Is it worth going 40K in debt to attend UMN? Forum

[BoomBoom1986]

Trust me, I know. However, I’m trying to convince myself that after I get some work experience that I will be able to work in NorCal with a UMN degree. Unfortunately, I’m having some difficulty finding out how portable a UMN degree actually is (ever after being out a few years). Davis has given me a little money and the COL would be a little lower than Hastings, but my debt would still be worse than if I went to UMN. However, I’m thinking that it might be the best overall option (more debt than UMN, but better location. Not in SF like Hastings, but less debt). I’m actually going to visit both Davis and UMN in April (they both have travel stipends) and hopefully that will help sway me one way or another. It’s actually reassuring to know that you were in the same boat as me somewhat, and that you have no regrets about picking UMN over the UC schools.

Right out of law school, a UMN degree doesn't seem to offer much portability. The site only shows a few California firms that recruit at OCI. It's certainly possible if you have strong connections back west though. With a few years of experience, I imagine it'll be easier to relocate. For you, Davis might be a good compromise. You'll be positioned for NorCal but with less debt than Hastings. I think it'll be very helpful to visit all the schools.

I was unsure about UMN until I visited. The school and the city impressed me. I feel that the Minnesota economy is also somewhat insulated from the economic woes that are affecting states like California. It'd also be cheaper for me to attend UMN than a school like Hastings at sticker. So it was a pretty clear decision in my mind.

Are you currently enrolled at UMN? If so, what are the job prospects generally like right now? How are the 2L and 3Ls handling this mess?

Also, and more importantly, what about your visit and/or time in the Twin Cities has made you prefer them over NorCal. I understand that Minneapolis/St.Paul is/are great, but you’d take them over SF? Any and all info regarding the city is as much appreciated as anything about the school. I’ve never set foot in MN (fuck, I don’t think anyone in my family even has).

[JOThompson]

Trust me, I know. However, I’m trying to convince myself that after I get some work experience that I will be able to work in NorCal with a UMN degree. Unfortunately, I’m having some difficulty finding out how portable a UMN degree actually is (ever after being out a few years). Davis has given me a little money and the COL would be a little lower than Hastings, but my debt would still be worse than if I went to UMN. However, I’m thinking that it might be the best overall option (more debt than UMN, but better location. Not in SF like Hastings, but less debt). I’m actually going to visit both Davis and UMN in April (they both have travel stipends) and hopefully that will help sway me one way or another. It’s actually reassuring to know that you were in the same boat as me somewhat, and that you have no regrets about picking UMN over the UC schools.

Right out of law school, a UMN degree doesn't seem to offer much portability. The site only shows a few California firms that recruit at OCI. It's certainly possible if you have strong connections back west though. With a few years of experience, I imagine it'll be easier to relocate. For you, Davis might be a good compromise. You'll be positioned for NorCal but with less debt than Hastings. I think it'll be very helpful to visit all the schools.

I was unsure about UMN until I visited. The school and the city impressed me. I feel that the Minnesota economy is also somewhat insulated from the economic woes that are affecting states like California. It'd also be cheaper for me to attend UMN than a school like Hastings at sticker. So it was a pretty clear decision in my mind.

Are you currently enrolled at UMN? If so, what are the job prospects generally like right now? How are the 2L and 3Ls handling this mess?

Also, and more importantly, what about your visit and/or time in the Twin Cities has made you prefer them over NorCal. I understand that Minneapolis/St.Paul is/are great, but you’d take them over SF? Any and all info regarding the city is as much appreciated as anything about the school. I’ve never set foot in MN (fuck, I don’t think anyone in my family even has).

Nope, but I've submitted my seat deposit

Other than a couple biglaw aspirants, the students I spoke with didn't seem too worried about the economy, as they were more interested in small firm jobs.

As for the city, I really couldn't have asked for more. The Twin Cities are gorgeous, with all the lakes and parks. It was surprisingly diverse. The populace is pretty educated, with something like 40% holding at least a bachelor's degree. People were very friendly and sincere, which is a big factor for me The cleanliness and environmental consciousness also reminded me of my hometown (Portland). Vibrant culture, tons of restaurants, bars, and especially theaters. Unlike other midwestern cities (except Chicago), the Twin Cities are continuing to grow. With the low cost of living, it's really hard to pass up. The only drawback is the cold weather IMO. Prior to visiting, I imagined I'd feel trapped in Minnesota. My experience was exactly the opposite. I think it'd be a great place for a young professional to spend three or more years of life.

I think brose faced the California v. Minnesota dilemma and he's decided to attend UMN in 2010. Maybe he can offer some further insight about his decision.

[BoomBoom1986]

Trust me, I know. However, I’m trying to convince myself that after I get some work experience that I will be able to work in NorCal with a UMN degree. Unfortunately, I’m having some difficulty finding out how portable a UMN degree actually is (ever after being out a few years). Davis has given me a little money and the COL would be a little lower than Hastings, but my debt would still be worse than if I went to UMN. However, I’m thinking that it might be the best overall option (more debt than UMN, but better location. Not in SF like Hastings, but less debt). I’m actually going to visit both Davis and UMN in April (they both have travel stipends) and hopefully that will help sway me one way or another. It’s actually reassuring to know that you were in the same boat as me somewhat, and that you have no regrets about picking UMN over the UC schools.

Right out of law school, a UMN degree doesn't seem to offer much portability. The site only shows a few California firms that recruit at OCI. It's certainly possible if you have strong connections back west though. With a few years of experience, I imagine it'll be easier to relocate. For you, Davis might be a good compromise. You'll be positioned for NorCal but with less debt than Hastings. I think it'll be very helpful to visit all the schools.

I was unsure about UMN until I visited. The school and the city impressed me. I feel that the Minnesota economy is also somewhat insulated from the economic woes that are affecting states like California. It'd also be cheaper for me to attend UMN than a school like Hastings at sticker. So it was a pretty clear decision in my mind.

Are you currently enrolled at UMN? If so, what are the job prospects generally like right now? How are the 2L and 3Ls handling this mess?

Also, and more importantly, what about your visit and/or time in the Twin Cities has made you prefer them over NorCal. I understand that Minneapolis/St.Paul is/are great, but you’d take them over SF? Any and all info regarding the city is as much appreciated as anything about the school. I’ve never set foot in MN (fuck, I don’t think anyone in my family even has).

Nope, but I've submitted my seat deposit

Other than a couple biglaw aspirants, the students I spoke with didn't seem too worried about the economy, as they were more interested in small firm jobs.

As for the city, I really couldn't have asked for more. The Twin Cities are gorgeous, with all the lakes and parks. It was surprisingly diverse. The populace is pretty educated, with something like 40% holding at least a bachelor's degree. People were very friendly and sincere, which is a big factor for me The cleanliness and environmental consciousness also reminded me of my hometown (Portland). Vibrant culture, tons of restaurants, bars, and especially theaters. Unlike other midwestern cities (except Chicago), the Twin Cities are continuing to grow. With the low cost of living, it's really hard to pass up. The only drawback is the cold weather IMO. Prior to visiting, I imagined I'd feel trapped in Minnesota. My experience was exactly the opposite. I think it'd be a great place for a young professional to spend three or more years of life.

I think brose faced the California v. Minnesota dilemma and he's decided to attend UMN in 2010. Maybe he can offer some further insight about his decision.

Thanks man! You’ve pretty much confirmed everything that I’ve read and seen about the Twin Cities online. The comparison to Portland is very encouraging! I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes during the April Admitted Students thing. Did you visit during the March one? If so, do you have any advice to offer? Who knows, maybe I’ll be joining you two there.

btw, is it true about there being skywalks, tunnels, everywhere (to help ward off the cold come winter).

[JOThompson]

Yep, I attended the March ASW. I'd recommend speaking with a good range of current students, prospective students, and professors if possible. You'll have plenty of opportunities to do so if you like, especially at the meals. Sign up for the housing tour (if it's offered), was an invaluable experience for me. It might be useful to spend an extra half day on your own, just exploring things (Mall of America is cool). If you go in with an open mind, that should give you a good feel for the school and area.

The skyway system is pretty neat. Something like 80 city blocks are connected via the bridges. The first couple days, I couldn't figure out where everyone was. I later discovered that the skyways were just swarming with people. It's entirely possible to live in the skyway system and never step outside.

Good luck with the visits, let us know where you decide to attend.

[brose002]

Trust me, I know. However, I’m trying to convince myself that after I get some work experience that I will be able to work in NorCal with a UMN degree. Unfortunately, I’m having some difficulty finding out how portable a UMN degree actually is (ever after being out a few years). Davis has given me a little money and the COL would be a little lower than Hastings, but my debt would still be worse than if I went to UMN. However, I’m thinking that it might be the best overall option (more debt than UMN, but better location. Not in SF like Hastings, but less debt). I’m actually going to visit both Davis and UMN in April (they both have travel stipends) and hopefully that will help sway me one way or another. It’s actually reassuring to know that you were in the same boat as me somewhat, and that you have no regrets about picking UMN over the UC schools.

Right out of law school, a UMN degree doesn't seem to offer much portability. The site only shows a few California firms that recruit at OCI. It's certainly possible if you have strong connections back west though. With a few years of experience, I imagine it'll be easier to relocate. For you, Davis might be a good compromise. You'll be positioned for NorCal but with less debt than Hastings. I think it'll be very helpful to visit all the schools.

I was unsure about UMN until I visited. The school and the city impressed me. I feel that the Minnesota economy is also somewhat insulated from the economic woes that are affecting states like California. It'd also be cheaper for me to attend UMN than a school like Hastings at sticker. So it was a pretty clear decision in my mind.

Are you currently enrolled at UMN? If so, what are the job prospects generally like right now? How are the 2L and 3Ls handling this mess?

Also, and more importantly, what about your visit and/or time in the Twin Cities has made you prefer them over NorCal. I understand that Minneapolis/St.Paul is/are great, but you’d take them over SF? Any and all info regarding the city is as much appreciated as anything about the school. I’ve never set foot in MN (fuck, I don’t think anyone in my family even has).

Nope, but I've submitted my seat deposit

Other than a couple biglaw aspirants, the students I spoke with didn't seem too worried about the economy, as they were more interested in small firm jobs.

As for the city, I really couldn't have asked for more. The Twin Cities are gorgeous, with all the lakes and parks. It was surprisingly diverse. The populace is pretty educated, with something like 40% holding at least a bachelor's degree. People were very friendly and sincere, which is a big factor for me The cleanliness and environmental consciousness also reminded me of my hometown (Portland). Vibrant culture, tons of restaurants, bars, and especially theaters. Unlike other midwestern cities (except Chicago), the Twin Cities are continuing to grow. With the low cost of living, it's really hard to pass up. The only drawback is the cold weather IMO. Prior to visiting, I imagined I'd feel trapped in Minnesota. My experience was exactly the opposite. I think it'd be a great place for a young professional to spend three or more years of life.

I think brose faced the California v. Minnesota dilemma and he's decided to attend UMN in 2010. Maybe he can offer some further insight about his decision.

I was definitely balancing the idea of going to school in California v. Minnesota and others in the midwest. Although I was pretty open to not working in California. I chose Minnesota, for many different reasons, but one that really stuck with me was the dominance it displays in Minnesota. It is far and away the best school in the state. Even if I got into USC in California, I would have still had to fight against graduates from Berkeley, Stanford, and UCLA. I was also looking at UIUC and Notre Dame, and both of those have at least 1 T25 school in their state. In UIUC's case, 2 T14 schools. So that factored heavily into my decision. I also really loved the school and the surrounding area, which cemented the deal. A lot of my thoughts just echo JoThompson's sentiments. Minneapolis was such a unique and vibrant city, and it seems to have a decent sized legal community to foster internships during 2L and 3L year. The city seemed very livable, and I felt very safe walking around at night. The COL is also fantastic. I am looking into a studio very close to the law school, and in a nice area for $700 a month. I payed $1200 for a crappy apartment here in LA. So I was thrilled by that prospect. I also like the fact that everything is so condensed, and that I could get practically anywhere via walking/bus ride/biking. The students and the faculty and UMN were also fantastic. FWIW I will be putting my deposit down in the next few days.

[BoomBoom1986]

Damn, you guys are really making me feel great about UMN. I actually wanted to attend the March ASW, but they ran out of spots so I had to sign up for the April one (which kinda sucks b/c my deposit is due at Davis the 15th and ASW starts the very next day, but oh well). Anyway, I can’t wait to see the city and campus with my own eyes, and I’m sure that it’s probably even more badass in the spring.