Top Law Schools

money is a big factor since most public interest jobs don't pay very well but jobs are still competitive. I'd live in chicago or stl after I graduate- I DO NOT want to practice in NOLA.

Northeastern: $35,000/year + $2,000 co-op stipend
Tulane: $32,500/year
Loyola Chicago: $32,000/year
Chicago Kent: 30,000/year
Saint Louis University: $30,000/year
Stetson University: Full tuition

Which offer should I take (considering both public interest programs, money, and recognition of school?)

LSAT? GPA? What do you mean when you say "public interest"? Like DA/PD?

162/3.9

either DA/PD or working for nonprofits that provide legal services to the underserved (like legal aid)

Gotcha.

I think far and away your best bet is to sit out a year and retake. Your GPA is awesome. A higher LSAT would get you into T14 schools with LRAPs for those in public service, or stronger regionals like BU/BC for free. Don't go this year.

If you want Boston, retake the LSAT in June and ED to BU for the full ride.
If you want Chicago, play Kent and Loyola against each other and go to whichever school offers you the most money/is the cheaper of the two. In a tie, would probably swing to Loyola.
If you want STL, would probably retake and try for WUSTL. STU is not bad, but don't go for less than a full ride.
Don't do Tulane if you don't want NOLA.
Stetson for free is your best (current) option, but you didn't list Tampa as one of your wanted destinations.

I'm assuming you're gunning for DA/PD, then?

edit> A 3.9? Sweet Jesus, retake the LSAT.

You have got to retake the LSAT. You can get into some amazing schools for free that will set you up for the PI job of your dreams.

I appreciate the advice and I know the general TLS advice is to retake with my stats, but I cannot retake for 2 years. i've already taken the LSAT 3 times (canceled 1, improved 5 points from the first time to this).

chewy13 wrote:I appreciate the advice and I know the general TLS advice is to retake with my stats, but I cannot retake for 2 years. i've already taken the LSAT 3 times (canceled 1, improved 5 points from the first time to this). Not to mention I already took a year off and I've been living at home so i CANNOT live at home for TWO MORE YEARS

1. Move out of the house
2. Retake
3. Get the PI job of your dreams

Work for two years as a legal assistant in your chosen city. Develop ties. Study. Retake. Improve 5 more points. Go to better school for less money.

Anyway, I'd completely nix Tulane if you don't want NOLA.

None of these with that amount of debt. Did you apply to CUNY?

For PI you really need to go for free or close to it, and go to school in a region where you want to live, unless you are attending a T14.