Columbia vs. Duke Forum

[Dr_OIT]

[...]

[jpark86]

First of all, congratulations on these amazing financial aid offers!

From what you described above, you seem keen on getting into Big Law? If that's the case, I highly suggest Columbia. Because 80% of the people end up working for NYC law firms, CLS' career services office is well known for bending over backwards to make sure the students end up at the firms they want. Even people around the median at CLS end up at decent V25 firms. On the other hand, it maybe tougher landing a better job at Duke at median. But that being said, my friend at Duke who was just above median is doing IP law here in the city. So I guess there is no set formula per say...

But in summary, if you want more of a "safety net," choose CLS. If not, take the Duke offer with more $$$.

Once again congrats!!

[Dr_OIT]

First of all, congratulations on these amazing financial aid offers!

From what you described above, you seem keen on getting into Big Law? If that's the case, I highly suggest Columbia. Because 80% of the people end up working for NYC law firms, CLS' career services office is well known for bending over backwards to make sure the students end up at the firms they want. Even people around the median at CLS end up at decent V25 firms. On the other hand, it maybe tougher landing a better job at Duke at median. But that being said, my friend at Duke who was just above median is doing IP law here in the city. So I guess there is no set formula per say...

But in summary, if you want more of a "safety net," choose CLS. If not, take the Duke offer with more $$$.

Once again congrats!!

Thanks! Yes, whether biglaw or midlaw, the goal is to go into the private sector. *Maybe* a clerkship, but it's unlikely I'd go into PI.

[proteinshake]

since you love Columbia, Columbia. the COA difference isn't big enough to where going to C would be a dumb move.

[palalc]

Can I ask, stats?

I'm eagerly awaiting my Columbia aid offer.

[SUPERCHEF]

Can I ask, stats?

I'm eagerly awaiting my Columbia aid offer.

Curious about this as well.

Congrats on the amazing offer, btw! Personally I think you'd be completely justified in taking Columbia over Duke, their biglaw placement is unreal. I've known a few students who were unhappy socially there but if you visited and you liked it, I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work out well for you.

[Toni V]

Columbia, unless Atlanta BL is your target….Duke would save you some tuition debt and provide you a significant COL upside.

[Dr_OIT]

Columbia, unless Atlanta BL is your target….Duke would save you some tuition debt and provide you a significant COL upside.

Thanks, Toni. Atlanta BL is definitely *not* my target . I grew up in the South and don't really anticipate heading back. I currently live in NYC, and the goal is to practice in NYC (at least at the start).

[jbagelboy]

Columbia. For your goals, especially Columbia.