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Choosing among T20 schools

Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 5:46 am
by HellfirePeninsula
Highest LSAT: 171 (No more retakes)
uGPA: Foreign Undergrad (CAS rated "Superior," but the actual number is non-reportable for schools)
Ties: Some ties to CO, but not strong (spouse)
Options - $:
UCLA - 90k
Vanderbilt - 110k
Emory - 138k
WUSTL - 150k
Still waiting on UT, USC, Georgetown, and Cornell (applied early- and mid-January).

Preferred career course:
I would like at least a reasonable chance at biglaw/fed clerkship. After a few years, probably transition to some other law job that has better work-life balance, since it is unlikely I will last in biglaw anyway. Another consideration is that spouse would like to work during law school to mitigate cost of living, so general employment prospects in the location are a factor. No idea what region of the country I would like to practice/live... I have lived outside the US for the past 12 years and have no personal ties anywhere. I have a vague idea that I like LA weather, but nothing else.

EDIT to add: Debt-averse. Not eligible for government loans.

Re: Choosing among T20 schools

Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 5:55 am
by champloo
HellfirePeninsula wrote:Highest LSAT: 171 (No more retakes)
uGPA: Foreign Undergrad (CAS rated "Superior," but the actual number is non-reportable for schools)
Ties: Some ties to CO, but not strong (spouse)
Options - $:
UCLA - 90k
Vanderbilt - 110k
Emory - 138k
WUSTL - 150k
Still waiting on UT, USC, Georgetown, and Cornell (applied early- and mid-January).

Preferred career course:
I would like at least a reasonable chance at biglaw/fed clerkship. After a few years, probably transition to some other law job that has better work-life balance, since it is unlikely I will last in biglaw anyway. Another consideration is that spouse would like to work during law school to mitigate cost of living, so general employment prospects in the location are a factor. No idea what region of the country I would like to practice/live... I have lived outside the US for the past 12 years and have no personal ties anywhere. I have a vague idea that I like LA weather, but nothing else.
did u not apply to other t14 schools? its hard to make a decision without hearing back from all your schools + scholly info. any t14 school will give u a decent shot at biglaw. wife could get a job almost anywhere but it depends on what she wants to do.

Re: Choosing among T20 schools

Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 6:11 am
by stego
I also feel like you should have more T14 options than what you have.

Re: Choosing among T20 schools

Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2016 7:48 am
by HellfirePeninsula
I did apply to more T14, but got waitlisted at UVA and Berkeley. Long-shot application to Columbia is still pending.