UNC or GMU ($$)? Forum

[ivonmx]

I'm having a hard time picking up between these 2 schools - UNC and GMU. Putting money aside, both schools have their pros and cons. UNC is undeniably a better school in my opinion but it's employment stats kinda indicates its still a regional school (140 practicing in NC where 20ish in NY and DC). There are decent firms appearing on their OCI list but again, I see the majority of them being firms in NC.
I couldn't find any OCI information of GMU, but having been worked in DC for 4 years, I know it has some reputation in DC metro area, and considering my concentration would be in IP law, its proximity to USPTO added a few more points to its location variable. My concern is the school's reputation out side of DC area.
COA wouldn't be a big issue for me so can anyone chime in and let me know what do you think? I couldn't get too much data for GMU's OCI so if you have that information please PM me.

Personal background: CS + EE background, master degree and planning to focus on IP law with intention to eventually practice in Asia.

Thanks in advance!!!!

[trebekismyhero]

I'm having a hard time picking up between these 2 schools - UNC and GMU. Putting money aside, both schools have their pros and cons. UNC is undeniably a better school in my opinion but it's employment stats kinda indicates its still a regional school (140 practicing in NC where 20ish in NY and DC). There are decent firms appearing on their OCI list but again, I see the majority of them being firms in NC.
I couldn't find any OCI information of GMU, but having been worked in DC for 4 years, I know it has some reputation in DC metro area, and considering my concentration would be in IP law, its proximity to USPTO added a few more points to its location variable. My concern is the school's reputation out side of DC area.
COA wouldn't be a big issue for me so can anyone chime in and let me know what do you think? I couldn't get too much data for GMU's OCI so if you have that information please PM me.

Personal background: CS + EE background, master degree and planning to focus on IP law with intention to eventually practice in Asia.

Thanks in advance!!!!

How does COA not matter, are your parents paying for it?

I worked in DC for several years, GMU doesn't really get you into big firms in DC. Honestly, UNC probably gives you the same shot at DC big law if that's what you're looking at, which isn't a great shot.

Normally, I would say you shouldn't go to either, but with your IP background you should be able to get a job. Now where I do think you should probably retake and shoot for a better school is cause of your desire to go to Asia. I don't know the int'l market that well, but from what ppl have said here is that Asia in particular is school prestige heavy. UNC and GMU won't cut it. So personally I would recommend retaking and shooting for t14. Especially since you'll need big law to be able to get to Asia in the first place.

If not and cost really doesn't matter, I would probably go with UNC. But that's more based on my personal preferences. If GMU is a lot cheaper, go with that if you refuse to retake

[FirmBiz]

I'm having a hard time picking up between these 2 schools - UNC and GMU. Putting money aside, both schools have their pros and cons. UNC is undeniably a better school in my opinion but it's employment stats kinda indicates its still a regional school (140 practicing in NC where 20ish in NY and DC). There are decent firms appearing on their OCI list but again, I see the majority of them being firms in NC.
I couldn't find any OCI information of GMU, but having been worked in DC for 4 years, I know it has some reputation in DC metro area, and considering my concentration would be in IP law, its proximity to USPTO added a few more points to its location variable. My concern is the school's reputation out side of DC area.
COA wouldn't be a big issue for me so can anyone chime in and let me know what do you think? I couldn't get too much data for GMU's OCI so if you have that information please PM me.

Personal background: CS + EE background, master degree and planning to focus on IP law with intention to eventually practice in Asia.

Thanks in advance!!!!

Honestly i'd go to the school with the better employment data in this case, I'm not sure how much the proximity will help you when there is so much competition in that legal market, you're talking about maybe 4-5 in-state schools plus those from other programs across the country trying to work in that market. I'd take the school that gives me the opportunity to get my career off to a good start regardless, and is in a less competitive market, which would be UNC.

I don't think that GMU has any advantage over UNC in that market, I don't have anything to go off of, but GMU doesn't seem like it would give you a significant advantage over UNC in terms of trying to do what it is that you want to do.

[BigZuck]

If you want big law then you need to aim much, much higher. Focus on the T14. These are a couple rando regionals and the chances of you achieving your stated career goals are very, very slim. Not worth it.

[chuckbass]

If you want big law then you need to aim much, much higher. Focus on the T14. These are a couple rando regionals and the chances of you achieving your stated career goals are very, very slim. Not worth it.

OP you also need to realize your chances are probably even smaller at getting biglaw from one of these rando regional schools if you're not from the area. I can't imagine NC firms not being insular/caring about ties.

[Mack.Hambleton]

If you want big law then you need to aim much, much higher. Focus on the T14. These are a couple rando regionals and the chances of you achieving your stated career goals are very, very slim. Not worth it.

This. What made you think UNC wasn't a regional school?

[chuckbass]

Also as a DC area native I'm v confused as to this purported reputation of GMU

[AT9]

You sound like you're concerned about UNC's regional nature, and that implies you don't want to be in NC. If you don't have a desire to live in NC, don't go to UNC.

Also, maybe I missed it, but there was no $ sign next to UNC which implies that it's sticker. Do not go to UNC at out of state sticker.

I know GMU isn't a TTTT or something, but it's totally overshadowed by other, better schools nearby. At least UNC pretty much only has to compete with Duke and Wake for the best NC jobs.

These schools make 0 sense for you.

[joon]

You could make it to Northern Virginia / Metro area law firms from GMU

[TheSpanishMain]

You could make it to Northern Virginia / Metro area law firms from GMU

Yeah, you could. Doesn't mean it's particularly likely.

[joon]

Also as a DC area native I'm v confused as to this purported reputation of GMU

I think it's mainly because GMU placements (at least in UG) is on par with any other school in the area.

[joon]

Also as a DC area native I'm v confused as to this purported reputation of GMU

It's mainly because GMU placements (at least in UG) is on par with any other school in the area.