Harvard v. Hamilton Forum

yoyo91 · Post by **yoyo91** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 1:35 am

Hey guys! Longtime lurker on the site. I'm currently deciding between ~half tuition at Harvard (need-based and subject to change based on family situation!) and a Hamilton. I believe I'm different from a lot of people on this site in that I'm specifically looking to do big law (at least initially) then go from there. I am zero percent interested in clerkships, academia, or public interest.

Columbia definitely feels like the right choice for me, but I get nervous when I see that only 13 of the ~30-40 people who get offered a Hamilton per year accept it. Am I right in assuming these people have PI or clerking delusions of grandeur that cause them to pick HYS over a full ride?? I'm fairly certain H v. Columbia will give me the same job in NYC so the extra 180k to H is pointless?? Input much appreciated!!

Username123 · Post by **Username123** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 1:40 am

Hamilton and it's not even close. Congratulations.

bearsfan23 · Post by **bearsfan23** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:00 am

If you just want BigLaw you should've already accepted at Columbia. Harvard has virtually no advantage over Columbia for plain BigLaw, therefore, take the less debt.

You're intuition in the OP is correct

RunnerRunner · Post by **RunnerRunner** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 2:04 am

I'd take the Hammy over Harvard in general, you just wanting Biglaw should make it that much easier. Go to Columbia and then enjoy making boatloads of money and getting to keep it all!

Mack.Hambleton · Post by **Mack.Hambleton** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 3:15 am

Hamilton

Hamilton

Hamilton

RSN · Post by **RSN** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 9:20 am

I would say read the first 10-15 pages of this thread for discussion/debate on turning down free rides at CCN for Harvard: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=245100

But since your goal is just NYC biglaw, the Hamilton is an absolute no-brainer.

CanadianWolf · Post by **CanadianWolf** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 9:23 am

Appears to be a well thought-out advertisement for the Hamilton.

Clyde Frog · Post by **Clyde Frog** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 10:24 am

Good stuff. Have fun in New York

eph · Post by **eph** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 11:35 am

Hamilton.

Tiago Splitter · Post by **Tiago Splitter** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:21 pm

It's 13 people in the whole school, not per year. You'll be among the proud few who made the right call.

DoubleChecks · Post by **DoubleChecks** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:27 pm

yoyo91 wrote:Hey guys! Longtime lurker on the site. I'm currently deciding between ~half tuition at Harvard (need-based and subject to change based on family situation!) and a Hamilton. I believe I'm different from a lot of people on this site in that I'm specifically looking to do big law (at least initially) then go from there. I am zero percent interested in clerkships, academia, or public interest.

Columbia definitely feels like the right choice for me, but I get nervous when I see that only 13 of the ~30-40 people who get offered a Hamilton per year accept it. Am I right in assuming these people have PI or clerking delusions of grandeur that cause them to pick HYS over a full ride?? I'm fairly certain H v. Columbia will give me the same job in NYC so the extra 180k to H is pointless?? Input much appreciated!!

Biglaw goals only? Want to go to NYC? Zero interest in clerkships or PI? Not otherwise from a rich family (or independently wealthy)?

Hamilton

RSN · Post by **RSN** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:46 pm

Tiago Splitter wrote:It's 13 people in the whole school, not per year. You'll be among the proud few who made the right call.

The few. The proud. The Hamiltons.

abl · Post by **abl** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:56 pm

What are the respective COAs?

jbagelboy · Post by **jbagelboy** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 12:56 pm

I think it's traditionally more like 20 persons offered the Hamilton, but yes a number of folks turn it down when either 1) money is no issue at all or 2) lots of need based at H and desire to pursue a gov't career. Regardless, even if you wanted to clerk or go into public service, you could do that from CLS and there isn't enough difference between the two to merit much discussion.

You'll do great at Columbia and have a good time, congratulations! If your family is extremely well off and can front all of H's COA, then maybe head there, but the outcomes in your desired field are equal so why not save some cash.

LoganCouture · Post by **LoganCouture** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 1:01 pm

jbagelboy wrote:I think it's traditionally more like 20 persons offered the Hamilton, but yes a number of folks turn it down when either 1) money is no issue at all or 2) lots of need based at H and desire to pursue a gov't career. Regardless, even if you wanted to clerk or go into public service, you could do that from CLS and there isn't enough difference between the two to merit much discussion.

You'll do great at Columbia and have a good time, congratulations! If your family is extremely well off and can front all of H's COA, then maybe head there, but the outcomes in your desired field are equal so why not save some cash.

If it really is only 20, then 100% of the Hamilton offers have been reported on LSN.

ETA: Of course choose Columbia OP. You'll get the outcome you want and have no debt.

Hutz_and_Goodman · Post by **Hutz_and_Goodman** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 1:14 pm

Given your interests and goals: Hamilton
Some of the people choosing HYS in this situation have different goals (e.g. academia), and others have so much $ already that they are willing to pay for the added prestige

yoyo91 · Post by **yoyo91** » Fri Apr 03, 2015 6:52 pm

Thank you everyone for your confirmations! I could never imagine myself turning down the full ride anyway but I wasn't sure if I was missing something. Will be accepting Columbia's offer next week

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