WUSTL (full) vs. Cornell ($) Forum

[RoryC]

I got a full ride + stipend to WUSTL and 35k a year from Cornell. I'm originally from the Midwest and don't have biglaw goals or anything - I've always wanted to be a public defender and don't really see that changing. Because of that, and because I'm debt averse, I'm planning on going to WUSTL. However, I want to make sure I'm not missing something (I've seen some anti-WUSTL sentiment on here) and make sure that is the best decision for someone like me.

Since I'm sure this will be asked, my numbers are 168/3.8.

Thanks!

[oidsedidy]

I got a full ride + stipend to WUSTL and 35k a year from Cornell. I'm originally from the Midwest and don't have biglaw goals or anything - I've always wanted to be a public defender and don't really see that changing. Because of that, and because I'm debt averse, I'm planning on going to WUSTL. However, I want to make sure I'm not missing something (I've seen some anti-WUSTL sentiment on here) and make sure that is the best decision for someone like me.

Since I'm sure this will be asked, my numbers are 168/3.8.

Thanks!

WUSTL tosses a lot of money at people- they're often the first bargaining chip you will have when negotiating for more money from other schools. On the surface, I think it's pretty obvious that WUSTL would be the wiser choice. That said, here is some advice- be prepared for your goals to change, and keep an open mind about maximizing your options. Although it may seem completely unrealistic to you now that you might want to do something other than become a public defender, a lot can change between now and when you graduate.

Even if your goal was Biglaw- which would be far more attainable from Cornell than WUSTL, I'd still be reluctant to go there with a small scholarship. With your numbers though, I would be surprised if you couldn't get money from some schools in between WUSTL and Cornell- that could wind up being a better option than either of the ones you currently have. And of course, as is obligatory here, I'd recommend a retake- but you already knew that was coming.

[Mullens]

A full ride + stipend when you want to do PI is the ideal outcome. Even better that it's at a respectable school. Is there a specific market you want to practice in in the Midwest?

[Jmart082]

A full ride + stipend when you want to do PI is the ideal outcome. Even better that it's at a respectable school. Is there a specific market you want to practice in in the Midwest?

WUSTL is the better option. I'd only negotiate with Cornell if I were confident that I could get them to go full tuition on the scholly, but it seems to be a stretch in this hypothetical. Furthermore, Cornell is only worth the price tag if you had ambitions of NY biglaw or wanted New England PI. Full disclosure: I attend WUSTL.

[sublime]

WashU is great with a full + stipend, especially if biglaw is not your goal. We also have pretty solid connections with the StL County PD's office (lots of summers - I did 1L there, and a clinic) that can get you good experience as well as a flexible externship program, so you could prob work as a PD in whatever city you prefer for a semester. I have a good friend (pros side though) that pretty much worked as a prosecutor more than he was in school his last two years between summers, clinics, and externships.

Also disclosure: I just graduated from WashU, but I do think a full with a stipend, wanting midwest with non biglaw goals makes it a really good fit.

[RoryC]

Thanks guys! I felt pretty confident about my decision, but sometimes all that T14 or bust/retake stuff can get to you. I'm just not all that willing or interested to go into massive debt for public defense.

In terms of specific area, I'm not sure - I've lived in several states in the Midwest and I'm pretty open to any of them, any new ones, or something outside the Midwest.

[acr]

Yeah WUSTL no brainer