WashU ($$$$) vs. UT ($$$) Forum

[CrunchyTone]

Cost of attendance for each school:

WashU: 70k

UT: 100k (pre-negotiation, might go down a little)

Goals: TX/NY biglaw

I would much prefer to live in Texas than in STL, and while NY biglaw would be preferable, I would be totally okay with practicing in Texas. I am pretty debt averse.

Stats: 4.0, 170, KJD

I haven't heard back from much of the t14, just trying to think about a preliminary decision if I had to choose between these two schools.

[Libya]

If these are your only options at the end of the cycle I’d consider reapplying (regardless of whether you retake). With those numbers you should be looking at $$$ to perhaps $$$$ at a T14, which is much better for your goals. Biglaw is far from a lock at either if there is a recession/market correction. Out of these two I think it is reasonable to take texas, however, since you actually would prefer living there over the midwest.

[The Lsat Airbender]

You want T13 for NY biglaw, end of story. Texas wouldn't be a terrible choice if you can get that price down some more -- depends on how OK you are with missing out on biglaw. But this is all moot once you get the T13 $$$ that your numbers qualify you for.

[decimalsanddollars]

Between these two, definitely take Texas. UT places pretty well in NYC for those students who show interest (most people at UT actually want to practice in Texas), and the cost difference ($10k a year) is not worth living somewhere you don't want to be for 3 years and attending a lower-ranked school which places no better in NYC and much worse in Texas. I do think you'll get some attention from t13 with your numbers, particularly if you applied broadly, and if so, those schools do place better in NYC and other markets.

[hookem7]

In a vacuum where these are the only two options, I'd pick Texas. You'd be set up much better for Texas firms and would still have a shot at NYC. As mentioned by another poster, UT does place decently in NYC and has a program set up for those that are interested, most (like me) just aren't interested.

But assuming you applied to many of the T14 (I don't see why not all, you have a 4.0 and a very good LSAT), I think you are going to have better options. If you are still interested in Texas, they will respond favorably to reconsidering your scholarship if you come to the table with $$ from say UVa/Mich/Duke. Texas is a great school and I will stan for my alma mater, but I think it would be unwise to choose it over better options in the T14 if biglaw and not just living in Texas is the goal. There is simply too much room for error with Texas for that goal.

[wishywashy]

Texas native, lived in ATX.

UT and it's not even close. Huge preference for UT grads at Texas shops. I have no idea how UT works in NYC. That said, I echo the other posters regarding the apps to t14. I would at least apply to 4 or 5 across the t14 (your usual safety/reach spread but be sure to hit NYU/Columbia/Cornell since you like NYC as a target for jobs).

Also, UT and WashU have very different tuition schedules so maybe $$$ at UT is closer to $$$$ at WashU than it might otherwise appear.

Good luck OP!