Debt Averse: What Are My Best Chances for Scholarships? Forum

[spaceman82]

As a debt-averse 0L, I'm wondering if anyone here could help me figure out what would be my best strategy for getting a decent scholarship from a top 20 school? I'm 3.45/175, so I'm thinking about applying to Northwestern ED. This would guarantee me a 50k/year scholarship, but I'm not sure about my chances at being accepted--or if I want to commit myself if a higher-ranked school might offer me money as well. How should I be approaching this?

[Mal Reynolds]

Deferral from last year's cycle here. Thought I'd get the Class of 2015 off to an early start.

Look forward to meeting you all next year

Do you not go to NYU? And you've been on this site for 3 years and don't know the answers to these questions?

[spaceman82]

I was unable to go to NYU this year due to some financial and personal problems, which is partly why I consider myself debt-averse now. Also, I know very little about what kind of scholarship offers I can expect with my numbers, especially as things seem to have changed somewhat since when I last applied (the 2010-2011 cycle) and as I did not research scholarships and financial aid in enough depth at that time. For example, I wasn't offered any money by any schools ranked higher than Northwestern in my original cycle (though I didn't apply for any special scholarships or pursue any ED options), but noticed that someone with similar numbers to mine was accepted (whether this was a fluke or not, I don't know) ED there last cycle and have heard that schools are being more generous with scholarships across the board. But, like I said, I've been out of the loop for quite a while when it comes to the admissions process, etc., so I'd really appreciate hearing from some posters who might have a better idea of what I should expect. Thanks.

[Tiago Splitter]

Definitely apply ED to NU. You probably won't get it but if you've done anything useful over the last few years it's worth a shot. Beyond that, apply broadly and you'll probably get some decent money in the T-14 given the huge drop in applications over the last few years.

[spaceman82]

Thank you, Tiago Splitter I figure the Northwestern ED is worth a shot even if I don't get it as well. Do you know if there are any schools that I should focus on as being especially likely to give out a good scholarship? Any other application options like Northwestern's ED option (though obviously not another binding ED) that might be worth considering?

[szb5058]

I'd say applying ED to ANY school is a bit...silly. Getting into law school is one thing, doing WELL once you're there is another (and just as, if not more important). You need to make sure you'll be comfortable at the school you plan on attending. Go through the process, attend Admitted Student Days, talk to alums. This is a huge decision and I think it's a more complicated one than simply going to the highest ranked school for the least amount of money.

Either way, good luck. I'm sure it'll work out either way homie!

[NYstate]

I'd say applying ED to ANY school is a bit...silly. Getting into law school is one thing, doing WELL once you're there is another (and just as, if not more important). You need to make sure you'll be comfortable at the school you plan on attending. Go through the process, attend Admitted Student Days, talk to alums. This is a huge decision and I think it's a more complicated one than simply going to the highest ranked school for the least amount of money.

Either way, good luck. I'm sure it'll work out either way homie!

What?

[Tiago Splitter]

I'd say applying ED to ANY school is a bit...silly. Getting into law school is one thing, doing WELL once you're there is another (and just as, if not more important). You need to make sure you'll be comfortable at the school you plan on attending. Go through the process, attend Admitted Student Days, talk to alums. This is a huge decision and I think it's a more complicated one than simply going to the highest ranked school for the least amount of money.

Either way, good luck. I'm sure it'll work out either way homie!

It's really not that complicated. If this guy somehow did land the NU ED he'd be crazy to pass it up because it comes with the full ride and he isn't coming close to that anywhere else with such a low GPA. Besides, cultural factors tend to be pretty exaggerated across schools. Were it not for the full ride at Northwestern I would agree that ED is generally a bad idea.