Top Law Schools

Please don't quote:

My deadline to make a decision is tomorrow, and while I've thought about it a ton, I'd appreciate everyone's input.

Schools: Duke and Michigan
COA: ~180k, with 90k scholarships at each.
Financing: Some parental help, personal contributions, and loans. Anticipated debt at each is around 60-65k using the GTown calculator.
Ties: I'm from New York but have been in DC for 6 years. I'm heavily leaning toward going back to New York after law school. I may want to end up back in DC, but the likelihood isn't strong enough to base my decision on. I know it's a hard market to place into, as well.
Goals: Big law/federal clerkship.
Stats: 170/3.68. I took the test once, but I feel I maxed out and don't think I could do much better on a retake.

I've been leaning toward Michigan based on the general feels of the schools during my ASW visits and my interactions with current students. The difference in job placement numbers are giving me pause, however.

Thoughts?

I'm in the almost exact same situation as you (except Duke offered me 75k and Michigan 90k). Did you have any strong preference for Durham or Ann Arbor? After visiting both I REALLY liked Ann Arbor better than Durham.

Duggiiee wrote:I'm in the almost exact same situation as you (except Duke offered me 75k and Michigan 90k). Did you have any strong preference for Durham or Ann Arbor? After visiting both I REALLY liked Ann Arbor better than Durham.

Ann Arbor for sure, but the weather wasn't bad when I was there. I did really love how outdoorsy the area around Duke was, though.

jewkidontheblock wrote:

Duggiiee wrote:I'm in the almost exact same situation as you (except Duke offered me 75k and Michigan 90k). Did you have any strong preference for Durham or Ann Arbor? After visiting both I REALLY liked Ann Arbor better than Durham.

Ann Arbor for sure, but the weather wasn't bad when I was there. I did really love how outdoorsy the area around Duke was, though.

Some more random thoughts (may or may not be helpful):

While on my visits (and this is completely anecdotal, so take it with a grain of salt) I was told that Duke is much more of a quiet, studious atmosphere and that most of the time people commute from farther away (by bike, car, etc.) on to campus. Whereas Michigan is much more of a group, team type of atmosphere where almost everyone can and does walk. Essentially, it was emphasized to me that Michigan is much more tightly knit, both among the law students and between the law school and the rest of the campus/city while Duke is a bit more separated on both fronts. Duke was not unfriendly by any means, however. If anything, Duke seemed like it might be an easier place to study. I have heard that the fraternities and sometimes rowdy undergrads at Michigan can interrupt studies.

Also, some seasons in Michigan straight up suck (I grew up about an hour away from Ann Arbor) so if you can't handle harsh weather that should be a factor. Duke is much more temperate, and I was told they only get a handful of days of snow (if that) a year. Do you like defined seasons or do you like year-round stability?

Duggiiee wrote:

jewkidontheblock wrote:

Duggiiee wrote:I'm in the almost exact same situation as you (except Duke offered me 75k and Michigan 90k). Did you have any strong preference for Durham or Ann Arbor? After visiting both I REALLY liked Ann Arbor better than Durham.

Ann Arbor for sure, but the weather wasn't bad when I was there. I did really love how outdoorsy the area around Duke was, though.

Some more random thoughts (may or may not be helpful):

While on my visits (and this is completely anecdotal, so take it with a grain of salt) I was told that Duke is much more of a quiet, studious atmosphere and that most of the time people commute from farther away (by bike, car, etc.) on to campus. Whereas Michigan is much more of a group, team type of atmosphere where almost everyone can and does walk. Essentially, it was emphasized to me that Michigan is much more tightly knit, both among the law students and between the law school and the rest of the campus/city while Duke is a bit more separated on both fronts. Duke was not unfriendly by any means, however. If anything, Duke seemed like it might be an easier place to study. I have heard that the fraternities and sometimes rowdy undergrads at Michigan can interrupt studies.

Also, some seasons in Michigan straight up suck (I grew up about an hour away from Ann Arbor) so if you can't handle harsh weather that should be a factor. Duke is much more temperate, and I was told they only get a handful of days of snow (if that) a year. Do you like defined seasons or do you like year-round stability?

I think I can handle it - I got similar vibes during my visit to Duke, but it could also be that it was later in the semester and people were buckling down more in general.

Was in basically this same spot. Are you in the Duke Admitted Students FB page? I reached out to some of the current students that had posted there and it was very helpful.

FWIW, students at both schools told me that they see the schools as comparable for most folks' goals/desired outcomes and that I should go with my gut if it was pushing me one way or another. I think the student culture is strong both places, though it is true that at UM Lawyer's Club puts a chunk of your class physically together.

Good luck!