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Hi, I am at this point thinking about going into criminal defense in the private sector, probably Big law. I am not completely decided on where I’d like to work (hence the list), but right now I am partial to staying in the West/Southwest (from Tucson). Yet, I would like to go to the school that gives me the best opportunity to succeed. I like a collegial environment that is accompanied by rich cultural surroundings next to a fairly sizeable legal market (East Coast is not my thing).

Undergraduate school/GPA/LSAT – U of Arizona/4.0/164 (1st time, not retaking)

I am deciding between the following schools:

USC – 105,000 (3 years) ; Tuition - 57,000; COA - 82, 023 –can negotiate
Washington University St Louis – 120,000 (3 years) ; Tuition - 49, 792; COA - 73, 519
Notre Dame – 120,000 (3 years); 50, 520; 69, 930
Arizona State – full-tuition scholarship, low cost of living
Virginia Law – Nada

Any cost outside of scholarships is likely loans.
Any and all advice is welcome. I know this is ultimately my decision, but I’m looking for opinions that I will not find on their admissions sites.

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4.0/164 (1st time, not retaking)

give up

Not retaking with a 4.0/164 and biglaw aspirations is as stubborn and foolish as it gets.

If you can live without biglaw and can set your sights on Arizona longn term, ASU for free is probably your best bet. WUSTL, ND and USC are also decent options at those prices. But again, you are selling yourself short.

Mack.Hambleton wrote:

4.0/164 (1st time, not retaking)

give up

romothesavior wrote:Not retaking with a 4.0/164 and biglaw aspirations is as stubborn and foolish as it gets.

If you can live without biglaw and can set your sights on Arizona longn term, ASU for free is probably your best bet. WUSTL, ND and USC are also decent options at those prices. But again, you are selling yourself short.