriously want to know...

They have mostly just been saying that money isn't the only reason to make a huge life decision and that Austin seems to be a great city full of young ambitious people doing amazing things. Since I know next to nothing about what life is like at Duke or in Durham, it seems like a fair consideration to me. Anyways thanks yall, I appreciate your advice.

[jbagelboy]

Even as a single early twenty-something you wouldn't consider paying sticker? Figure if I did well it would not be a problem landing a 160k+ job and paying back the 200k or so in a few years. Also, assuming I continue to do well in law school (and yes I realize the jump in degree of difficulty) ,I think those schools offer upperclassmen scholarships for the third year so maybe it wouldn't be sticker after 2L. Is that logic flawed?

What? What scholarships for 3Ls? I believe you heard wrong sir.

You dont seem particularly debt averse, and the idea of paying 200K over 10 yrs doesnt scare you, so sure go to Duke, just dont miss on market salary or you'll be hard pressed to pay off the debt.

[WokeUpInACar]

You got in to UT as a transfer without significant ties? That is almost unheard of AFAIK.

[Notmyrealname13]

thank you jbagel. I may very well be wrong. I'm gonna look into it more. I appreciate your level-headed and insightful advice. and yes I got in as a transfer with no significant ties. Or ties at all. Off to dinner. Peace and love future lawyers.

[The Brainalist]

[quote="Notmyrealname13"][ Austin seems to be a great city full of young ambitious people doing amazing things. quote]

What are these people doing that is so amazing? Are they doing those things to you?

Listen, you want to be the young person doing amazing things, so take care of yourself first and take your best shot at a career-launching job. Don't just live around cool young people - become one.

[shifty_eyed]

You got in to UT as a transfer without significant ties? That is almost unheard of AFAIK.

Class of 2015 was much smaller than expected. They are probably more willing to fill seats this year.

But anyway, OOS sticker at Texas with no ties when you have a Duke offer is ridiculous to consider seriously.

[mr.hands]

I assume you applied and were accepted to these places already? Both texas and Duke are extremely hard to transfer into (b/c youre OOS at UT and because Duke has a really small class)

Also, did you apply anywhere else? Just Duke, UT, and Vandy?? Are you waiting to hear back from other schools?

You need to decide where you want to work and what you want to do ASAP. OCI is right around the corner

While Austin is cool, I wouldn't pay sticker at either of these places. (There is zero shot at getting any scholarship for good grades at Duke or Texas. Neither school gives scholarships to 2Ls or 3Ls because of good grades.)