Berkeley v Cornell Forum

[euphoricbliss]

Hello all!

Been lurking for a little but I made an actual account because I can’t come to a decision as to what school to attend and would love to have more opinions on the topic. I know my options are pretty good but I can’t decide if attending a T-10 (Berkeley) will make a substantial difference for my education, career and clerkship opportunities, alumni network etc. as opposed to attending a T-14 (Cornell). I should mention I liked Berkeley better overall after visiting them both: class size, diversity, weather, and location.

Here are the facts:
-Deciding between Berkeley and Ithaca. West coast versus East coast.

-I am interested in immigration law, public policy, and working for the federal government but I am aware of the reality of maybe having to do big law first to pay off my loans.

-I do not have a preferred market as to where I'd like to practice after graduation.

-I do not qualify for any loan repayment programs or federal loans and will be financing my education through private loans, personal savings, and help from family.

-Berkeley COA for 3 years: $246,448.50. No money; I cannot obtain California residency and therefore grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are also off the table since it’s a state school.

-Cornell COA for 3 years: $174,591.00. I was granted a $75,000 scholarship since it is a private school.

-URM / GPA 3.89 / LSAT 158, taken once.

Let me know if I forgot something substantial to assessing the situation… thanks in advance for the help!

[somethingElse]

Retake.

[jnwa]

Cornell because Berkeley isnt worth 75k more. But you should retake the LSAT and reapply.

[Mullens]

Why do you not qualify for federal loans? Are you not an American citizen? Will you be able to work in the US after graduation or for the federal government?

[deepseapartners]

That's not a bad offer from Cornell if you really want NYC Biglaw, but you should strongly consider retaking.

[Mikey]

I'd say retake, but if you don't plan on it then Cornell.

[RationalHeretic23]

-Berkeley COA for 3 years: $246,448.50. No money; I cannot obtain California residency and therefore grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are also off the table since it’s a state school.

You should be able to obtain California residency for 2L and 3L years.

[somethingElse]

Retake.

[SplitMyPants]

Retake, go to to T14 for almost free, then do the PI you want to do without getting forced into big law to pay back loans.

[euphoricbliss]

Why do you not qualify for federal loans? Are you not an American citizen? Will you be able to work in the US after graduation or for the federal government?

Yep, I will be able to work in the US and for the government after graduation.

[euphoricbliss]

-Berkeley COA for 3 years: $246,448.50. No money; I cannot obtain California residency and therefore grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are also off the table since it’s a state school.

You should be able to obtain California residency for 2L and 3L years.

Already checked with financial aid and registrar's office, unfortunately wouldn't be able to

[euphoricbliss]

That's not a bad offer from Cornell if you really want NYC Biglaw, but you should strongly consider retaking.

I don't though. I'm PI all the way.

[rpupkin]

That's not a bad offer from Cornell if you really want NYC Biglaw, but you should strongly consider retaking.

I don't though. I'm PI all the way.

Don't go to Cornell. You really should retake.

[landshoes]

PI, private loans ... this is a bad combination.

[KiltedKicker]

Berkeley is definitely not worth sticker, even if it's the better fit. You have a great gpa and a lot of room for improvement on your lsat score, I know it blows but you should definitely re-take at least once if not twice (depending on score)

[RationalHeretic23]

-Berkeley COA for 3 years: $246,448.50. No money; I cannot obtain California residency and therefore grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are also off the table since it’s a state school.

You should be able to obtain California residency for 2L and 3L years.

Already checked with financial aid and registrar's office, unfortunately wouldn't be able to

Wait can you tell me why you wouldn't be able to attain California residency? I don't understand and I'm just curious because this is what I'm planning on doing.

[KiltedKicker]

-Berkeley COA for 3 years: $246,448.50. No money; I cannot obtain California residency and therefore grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are also off the table since it’s a state school.

You should be able to obtain California residency for 2L and 3L years.

Already checked with financial aid and registrar's office, unfortunately wouldn't be able to

Wait can you tell me why you wouldn't be able to attain California residency? I don't understand and I'm just curious because this is what I'm planning on doing.

I am a california resident so I didn't look into it much, but I did hear someone from Berkeley say directly that anyone can get residency 2L and 3L if they stay the summer. So ya, I'm also confused

[euphoricbliss]

-Berkeley COA for 3 years: $246,448.50. No money; I cannot obtain California residency and therefore grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are also off the table since it’s a state school.

You should be able to obtain California residency for 2L and 3L years.

Already checked with financial aid and registrar's office, unfortunately wouldn't be able to

Wait can you tell me why you wouldn't be able to attain California residency? I don't understand and I'm just curious because this is what I'm planning on doing.

I am a california resident so I didn't look into it much, but I did hear someone from Berkeley say directly that anyone can get residency 2L and 3L if they stay the summer. So ya, I'm also confused

Just me you guys, don't freak out! It has to do with what your immigration status is.

[jbagelboy]

Retake.

[Nachoo2019]

I do not have anything constructive to say, but I would do terrible things to be in your position with that GPA/URM status. RETAKE.

[jphiggo]

-Berkeley COA for 3 years: $246,448.50. No money; I cannot obtain California residency and therefore grants, scholarships, and need-based aid are also off the table since it’s a state school.

You should be able to obtain California residency for 2L and 3L years.

Which would save ~$8k total if the op managed to obtain residency for 2L/3L. No where near enough money to alter the equation from retake.

[Bleeeh]

I'm a URM, with a 3.4-3.5 and a 167 LSAT. I got pretty good money from Cornell. So a retake with your GPA could bring your projected debt down a lot. Since you want PI and are taking out private loans, I think you would really benefit from maximizing your scholarships and minimizing your debt.