Page 1 of 1
Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:09 pm
by 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!
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:12 pm
by somethingElse
Retake.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:20 pm
by jnwa
Cornell because Berkeley isnt worth 75k more. But you should retake the LSAT and reapply.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:24 pm
by 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?
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:36 pm
by deepseapartners
That's not a bad offer from Cornell if you really want NYC Biglaw, but you should strongly consider retaking.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:37 pm
by Mikey
I'd say retake, but if you don't plan on it then Cornell.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:50 pm
by RationalHeretic23
euphoricbliss wrote:
-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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:51 pm
by somethingElse
somethingelse55 wrote:Retake.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 5:52 pm
by 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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:17 pm
by euphoricbliss
Mullens wrote: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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:17 pm
by euphoricbliss
RationalHeretic23 wrote:euphoricbliss wrote:
-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
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:18 pm
by euphoricbliss
deepseapartners wrote: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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:24 pm
by rpupkin
euphoricbliss wrote:deepseapartners wrote: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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:25 pm
by landshoes
PI, private loans ... this is a bad combination.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 6:46 pm
by 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)
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:07 pm
by RationalHeretic23
euphoricbliss wrote:RationalHeretic23 wrote:euphoricbliss wrote:
-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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Thu Apr 28, 2016 7:15 pm
by KiltedKicker
RationalHeretic23 wrote:euphoricbliss wrote:RationalHeretic23 wrote:euphoricbliss wrote:
-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
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:22 am
by euphoricbliss
KiltedKicker wrote:RationalHeretic23 wrote:euphoricbliss wrote:RationalHeretic23 wrote:euphoricbliss wrote:
-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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2016 9:11 pm
by jbagelboy
somethingelse55 wrote:somethingelse55 wrote:Retake.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2016 9:28 pm
by 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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2016 9:47 pm
by jphiggo
RationalHeretic23 wrote:euphoricbliss wrote:
-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.
Re: Berkeley v Cornell
Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2016 10:25 pm
by 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.