Harvard/Penn/Chicago with SO in Ph.D. program Forum

[JusPassItToWill]

Tl;dr:
My girlfriend got into Penn, Chicago. I got into Harvard, Penn, Chicago. Should I go to Harvard without her, or go to Penn or Chicago with her?

Hey guys,

So I posted here almost a year ago:
http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 1&t=248696

Understandably, most of you told me to come back in a year when I knew where I had gotten into. Well, I'm back.

The relevant info from the last post:
So... I am currently in a relationship that has been going on for 5 years. It's very serious, to the extent that we would be engaged/married already if I had the money to buy a ring (I'm planning on financing that on my own). Both of us are Ivy-league grads; she's planning on going for a PhD in a hard science, which she expects will take her anywhere between 4-6 years to complete. Once I graduate, I would be going wherever she was, since she would still need to finish school for a few more years.

My primary wish is to have the freedom to work anywhere, since I really don't know where we will end up having to go in the end, and to have as many opportunities open to me as possible (if I decide during law school that BigLaw interests me, I want a good shot at that). I don't want to feel like my compromise will hurt my chances for successful employment in the long-term.

Updated information:

-The schools you are considering
Harvard, Penn, Chicago
-The total Cost of Attendance (COA) of each.
Harvard: Sticker. COA 275K
Penn: $105K scholly. COA 150K
Chicago: $75K scholly. COA 186K
-How you will be financing your COA, i.e. loans, family, or savings
My family has told me they will cover all costs associated with law school, regardless of where I go. I want to try to minimize their financial support, though, since I have been financially independent for all of post-undergrad. My girlfriend will also be receiving a $30,000/yr stipend from whichever school she attends for her Ph.D.
-Where you are from and where you want to work, and other places where you have significant ties (if any)
From the Midwest, currently living in Massachusetts. Decent ties to both places, but open to working anywhere.
-Your general career goals
Planning on going to Biglaw or a clerkship right after graduation. As for more specifically what I want to do, I really enjoy immigration (what I do now), but am keeping an open mind until I take courses in law school.
-Your LSAT/GPA numbers
GPA: ~3.7
LSAT: 180
-How many times you have taken the LSAT
2ce.

I got into more schools, but I am limiting myself to these choices because of the programs my girlfriend got into. She got into Penn, Duke, Chicago, and UNC. For her specific program, the order I've provided is best-worst for her. She applied to Harvard, but didn't get in. I got into Duke, but am not really considering it.

At this point, I've all but eliminated Harvard, since it would mean that we would have to do a long-distance relationship for at least three years, if not more (not to mention the costs of living separately and so on). However, I just wanted to make sure I'm making the right decision prioritizing Penn or Chicago over Harvard, and not affecting my long-term employment outcomes too much. I've asked family and friends (including current law students and regular people), and they've tended to be 50% "Why would you not go to Harvard" (the law student, my parents) and 50% "You do you" (my friend group). What is your input?

Also, I was wondering whether there's any substantial difference in employment outcomes, quality of education, etc. that would justify picking Chicago over Penn despite the $36K higher cost, as well as forcing my girlfriend to give up her dream school for something that would be a third choice.

Thanks!

[Tiago Splitter]

Penn vs. Chicago is pretty even so it makes sense to let your girlfriend's preferences make the decision for you.

[WheninLaw]

Surprised you didn't get a bit more from Chicago. At those prices, I'd take either Penn or Chicago. Let the girlfriend decide, imo.

[fliptrip]

I don't see any advantage that Chicago has over Penn that would be meaningful enough to sway your choice in that direction in this case. Go to Penn and enjoy.

[Chill_Out]

Penn vs. Chicago is pretty even so it makes sense to let your girlfriend's preferences make the decision for you.

[jbagelboy]

I agree that between Penn and Chicago, it should be about your SO's program, faculty, and subject area strength, and you should follow since they are comparable at those prices for your purposes.

Choosing Penn or Chicago with those scholarships over Harvard at sticker in the abstract without the SO is probably a good decision (Chicago and Harvard have nearly identical outcome and you're getting a $75k discount at one); with the SO in mind, its overwhelming in favor of Chicago or Penn. you shouldn't even think about it as a sacrifice, its you making the better financial choice (for you and a future family) as well.

[throwaway_]

Surprised you didn't get a bit more from Chicago. At those prices, I'd take either Penn or Chicago. Let the girlfriend decide, imo.

Especially if OP is going into biglaw, $36k is chump change in the larger scheme of things. All things equal, then sure, go to Penn, but if personal/gf's preferences lean to Chicago, then do that instead.

[landshoes]

She should go to the best grad program for her field. There is absolutely no question about that. It will give her the most mobility going forward and give both of you the best chance of being in the same city long-term while being able to continue your careers. That is the best long-term goal. It's also the best goal if you're not sure you're thinking long-term with each other, because that means that she should prioritize her career.

Where you should go is a little more iffy. I think you could do well at all these schools but I'm tempted to say Harvard because your parents will pay for it and you'll have a little more mobility that way. But it could really go well for you at Chi, Penn, or Harvard. What I do know is that I'd let her location be the tiebreaker between Chicago and Penn.