Top Law Schools

First off, 170/3.9x.

So I know this is a bit early because not all of the scholarships have been announced, but right now I have $90,000 from Michigan. NYU has awarded $25,000, so I'm assuming Penn will be somewhat similar. Columbia, although I'm beyond thrilled about being accepted, probably has little reason to give me merit aid.

If Penn/NYU/Columbia, all at higher costs of living, end up being about that 25K, do I consider Mich? Ideally I want BigLaw for a while in NYC or Philly (potentially followed by government down the line), but I wouldn't be upset working in Chicago either.

Thoughts?

Michigan. Actually, fight for better scholarship money. You've got a shot at HYS, you should be getting close to a full-ride at a T14.

JJ123 wrote:Michigan. Actually, fight for better scholarship money. You've got a shot at HYS, you should be getting close to a full-ride at a T14.

I plan to, but I have pretty weak softs, so not that confident. Still waiting on money from Duke/Berkeley/Cornell(?) as well so maybe they'll surprise me.

But if this situation stays the same, out of curiosity what are your reasons for saying Michigan?

I disagree a full ride is likely from the T-14, but you should be able to get more than 90K somewhere, if you negotiate.

I think you can get more than 25K from Penn, and if you can, that's your best bet if you want NYC Biglaw. Your numbers are really in their sweet spot (high GPA, LSAT above median).

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$65,000 an COA difference and interest on loans is a ton of money. It's not just a drop in the bucket. Work on improving the offer from other schools. Otherwise, Michigan. 170 is a great score. It always makes sense to retake on the off chance that you kill it.

OP, could you say where you ended up going and any thoughts on the decision looking back? tia

Out of curiosity, did you apply to other lower T14 schools? You're above both Cornell medians, so you should get a ton of money from them and they've had noticeably better job placement in recent years than Michigan

NW and Cornell have better biglaw numbers than Michigan and should give you more $$$

Thread is a year old amigos

Clemenceau wrote:Thread is a year old amigos

Clemenceau wrote:Thread is a year old amigos

Goddammit