Top Law Schools

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Personal fan of Chicago, but the plurality of TLS tends towards the NE, so Penn should win out if you put it in a Poll.

what are COA? not a huge difference so maybe it should come down to personal preference on where you want to live for 3 years.

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Chicago probably gives you more flexibility down the road - both will get you to BigLaw at basically the same clip, while Chicago would give you a much better shot at the "unicorn jobs" if you decide on that down the road. COA difference seems negligible especially if you're targeting BigLaw (which you will most likely get at either school), and momentary 'inconvenience' shouldn't factor into the equation since this is gonna be a decision that will affect your next three years and probably the ten after that.

You can't go wrong with either choice, but go to Chicago.

Chicago for only $12K more? That's a great option, say yes and don't look back.

Voted Penn because 12k, but if you can negotiate or that difference doesn't really matter to you (it's really only a few extra months of BigLaw, if you last), then it's personal preference, so Chicago.

-"No Ragrets"

Even if you can't renegotiate with Penn I would take it. Changing plans this late in the game is tough and very stressful. As other posters have said, your big law chances see are about the same from either school.

Also , think about where you would be happiest quality of life wise for the next 3 years. That is the most important thing. You will perform better academically if you are happy socially and enjoy where you go to school. These two cities are quite different as are their student bodies.

Great spot to be in regardless, congrats! Don't forget, play hard ball with Penn, tell them you will 1.0% go to Chicago if they can't increase your $ !

Debt at graduation from each school?

I wouldn't go to either. Those scholarships are too small.

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I would take Chicago in this case but that's a lot of debt.

I'm pretty confused why this is even a debate. At same cost, how is the obvious choice not Chicago?

What Mal said. With both at 300k+ over 10 years, you'd be far better off waiting/not going. Chicago is objectively the better option for your needs, as it does place slightly better into biglaw (% wise), which you'll definitely need for a number of years to make any dent.

PB&J.D. wrote:What Mal said. With both at 300k+ over 10 years, you'd be far better off waiting/not going. Chicago is objectively the better option for your needs, as it does place slightly better into biglaw (% wise), which you'll definitely need for a number of years to make any dent.

I agree, why aren't you considering other schools in the t14 where you could probably get $$$?

eitheror wrote:
I have not tried to negotiate with Penn again since being accepted to Chicago, especially since its so late in the cycle. Penn has also explicitly stated that no more merit aid is available.

Penn lies. Call early tomorrow and play hardball. The worst they can do is say no again. If they don't give you a significant bump, then Chicago is the way to go (as between the two schools, and not necessarily out of all possible decisions).

Would it still be possible to have them bump up their scholly? Also is it appropriate to tell them about my acceptance and tell them Chicago matched it? I'm not sure why Penn would increase the amount if Chicago isn't giving me more than them (sorry if that's misinformed in any way)

Yes, tell them everything. Penn should increase your grant because Penn is generally perceived as being a rung below Chicago (and perception is what matters in the rankings battle). And if Penn increases your grant, then you call Chicago and ask for more. Repeat until someone definitively says no, as best you can tell. You have to be shameless here -- they don't see you as anything but a set of numbers, and they're not the least bit concerned with leaving you saddled with insane debt if they can get away with it. If it makes it any easier, bear in mind that you will never interact with these people again after this.

But I have to ask: what are your numbers? Did you not have any big offers in the lower T14? Either one of these schools will leave you with a staggering amount of debt. For your stated career goals, attending NU or Cornell on a large scholarship would be a far better idea.

Negotiate. You can definitely get more money out of Penn. If that somehow fails, and you truly have no regional preference, go with whatever school feels like the best fit for you.

Or better yet: attend Northwestern/Cornell with $$$. That really should be an option for you.

ETA: so very, very scooped.

I'm curious what your numbers are?

Chicago def seems like the right choice here (and congrats on your acceptance!). Try to negotiate if possible, tho I'm not sure Penn would up their scholarship enough to make the scale lean back in its favor (personally I'd be willing to pay $15-20K more for Chicago, but that's me). Also, I don't no how much you care about things like the city or QOL, but I can tell you that Chicago is a great place to spend a few years. Good luck!

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Where are you from and where do you want to work?

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Chicago seems like a great school for your goals. 16.3% Cali employment for Chi vs 7.1% for Penn (I'm assuming you're from Cali)