Top Law Schools

Hey guys, I'm trying to decide which law school to attend and would love to hear some opinions.
My stats are 150/162 and 3.6. I live in NY and commuting won't be a problem. Although I haven't decided exactly what type of law I want to go into, I do have a few ideas: Health Law, Labor and Employment Law, Commercial Litigation, Antitrust Law, Real Estate Law, maybe Biglaw Corporate, etc.

Schools I'm considering:
St. John's - Full ride - 40% stipulation. COA: practically nada
Brooklyn - 28k scholly - 80% stipulation. COA: $70,000
Cardozo - 31k scholly - 80% stipulation. COA: $62,000
I'm also waiting on Fordham for an answer, but they probably won't give me anything if I get in so estimated COA: $160,000

Although I do have some money saved up and my family is going to help me out a little, I might have to take out some relatively small loans (~30-45k) for Brooklyn/Cardozo or some serious loans for Fordham (~100-120k). From this list, which school would you choose and why?

Any advice/comments would be appreciated! Thanks!

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I tried negotiating for more scholarships and lower stipulations. Cardozo ended up giving me 6k more (originally 25k) but St. John's would not let go of those stips.

I wouldn't consider St. John's with that stip. There's a 60% chance you lose your scholarship and end up paying sticker. Get them to drop the stip to good standing if you can.

Of these, I think Cardozo is best.

Boost that LSAT to 170+ and you could be looking at NYU. Why settle for those three schools?

If you lost the St. John's stipulation, you probably will have a hard time finding a job anyway. A full ride is a full ride.

You really want biglaw and aren't going to get it from these schools at decent prices. Retake or don't go.

rhythmatwork wrote:Hey guys, I'm trying to decide which law school to attend and would love to hear some opinions.
My stats are 150/162 and 3.6. I live in NY and commuting won't be a problem. Although I haven't decided exactly what type of law I want to go into, I do have a few ideas: Health Law, Labor and Employment Law, Commercial Litigation, Antitrust Law, Real Estate Law, maybe Biglaw Corporate, etc.

Schools I'm considering:
St. John's - Full ride - 40% stipulation. COA: practically nada
Brooklyn - 28k scholly - 80% stipulation. COA: $70,000
Cardozo - 31k scholly - 80% stipulation. COA: $62,000
I'm also waiting on Fordham for an answer, but they probably won't give me anything if I get in so estimated COA: $160,000

Although I do have some money saved up and my family is going to help me out a little, I might have to take out some relatively small loans (~30-45k) for Brooklyn/Cardozo or some serious loans for Fordham (~100-120k). From this list, which school would you choose and why?

Any advice/comments would be appreciated! Thanks!

EDIT: I forgot to mention that I tried negotiating for more scholarships and lower stipulations. Cardozo ended up giving me 6k more (originally 25k) but St. John's would not let go of those stips.

HA! Consider doubling that. Fordham is one of the most expensive schools and you have to factor in books, living, etc.

Fordham full ride should be the lowest offer you consider. Retake is TCR

I'd go St. Johns and if you don't satisfy the scholarship stipulation, then leave there. The better alternative is to retake and pursue schools with better placement in NYC.

Otunga wrote:I'd go St. Johns and if you don't satisfy the scholarship stipulation, then leave there. The better alternative is to retake and pursue schools with better placement in NYC.

This. If you end up going to st.johns and lose the scholly, I would drop out. The best choice, however, is to sit out and retake the LSAT.