Top Law Schools

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At those costs and with your goals, I'd say it's between Chicago and Michigan.

Chicago probably gives you at least a slightly better shot at CA big law than Michigan. Is that better shot worth $70K? I don't think it would be to me--$200K of debt is a lot of debut--but it's at least an interesting question.

rpupkin wrote:At those costs and with your goals, I'd say it's between Chicago and Michigan.

Chicago probably gives you at least a slightly better shot at CA big law than Michigan. Is that better shot worth $70K? I don't think it would be to me--$200K of debt is a lot of debut--but it's at least an interesting question.

I agree with this.

Also, your SO will be fine. You will live with this debt and this school on your resumé for the rest of your life; don't limit yourself based on that.

I think it's between Chicago and Michigan, and it's close. Probably edge Michigan. While Chicago gives you a real, appreciable advantage in CA biglaw, I don't think it's worth 75k.

Chicago is in a class by itself here, but $200k+ is just too much for me. It's enough debt that you lose even if you get biglaw.

UCLA is not worth that cost. Nor is Berkeley.

I guess Michigan is the answer by default, but retake/reapply should be in play here as well. $135k isn't horrifying, but it's not good.

I agree with the above posters, though I would lean toward Chicago and try to live as cheaply as possible while there. Also, I find it hard to believe that UCLA wouldn't raise their offer given the other offers you have. Not saying you're lying or anything, I'm just surprised

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+1 for Michigan. Ann Arbor has a pretty solid tech scene, so your SO shouldn't have a lot of trouble finding a job there. Chicago does too, of course, but I don't think it's worth $70k more. Both schools can get you back to the Bay, but I don't think it's guaranteed that you'll get a Bay Area firm offer from OCI at either school.

IMO attending UCLA in view of your Michigan offer is only defensible if you feel you absolutely have to stay in California for personal reasons. Professionally, it makes little sense to go there when you could go to Mich at equal cost.

Did you apply to Northwestern or Cornell? I'm surprised you weren't able to get more out of Mich through negotiations.

Tiddlywinks wrote:Did you apply to Northwestern or Cornell? I'm surprised you weren't able to get more out of Mich through negotiations.

If OP hasn't negotiated yet, then they definitely should try.