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Hi everyone,

I'm trying to make a decision between GW and George Mason. I have ties to the DC area and plan on living and working here. My goal is to work in the public or non-profit sector. Given my previous work experience, I am leaning towards public procurement and government contracts. I already live here so I don't need to move, and I can cover living expenses, books, etc. from my own savings and SO's income. I will try to pay some of the tuition from these sources, but most likely will have to take out loans too. I have received scholarships without stips from both schools so the yearly tuition would be 22k for GW (for the 2014-2015 year) and 15k for Mason (tuition freeze until 2017). LSAT is 165 and will not be retaking.

Thanks!

Doesn't look like you're accounting for loan interest or tuition increases, so those estimates aren't _really_ accurate - GWU will be closer to 80k when the dust settles.

However, 80k won't ruin you. Given the difference in employment, I'd take GWU.

Why won't you retake?

Winston1984 wrote:Why won't you retake?

I've considered it, but ultimately I cannot move from this area so the best school I could get into would be GULC. And I have decided not to take any more time off to study for the LSAT just to get into this school. I have made this decision with open eyes and now I want to make sure I chose the best option between the above mentioned. Given my interests, I feel like I am in a good place. Also, English is my second language so I'm actually very proud of my score.

GW. They have a Government Contracts program and Ralph Nash, one of the professors there, LITERALLY wrote the book on government contracts (google Nash & Cibinic reports), as well as was instrumental in founding the program. But given that this is your area of interest, you probably already knew that...and I think we probably have similar work experience... but anyhow, GW. I know far more government procurement/contracts attorneys that went to GW than GMU.

That said, it's also incredibly difficult to get a govt contracts attorney job right now, but I don't know that that would apply as much in your case if you have the job I'm thinking of.

Also, are you looking at full-time or part-time? If part-time, but look into whatever tuition assistance you may be eligible for. Some agencies will pay a substantial amount toward a part-time JD.

GW's significantly better job prospects are def worth the additional 20k in your situation IMO.


Retake >>>> GW >>>>>> GM