Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k) Forum
-
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 3:37 pm
Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
- BoyJord
- Posts: 242
- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2017 8:15 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Chicago is a wayyy better choice. Ignore debt and move to the Windy City.AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
Signed,
Candidate on the UCLA WL
- usn26
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2015 5:24 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
No, as between UCLA and Chicago. Maybe, as between UCLA and the universe of possibilities (depends on what your total debt would be, your comfort level with missing out on biglaw, and your retake options, among other things).AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
-
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 3:37 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
So you are saying if I'm set on biglaw then go Chicago?usn26 wrote:No, as between UCLA and Chicago. Maybe, as between UCLA and the universe of possibilities (depends on what your total debt would be, your comfort level with missing out on biglaw, and your retake options, among other things).AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
- PDX4343
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2013 11:59 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Just curious, did you get a scholarship offer from UCLA already? I didn't know they were making offers yet.AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
Want to continue reading?
Register now to search topics and post comments!
Absolutely FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 631
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2016 11:47 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Chicago probably gives you a 90% chance of landing big law vs a coin flip at UCLA. I'd take Chicago.
-
- Posts: 631
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2016 11:47 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Chicago probably gives you a 90% chance of landing big law vs a coin flip at UCLA. I'd take Chicago.
-
- Posts: 16639
- Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2014 3:19 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
They haven't but some people have been unofficially finding out. They are given ranges though, not specific numbers I don't think.PDX4343 wrote:Just curious, did you get a scholarship offer from UCLA already? I didn't know they were making offers yet.AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
-
- Posts: 803
- Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2014 11:14 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Chicago at sticker is a bad idea. Yes, you will likely land big law in your target market, but is $300K in debt really worth it? Not to mention that Chicago is a pretty expensive city. If you're comfortable with that much debt, then go to Chicago. But I recommend playing around with a repayment calculator before taking this on -- it's a huge burden.
On the other hand, you might not get big law from UCLA, but you'll still have significant debt ($150K?), although less than you would from Chicago. I'm not a huge fan of that option either because it's risky. Getting big law from UCLA is doable, but you should start networking as soon as possible and (obviously) get the highest 1L GPA possible. No money from USC? I would take a full ride there.
Unfortunately, I don't like either of these options and recommend retaking the LSAT.
On the other hand, you might not get big law from UCLA, but you'll still have significant debt ($150K?), although less than you would from Chicago. I'm not a huge fan of that option either because it's risky. Getting big law from UCLA is doable, but you should start networking as soon as possible and (obviously) get the highest 1L GPA possible. No money from USC? I would take a full ride there.
Unfortunately, I don't like either of these options and recommend retaking the LSAT.
- PDX4343
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Sun Oct 27, 2013 11:59 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Ah, got it. Any ideas on how someone would go about unofficially finding out?Rigo wrote:They haven't but some people have been unofficially finding out. They are given ranges though, not specific numbers I don't think.PDX4343 wrote:Just curious, did you get a scholarship offer from UCLA already? I didn't know they were making offers yet.AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
- rwe13
- Posts: 77
- Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:23 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Would definitely not recommend Chi at sticker; provided you want southern cal, UCLA will give you a fair shot at biglaw
- Colonel_funkadunk
- Posts: 3248
- Joined: Tue Mar 11, 2014 11:03 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
call the dean and askPDX4343 wrote:Ah, got it. Any ideas on how someone would go about unofficially finding out?Rigo wrote:They haven't but some people have been unofficially finding out. They are given ranges though, not specific numbers I don't think.PDX4343 wrote:Just curious, did you get a scholarship offer from UCLA already? I didn't know they were making offers yet.AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
-
- Posts: 884
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 11:41 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
lower t14 with decent scholarship is a good option which he/she should have if he/she got into chicagoacr wrote:Chicago at sticker is a bad idea. Yes, you will likely land big law in your target market, but is $300K in debt really worth it? Not to mention that Chicago is a pretty expensive city. If you're comfortable with that much debt, then go to Chicago. But I recommend playing around with a repayment calculator before taking this on -- it's a huge burden.
On the other hand, you might not get big law from UCLA, but you'll still have significant debt ($150K?), although less than you would from Chicago. I'm not a huge fan of that option either because it's risky. Getting big law from UCLA is doable, but you should start networking as soon as possible and (obviously) get the highest 1L GPA possible. No money from USC? I would take a full ride there.
Unfortunately, I don't like either of these options and recommend retaking the LSAT.
Register now!
Resources to assist law school applicants, students & graduates.
It's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
-
- Posts: 753
- Joined: Tue Dec 20, 2016 9:57 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Yeah I was wondering about Berkeley with $$. That would be a good move with in-state tuition.curry1 wrote:lower t14 with decent scholarship is a good option which he/she should have if he/she got into chicagoacr wrote:Chicago at sticker is a bad idea. Yes, you will likely land big law in your target market, but is $300K in debt really worth it? Not to mention that Chicago is a pretty expensive city. If you're comfortable with that much debt, then go to Chicago. But I recommend playing around with a repayment calculator before taking this on -- it's a huge burden.
On the other hand, you might not get big law from UCLA, but you'll still have significant debt ($150K?), although less than you would from Chicago. I'm not a huge fan of that option either because it's risky. Getting big law from UCLA is doable, but you should start networking as soon as possible and (obviously) get the highest 1L GPA possible. No money from USC? I would take a full ride there.
Unfortunately, I don't like either of these options and recommend retaking the LSAT.
UChicago is a phenomenal school but not worth 300k non-dischargeable debt. 200k? Maybe. 150k? Probably. But not 300k.
-
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 3:37 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
I spoke with the dean of admissions after I took a tour and he gave me a ballpark number. The official package has yet to arrive.PDX4343 wrote:Just curious, did you get a scholarship offer from UCLA already? I didn't know they were making offers yet.AlexanderJordan wrote:These are my final two options. I am curious as to which school you all think is the better option for Los Angeles/San Fran biglaw. I know Chicago is a better school and has connections to any major legal market, but am I crazy for leaning UCLA? Any advice would be much appreciated!
-
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Tue Feb 23, 2016 3:37 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Thank you all for the insight. Retaking the LSAT isnt really an option because I am not going to sit out a cycle. USC only gave me 75k.... weird right? I'm sure I could get them to match, but I toured the campus and wasn't exactly blown away. I will let you all know of my decision hopefully within a month or so!
- KMart
- Posts: 4369
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 1:25 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Chicago is cheaper than SoCal, for the record.acr wrote:Chicago is a pretty expensive city.
Get unlimited access to all forums and topics
Register now!
I'm pretty sure I told you it's FREE...
Already a member? Login
- KMart
- Posts: 4369
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 1:25 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
OP it's really up to you to determine if a 90% chance at biglaw is worth $200k more than a 50% chance at big law.
is that extra $82k starting salary worth it to you for $200k?
is that extra $82k starting salary worth it to you for $200k?
- jbagelboy
- Posts: 10361
- Joined: Thu Nov 29, 2012 7:57 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Do you intend to practice in southern California? If so, UCLA is the better choice. If you have your heart set on another market, Chicago is the better choice (although I can't in good conscience advocate for attending and borrowing sticker).
-
- Posts: 16639
- Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2014 3:19 pm
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Where are you getting this $82k?KMart wrote: is that extra $82k starting salary worth it to you for $200k?
Isn't it way more because of bimodal salary distribution?
- KMart
- Posts: 4369
- Joined: Wed Jul 02, 2014 1:25 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
90% chance at $180k versus 50% chance of $180kRigo wrote:Where are you getting this $82k?KMart wrote: is that extra $82k starting salary worth it to you for $200k?
Isn't it way more because of bimodal salary distribution?
just expected values. i should've been more clear, my fault.
Communicate now with those who not only know what a legal education is, but can offer you worthy advice and commentary as you complete the three most educational, yet challenging years of your law related post graduate life.
Register now, it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login
- CR7
- Posts: 75
- Joined: Tue Jan 03, 2017 10:09 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Where is the 90% chance at big law coming from?KMart wrote:90% chance at $180k versus 50% chance of $180kRigo wrote:Where are you getting this $82k?KMart wrote: is that extra $82k starting salary worth it to you for $200k?
Isn't it way more because of bimodal salary distribution?
just expected values. i should've been more clear, my fault.
-
- Posts: 884
- Joined: Fri May 15, 2015 11:41 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Chicago places~75/80% into biglaw + fedclerk. Presumably a good number of the remaining 20-25% could have had biglaw but opted for government, elite public interest, business positions etc.CR7 wrote:Where is the 90% chance at big law coming from?KMart wrote:90% chance at $180k versus 50% chance of $180kRigo wrote:Where are you getting this $82k?KMart wrote: is that extra $82k starting salary worth it to you for $200k?
Isn't it way more because of bimodal salary distribution?
just expected values. i should've been more clear, my fault.
-
- Posts: 1845
- Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 2:22 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
IMHO it would be tough to get SoCal biglaw from median at either school. If working in CA is a must I would go with UCLA. If you don't care and definitely want biglaw, it's a tossup.
- GFox345
- Posts: 366
- Joined: Sun Jul 12, 2015 3:53 am
Re: Chicago (sticker) vs UCLA (115k)
Chicago at sticker leads to $330k debt. You're looking at $3800 a month for a 10-year payment plan or $2300 a month for 25. That's an absurd amount of debt. No school is worth that much debt.
UCLA on a 115k scholarship leads to $143k debt or $1600 for 10 years and $950 for 25 years. That's very manageable.
The people who don't get Big Law at UCLA get midlaw, PI/Gov gigs, and other stuff. At Midlaw, you'll likely end up still making a six-figure salary. It's true that Chicago gives a substantially better chance at Big law, and it is second only to Yale for clerkships, but from a practical point of view, I think UCLA is the clear choice here. The only consideration is where you want to eventually work. If you want to work in Chicago, I suggest that you sit this year out and apply more broadly in that area next year. Don't destroy your life with $330k debt. That makes even Big Law salary feel like poverty.
EDIT: Just read your original post in its entirety. You want to work in CA? UCLA is the obvious choice here in my opinion. Make sure you exhaust your negotiation options, but coming out of UCLA with $140k debt is not a bad outcome at all. Coming out of UChicago with $330k debt definitely is.
UCLA on a 115k scholarship leads to $143k debt or $1600 for 10 years and $950 for 25 years. That's very manageable.
The people who don't get Big Law at UCLA get midlaw, PI/Gov gigs, and other stuff. At Midlaw, you'll likely end up still making a six-figure salary. It's true that Chicago gives a substantially better chance at Big law, and it is second only to Yale for clerkships, but from a practical point of view, I think UCLA is the clear choice here. The only consideration is where you want to eventually work. If you want to work in Chicago, I suggest that you sit this year out and apply more broadly in that area next year. Don't destroy your life with $330k debt. That makes even Big Law salary feel like poverty.
EDIT: Just read your original post in its entirety. You want to work in CA? UCLA is the obvious choice here in my opinion. Make sure you exhaust your negotiation options, but coming out of UCLA with $140k debt is not a bad outcome at all. Coming out of UChicago with $330k debt definitely is.
Seriously? What are you waiting for?
Now there's a charge.
Just kidding ... it's still FREE!
Already a member? Login