Does it matter where I go? Forum

[si95]

Hey everyone

So as of right now I've applied to most of the schools I plan on applying to. I've applied to 3 schools in the T-13, and pretty much blanketed the 14-30 range. I've already gotten accepted into Penn State Dickinson with a full tuition offer, so I'm holding onto that as a back up.

My career goals do not include big law, it's just not for me I don't think. I plan on doing something in international law, either working for the State Department, the UN or another organization like that. I also wouldn't reject working for a state government, although it definitely is not my first choice and that would be only if I really needed a job bad. Eventually I would like to get into being a judge or having a high position in government/the UN.

My question is does it matter where I go to school for these kind of jobs? Obviously I'm saying that I can go to an unranked school or anything like that, but is it necessary to go to a T-13 school for these kinds of jobs or should I look at the money I get from everywhere then make a decision? I don't want to go to a regional school like Wisconsin and then be stuck in the midwest working for the state government.

Thanks!

Stats: 3.6, 166

[QContinuum]

I plan on doing something in international law, either working for the State Department, the UN or another organization like that. I also wouldn't reject working for a state government, although it definitely is not my first choice and that would be only if I really needed a job bad. Eventually I would like to get into being a judge or having a high position in government/the UN.

My question is does it matter where I go to school for these kind of jobs?

Bad news: "International law" pretty much only exists for YLS grads. Everyone and their brother wants the types of uber-prestigious positions you want. These are positions that would be very tough to get from CCN, let alone a non-T13 school. BigLaw is vastly, vastly easier to get than the unicorn UN/State Department/etc. positions you're hoping to land.

Do you have gangbuster softs? If so, you may still have a shot at Yale. Otherwise, I recommend retaking the LSAT until you have a shot at the upper T13, at the very least. You'll need the very best school you can possibly get into.

[nealric]

Second QContinuum. The jobs you are talking about (U.N., State Department) are unicorn jobs and are not a realistic career goal for most students. Becoming a judge is generally something that happens after at least a decade of successful practice- you need connections within the legal community to be a successful candidate in most places.

Taking a full ride to a second-tier school can be an OK option if the full ride has no stipulations, you will truly be able to graduate debt-free (due to other sources of funding), and you are comfortable with a non-remunerative career track.

[Dahl]

If you have the grades to get in to a T14, you should get full offers at some decent T1 schools. Won't help you get the jobs you're talking about, but you could still work for a federal agency on some level, since you don't seem excited about working for local government.