Should I stay or should I go? Forum

[itsmeitsme]

NYU @ sticker ($295k), financed entirely through loans. From NYC, want to work in NYC, zero ties elsewhere. Goal is big law. 3.4/180.

I didn't apply to enough schools, and the only option I'm seriously considering is NYU (other options are NU and GULC at near-sticker). Unsuccessful at negotiating aid and appeal was denied -- zero merit or need aid.

I'm committed to attending law school, but not committed to attending now. I'd certainly prefer to attend as soon as possible, but if there is a significant possibility that next cycle will yield $$ from other T14s with excellent NYC big law placement, I will wait. Unfortunately, I am below every T14's GPA 25th.

Thoughts?

ETA: strongly prefer to stay in NYC. SO has career here. But we're both okay with distance if the $$ is right.

[Tuxedo]

Was NYU the only school you considered? Check out the sticky on this board and fill it out and maybe you'll get some better advice.

[DoveBodyWash]

NYU @ sticker ($295k), financed entirely through loans.

What. Sticker at NYU is 295k now???

Anyway..congrats on your LSAT. I'm not sure if applying next year will yield more money, the schools you're applying to aren't as desperate (yet) for high GPA. Maybe if you applied to Fordham or something? That's really the only middle-ground school in NYC since the other options are CLS or TTT's.

If being somewhat apart from your SO is an option, then maybe Penn? But i dunno how much more money they'd give you...

Tbh i think the only thing you'd be gaining by waiting another year would be a larger selection of schools, some of which will be cheaper. But i don't think the scholarship offers from your current-or-similar schools would change drastically.

[TigerDude]

ED at Northwestern could yield $ if they continue like they are now.

Everyplace places into NY, but consider that you will have to compete for it.

[jbagelboy]

Splitter lyfe dawg. Seriously, w/ a 3.4 you can get into great schools (NYU) but you won't snag that merit aid.

Honestly I'm surprised nothing came through for Northwestern, Duke, Penn, ect. If you want real $$ though you'd have to reach down to T20's.

Sounds like a convo to have with the SO: how comfortable are you two playing the long game on your career? With two people working and saving, one on biglaw salary, sticker is ominous but manageable & after 5 years of large firm wrk, if you make it that long, you can resume normal life on a cushy 6-figure and maybe that stretch of hell is better than your current alternatives. IDK.