Stanford (Sticker) vs. Chicago ($45k)? Forum

[El_Bee_Oh]

Wondering what your thoughts on this were. Through personal savings + parental help, I'll basically be debt-free coming out of Chicago and maybe $50k in at Stanford. My goal is Biglaw, preferably in a certain southern market (major market outside of NYC, SF or Chi) that I have strong ties to. Is there a substantial difference in placement outside of their respective home markets between Stanford and Chicago? Also, how do their grading systems make a difference? Does the H/P thing help take the pressure out of grades or do employers actually count Hs coming from Stanford?

Thanks

[El_Bee_Oh]

One last thing - I'm considering applying to the MBA program during my 1L year. I know Stanford's is much more highly regarded for business school, but I was wondering how the two degrees worked together at each school and whether being a 1L at the law school helps when applying to either place. I have a good GMAT and three years of decent work experience (enough for a shot but by no means a guarantee to each school). Does applying as a law student help differentiate you or give you an edge?

[WheninLaw]

I do not think it is true that Stanford's business school is "much more highly regarded" than Booth. You should be more specific with your desired market. The more difficult it is to break into, the more Stanford does for you.

[El_Bee_Oh]

Think Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, LA. All fairly large markets, but not on the same scale as NY/SF. I'd consider working in NY or SF if I was able to land a position in a very prestigious firm, but otherwise I'd prefer something in my home market.

[jbagelboy]

I'd go to Stanford at these debt levels for non-Chi/non-NY, but I'm hesitant to endorse you to spend so much of your parent's money on any law school unless they are truly flushed.

Yes, your grades at SLS will still matter (# of H's and # of P's or LP's), but you are pretty secure for firm work anywhere in the class (unless you are truly tanking or very awkward in person). Competitive COA clerkships will definitely care about your grades. Both schools have pretty rigorous 1L curriculum (lots of graded classes).

[WheninLaw]

Think Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, LA. All fairly large markets, but not on the same scale as NY/SF. I'd consider working in NY or SF if I was able to land a position in a very prestigious firm, but otherwise I'd prefer something in my home market.

Those markets are completely different. Do you really think saying Atlanta (or whatever it is) outs you? Come on.

edit: You should be specific since I'm not sure you understand these markets. LA is a much more vibrant legal market than SF.