Top Law Schools

Hi guys, I just was offered 25k a year at Berkeley this week. Or I have a full ride to GULC with their public interest scholarship (includes a faculty mentor, alumni mentor, special clinical privileges, etc)

My goals are immigration/refugee law. I'm definitely going into public interest so debt is a bit scary. But the better ranking of Berkeley is appealing. I also went to undergrad at Cal so I know I can be happy there. I'm super torn.

I would be super appreciative of any opinions. Thanks!

greys4ever wrote:Hi guys, I just was offered 25k a year at Berkeley this week. Or I have a full ride to GULC with their public interest scholarship (includes a faculty mentor, alumni mentor, special clinical privileges, etc)

My goals are immigration/refugee law. I'm definitely going into public interest so debt is a bit scary. But the better ranking of Berkeley is appealing. I also went to undergrad at Cal so I know I can be happy there. I'm super torn.

I would be super appreciative of any opinions. Thanks!

Where do you want to practice?

Immigration/refugee law isn't that pedigree sensitive -- keeping debt down would be my first inclination. I also think people tend to underestimate the "prestige" or signaling that comes along with a specialized full ride. I think the full ride is more impressive from the PI hiring point of view than a standard Berkeley admission.

greys4ever wrote:Hi guys, I just was offered 25k a year at Berkeley this week. Or I have a full ride to GULC with their public interest scholarship (includes a faculty mentor, alumni mentor, special clinical privileges, etc)

My goals are immigration/refugee law. I'm definitely going into public interest so debt is a bit scary. But the better ranking of Berkeley is appealing. I also went to undergrad at Cal so I know I can be happy there. I'm super torn.

I would be super appreciative of any opinions. Thanks!

If you're definitely doing PI Georgetown seems like the better bet because you will have (1) less debt (2) a specific scholarship in public interest that employers may like and (3) the opportunity to take the more PI oriented curriculum B which PI employers may also like. Georgetown also has a career service center specifically for public interest which I do not think Berkeley has.

I'd go with GULC hands down. Having no debt (or only debt from living expenses) is going to lift a lot of stress off your shoulders. Also, GULC is a fantastic school. I know GULC gets beaten up on TLS quite a bit for its lower BL+FC score, but that's because most of TLS is interested in BL+FC or at least buys into that defining prestigious legal outcomes. GULC is truly one of the best law schools in the nation that you can attend, and you'll have a shot at some fantastic legal opportunities there. Congratulations!

What is your cost of living at both locations?

Georgetown

Julius wrote:

greys4ever wrote:Hi guys, I just was offered 25k a year at Berkeley this week. Or I have a full ride to GULC with their public interest scholarship (includes a faculty mentor, alumni mentor, special clinical privileges, etc)

My goals are immigration/refugee law. I'm definitely going into public interest so debt is a bit scary. But the better ranking of Berkeley is appealing. I also went to undergrad at Cal so I know I can be happy there. I'm super torn.

I would be super appreciative of any opinions. Thanks!

Where do you want to practice?

Immigration/refugee law isn't that pedigree sensitive -- keeping debt down would be my first inclination. I also think people tend to underestimate the "prestige" or signaling that comes along with a specialized full ride. I think the full ride is more impressive from the PI hiring point of view than a standard Berkeley admission.

Eventually I want to get back to California. I'm fine if that takes a year after graduation but I wouldn't want to stay east coast much longer than that.

usn26 wrote:Georgetown

debt free debt free debt free