Villanova, GW, BU, or BC Forum

[max_p]

So I finally have all of my scholarship offers and can now make a decision. Here is what I'm deciding between:

Villanova with a full ride
BC @ $16,000 per year
BU @ $20,000 per year
GW @ $10,000 per year

I am terrified of debt, and I already have some debt from undergrad. The idea of being $200,000 in student loan debt sounds absolutely awful. I know that Villanova is a regional school, but I wouldn't mind working in Philly (I have friends and family there and I have always loved the city). Then again, the other schools are ranked significantly higher. I just sent a negotiation letter to BU today, so I have to wait and see what they say.

What do you all think???

[sundontshine]

You still need to answer the questions about goals, COA, and GPA/LSAT.

[moonman157]

I think going to any of these schools at those prices, especially with undergrad debt, would be a huge mistake.

[max_p]

All the schools cost the same, except for GW which is about 10k more per year. I will be using loans for living expenses too. I would like to keep my career options open, but I am strongly considering working in public interest. I already took the last twice. 3.75/162

[middlebear]

By COA, the meaning is the total cost of attendance--the total debt you'll accrue for all three years, not just scholarship amounts.

[max_p]

Debt would be $135k at BU and a little more at BC and GW. Villanova would be about $60k

[03152016]

are you going to take out loans for anything your scholarships don't cover?

[max_p]

Yep

[Cookies12]

Are living expenses added into these debt numbers?

[max_p]

Yes they are

[hairbear7]

Why not take a year off and use your third LSAT retake? A few more questions correct and you could be looking at a full ride from these schools

[RareExports]

If you don't really care where you practice, Villanova might be the best option. Definitely the least risky, as all of the other schools are going to leave you with a lot of debt, and Villanova is not that far behind the other options IME, at least as far as regional placement goes.

Would not recommend BC, BU, or GW at those CoLs, but if you don't mind staying in Philly, Villanova isn't a bad option.

[twenty]

I think going to any of these schools at those prices, especially with undergrad debt, would be a huge mistake.

[03152016]

your numbers are way off
for example, gw will probably run you 260k+ with a 10k scholly

[Nomo]

Are expected tuition increases included in your debt numbers?

What are your goals? Anything more specific than "strongly considering public interest"? Public interest is a very broad category.

Where do you want to live? Anything more specific than you wouldn't mind living in philly?

Where do you have ties?

(I don't think anyone can give you a good response without answers to these questions)

[03152016]

and you'll end up close to $170k at bu with that scholly, not $135k

[max_p]

I want to do healthcare law. Whether in the private or public sector I'm not sure. I used to live in the philly area and I would love to go back. I have lots of family there and it's a place I know I would be happy. I'm just apprehensive because nova is lower in the rankings.

[DaRascal]

Hmmmm let's consult the rankings. *searches for Villanova University*

Villanova... tied for 87th.. full ride
GW tied for 22nd- $10k/year
Boston University 26th- $20k/year
Boston College tied for 34th- $16k/year


I would personally try to get GW to match BU so that you can go up to 22, but I think Villanova might not be a bad idea because that could be a lot of debt for a T30.

[adil91]

Hmmmm let's consult the rankings. *searches for Villanova University*

Villanova... tied for 87th.. full ride
GW tied for 22nd- $10k/year
Boston University 26th- $20k/year
Boston College tied for 34th- $16k/year


I would personally try to get GW to match BU so that you can go up to 22, but I think Villanova might not be a bad idea because that could be a lot of debt for a T30.

Why do you think the rankings matter?

[objctnyrhnr]

Hmmmm let's consult the rankings. *searches for Villanova University*

Villanova... tied for 87th.. full ride
GW tied for 22nd- $10k/year
Boston University 26th- $20k/year
Boston College tied for 34th- $16k/year


I would personally try to get GW to match BU so that you can go up to 22, but I think Villanova might not be a bad idea because that could be a lot of debt for a T30.

the notion of consulting these rankings in this way in this context is retarded.