Top Law Schools

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http://www.lstscorereports.com/schools/illinois/2013/

I really don't think you can go wrong here. Illinois took the US News ranking hit, but the LST score of 72% is among the best in the Midwest. Especially the biglaw/fed clerkship stat of 28%. Not bad odds for $0.00 tuition.

If you had a super high gpa and a low LSAT, then retake would probably be a good option.

I would prep for a June take. If you go way up then just sit out, if not then I think U of I on a full is a solid choice. And your salary is more likely to be between 50k-60k. You have to retake though, especially if you only took one PT.

How about retake in June and decide whether to attend UIUC or not after getting the score? Of course, you'll need to pay the deposit first.
Since you're not gunning for BigLaw, UIUC full ride is not a bad option.

Retake June, but deposit at UIUC. It's certainly a fine choice at full tuition scholarship!

Not a bad choice at all given the debt. If you really, really want big law then find a way into Northwestern but honestly I would probably just roll with this vs NU at 200K+ as long as you're cool with a more modest career outcome.

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I usually vote retake, but in this case I think you should take the money. Based on numbers alone, it looks like you are extremely lucky to have a full ride at Illinois. NU doesn't place so much better that you should take it with 150k extra debt (assuming you score a bit better). If you can increase your LSAT up to 172-175 maybe you could take a stab at NU ED and then it would be worth it... If you don't think you can make that I'd just take the full ride.

I already voted IL, but just curious, what's the renewal requirement on the scholarship?

UIUC scholarships are guaranteed for all three years as long as you're enrolled. I'd get in now, the LST scores will drive more people to apply to UIUC next year. They may be ranked t-40, but they have the employment scores and resources of a T-25.

Illinois my man. Pull the trigger on that offer.