Debt/Reputation/Prospects... what would you do? Forum

[camron1111]

Among others, I was accepted to the following law schools: University of Akron, West Virginia University, and University of Pittsburgh. I received nearly a full scholarship from Akron; nothing from Pitt (that may change but doubtful); and am still waiting to hear about West Virginia (though I imagine I would be a fair amount).

These may not be T-14 schools, but nevertheless, my question remains... as someone who will likely end up seeking corporate opportunities, what would be the most advisable decision? Less debt or better prospects? Of the three schools, Pitt Law has the best prospects. It's roughly a $90,000 (give or take) difference between attending Akron and attending Pitt. But at what long-term cost? Taking everything into consideration... I'm interested to hear thoughts on this scenario?

[Birdman]

Those are all regional schools, so the best question is where do you want to practice?

[Mroberts3]

At this point I would say you have to go with the least debt. Yes, these are regional schools but none of them have good enough job prospects to take on a serious debt load. At least with a full scholarship you are limiting your downside. (consider the long term cost of not being able to pay of your loans at all...)

[Birdman]

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[camron1111]

At this point I would say you have to go with the least debt. Yes, these are regional schools but none of them have good enough job prospects to take on a serious debt load. At least with a full scholarship you are limiting your downside. (consider the long term cost of not being able to pay of your loans at all...)

Those are all regional schools, so the best question is where do you want to practice?

I'm from Michigan, I've been to Ohio a lot and if I had to live and work in Akron I would shoot myself. But yes if you don't mind living in Ohio go with the full ride.

I applied to a couple of southern schools to and am waiting to hear, but of the local schools, these are the ones that I would most strongly consider. I understand that each of the schools are regional, as are virtually all schools, save the few "elite" schools. A 3.9 student in undergrad (now almost 2 years removed, working in the real world), I'm confident that I can finish in the top 10-15% of my class, regardless of which school i attend.. so I picture each scenario as though this were the case.

I'm originally from the greater Pittsburgh area and am a WVU alum... so I planned on practicing in this region anyway... Even with the city of Pittsburgh obviously being a larger hub for opportunity at graduation, you'd still lean towards the T3 Akron+scholarship? You don't think there's enough disparity with respect to career prospects between PITT and Akron to offset the upside of the scholarship??

[underachiever]

As an Ohioan who wants to move back after law school I have been asking around a bit about Ohio schools and jobs.
Akron for free works in Northeast Ohio and a bit in Columbus but past that its tough to get a JOB.
Pitt does have far greater reach but, unless you have family money or connections I would take Akron for free and just move later on if you cant land a direct job out of the area.
Or apply again next year to a different region of schools/retake the LSAT
good luck!

[Mroberts3]

Your 3.9 changes everything. If these are the schools you are considering I would say, emphatically, do not go to law school this year. Retake the LSAT and see where you are at then. You might still end up at Pitt, but wouldn't you prefer a scholarship at Pit instead of Akron? You can have your cake and eat it too.

Think of it this way, why wouldn't you study for 3-4 months for the chance to save $30,000 or more on tuition.

EDIT: Also, there is no way you can guarantee that you will be in the top 10% of your class. All the more experienced people on here agree that everyone works hard, so you can't just bank on out working everyone.