UW vs Minn ($$) vs L&C ($$$) vs others Forum

[CodyAndTheWhale]

Hey everyone.

Looking for a little advice at this point. My number one choice was Washington, but they haven't offered me a dime yet. Minnesota is offering me 25k a year, while Lewis and Clark is offering me 28k/year, though I am currently negotiating for more, and hoping to use that to further negotiate with other schools(UW). I also got offered 20k/year at Indiana, and 10k+in state tuition at Houston.
Schools I'm considering Washington, Minnesota, Lewis and Clark, possibly Indiana or Houston. Notre Dame is also still pending.

Cost of attendance
UW - ~172k, assuming I can't wriggle myself into any scholarships.
Minn - ~112k
L&C - ~72k
Indiana - ~125k
Houston - ~99k

Financing cost of attendance
Primarily loans, hoping summer work will offset some cost.

GPA/LSAT
December LSAT - 167, first time taker.
My GPA was approximately 3.3

Background
I'm originally from California, but it is far from the area that I want to end up. I went to undergrad in the Pacific Northwest, and love the area. With that being said, I'm not opposed to packing the bags and moving across the country for the right opportunity. I would just have to find a way to sell myself to that area, with no real connections.

Career Goals
I would love to work at a mid-sized firm to large firm. Also would be very interested in clerking, but probably a long shot from where I'm at.

I welcome any and all advice! Thanks, everyone.

[MT Cicero]

I'll opine on this soon. Need to sleep right now, but my bump might help you get a few replies.

[Kimikho]

Since UW is your top choice, have you considered waiting a year (?) and working in the state to gain residency?

[jbagelboy]

The only borderline rational cost-to-school ratio here is Minnesota. And I typically won't suggest it for someone without ties to the 5-state area surrounding region and a desire to work in the twin cities.

It still takes my vote here, but the truly preferable option would be a large scholarship to WUSTL/GW, or a retake for 170+ & more options. UW at that cost is unacceptable.

[CodyAndTheWhale]

Thanks for the replies thus far! I'm considering retaking the LSAT in June and seeing if any of these schools will offer an increased scholarship if I can get 170+. If all else fails, I may be moving to Washington and applying again next cycle, with an improved score and perhaps even a shot at T14, but at least gaining in state tuition.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

[MT Cicero]

Thanks for the replies thus far! I'm considering retaking the LSAT in June and seeing if any of these schools will offer an increased scholarship if I can get 170+. If all else fails, I may be moving to Washington and applying again next cycle, with an improved score and perhaps even a shot at T14, but at least gaining in state tuition.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

In my opinion, this is the correct line of thinking. If you retake June and can achieve 170+, I think you may be presented with a few options:

1. UW could come off some money for you this year. You'd still be stuck paying ~$13k/year extra in out-of-state tuition though.
2. Same as above, but you may be able to ask for a deferral with the same scholarship (not sure if it works like that). If so, move there, gain some WE and save money. Then, attend with a decent scholly + in-state tuition (could be a good deal).
3. If you achieve a 170+, with your 3.3 you could be looking good for non-Berkeley lower T14s. By applying next cycle early (and after having lived in Seattle for 6-8 months), you might get a little money from some of those schools or UW. You'll have a feel for Seattle and you'll better be able to decide whether that region is still what you want. Again, option 2 is pretty good if you can get your COA down in the $60-70k range. But you may have other options to compare it to with a bit better employment prospects. You'd rather be comparing $$$ at UW vs $ at lower T14 than what you're comparing now!

I also think that if you retake June and don't hit 170+ (or if you get 170/171 but feel like you left points out there compared to your consistent PT averages), the Sep 2014 test is next. Then, proceed with the option three above.

jbagelboy almost always gives sound advice. In this case, MN without ties and UW at that cost aren't the answer. Save yourself tens of thousands of dollars. Buckle down right now and retake June!