Penn($$) vs. Michigan($$$) vs. Columbia($?) for PI Forum

[shehulk16]

HELLO PLS HELP ME

Michigan has given me the most money, with Penn coming in at a close-ish second and Columbia still hasn't given me a package. I'm pretty interested in PI or clerking, but also trying to be flexible about that given the amount of debt I'll be in. Long term goal is PI or government though. Would prefer to be in a city, but I like Ann Arbor. Lay prestige is unfortunately a mild factor. I'm also potentially pursuing a graduate certificate or dual degree. My concern about Penn is that it has such low PI numbers that I'm worried it can't all be self-selection and the institution might just not be as good at helping graduates secure PI jobs. Michigan obviously has the best PI numbers of the three (and the most robust PI/clerking community re: professors will really work with you and reach out to you if they think you should pursue a certain clerkship or position). Also, Columbia has the best LRAP by far (which is why it's still in the running), Michigan has the most generous out of the t-13, and Penn's program leaves much to be desired.

Would appreciate anyone's thoughts! I really need y'all to literally make this decision for me lol.

[Veil of Ignorance]

More data will allow for better responses. i.e. LSAT/GPA, and COA at each school.

[shehulk16]

~~

[cavalier1138]

What kind of PI work are you interested in? And what kind of dual degree were you contemplating?

(The LSAT/GPA info is helpful, because it lets people know if there's room for improvement to get better offers in the next cycle.)

[Dr. Nefario]

Columbia is the best option for clerking/PI bc of dat LRAP, but you'd need to really be absolutely focused on PI work in order to justify it.

ETA: I don't know much about UM/Peen's LRAP so I'll leave that to other, but at those levels of debt UM seems best if you aren't 100% PI. If you are, I'd throw caution to the wind and go Columbia. BUT I'M RISKAY

[shehulk16]

Being hella indecisive, I'm not sure that I'm committed enough to PI to go to CLS, potentially at sticker (LOL). I'm thinking more graduate certificate than dual degree (who needs an extra year of school amiright).

I'm interested in really competitive PI e.g ACLU, EJW, kinda thing, but I really want a clerkship too...but don't we all lol

Thank you for your responses!!