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I'm currently deposited and all set for UC Hastings, but USC's waitlist is starting to move and my numbers are right where they have begun to accept people. Obviously this isn't a guarantee or even a legit barometer to figuring out if I will get off the waitlist, but it has gotten me to start thinking about it as a more realistic possibility (like >0% as opposed to before when I thought there was no way EVER).

I'm starting to have a bit of a panic... If I do get that magical call from USC do I give up my deposit and scholarship money at Hastings for full sticker at USC?

Any pros/cons either way would be SUPER appreciated!

Do you want to live and practice in SoCal or NorCal? This is a key element to your decision.

BTW, what kind of $? Half-ride? Contingent on performance?

Depends on two criteria:

A) Whether you are fairly certain that you want to work in Los Angeles

B) How much money Hastings is throwing you

Whether you consider critera B is dependent upon criteria A.

If you are fairly certain you want to work in LA (including the Greater LA Area/OC), there's a good case to be made for going to USC at sticker. USC will place far better than Hastings in Greater LA. Whether you go to USC, of course, depends on how much money you're getting from Hastings. If they're throwing you a token sum, then there's no question--go to USC. If they're throwing you a large amount of money that's going to substantially decrease your debt burden, then throw the dice and go to Hastings. Only you know what that debt threshold is, because only you have a full grasp of your economic situation and what sort of law you plan on practicing. But to turn down a USC J.D. knowing that you want to work in LA, it had better be a sizable sum.

If you are not fairly certain that you want to work in LA and believe that you would rather work elsewhere in CA (especially Norcal), by all means, take the money and run. There's little question. For as well as USC does in Greater LA, Hastings is going to place just as well elsewhere, and even better in the Bay Area. If practicing in LA does not appeal to you, ignore the ranking, and take the money.

I'm originally from the LA area and know this is where I want to practice and live (especially since I'm interested in pursuing a career in entertainment law.

However, Hastings offered 20K in scholarships/grants for the first year, renewable upon performance for subsequent years. That's significant. However, my parents have offered to cover living costs (at either school) which is a significant part of the costs. The $$ from Hastings is not guaranteed for the second or third years, though from research it's safe to assume that my 10k grant would remain.

bearsEATtrees wrote:I'm originally from the LA area and know this is where I want to practice and live (especially since I'm interested in pursuing a career in entertainment law.

SC. If you are worried about money, try to make the football team, I hear the pay is nice.

Easy choice USC will open moar doors

sundance95 wrote:

bearsEATtrees wrote:I'm originally from the LA area and know this is where I want to practice and live (especially since I'm interested in pursuing a career in entertainment law.

SC. If you are worried about money, try to make the football team, I hear the pay is nice.

As great as I would look in that uniform without the allure of those bowl games the glory just really isn't there. Plus Lane Kiffin is a tool.

Thanks everyone! That was actually really helpful. Now lets hope they actually allow me to make that decision!!!!

Look at your username. You can't go to USC. Have you no loyalty at all?

Roll on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cEr-aIEc_g

SoftBoiledLife wrote:Look at your username. You can't go to USC. Have you no loyalty at all?

Roll on.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cEr-aIEc_g

As my father, a die-hard UCLA fan, told me as he cried when I tried to apply as an undergrad: "the law school doesn't have a football team, so it's ok."

.

USC, but don't let debt get too much above 120k or so.

USC because it gives you better prospects and you want LA where it will carry a stronger name. I don't think $40k over 3 years is enough to weigh in UCH's factor considering you will still be close to 6 figures in debt at UCH.

General Tso wrote:USC, but don't let debt get too much above 120k or so.

Uh, broheim, some of us didn't go to USC because it's virtually impossible to do this.

SoftBoiledLife wrote:

General Tso wrote:USC, but don't let debt get too much above 120k or so.

Uh, broheim, some of us didn't go to USC because it's virtually impossible to do this.

then OP shouldn't go either

Taking out cost of living (which leaves tuition, fees, and books) makes it roughly 50k/year so 150k in total.

EDIT: For USC.

.

Daytukrjabs wrote:

bk187 wrote:Taking out cost of living (which leaves tuition, fees, and books) makes it roughly 50k/year so 150k in total.

EDIT: For USC.

I thought USC's tuition alone was 50k?

Yeah if you're financing the whole education with loans and didn't get $$$, I really fail to see how you could get out of there for much less than $200,000.

Daytukrjabs wrote:I thought USC's tuition alone was 50k?

Their CoA said 46k and change.

SoftBoiledLife wrote:Yeah if you're financing the whole education with loans and didn't get $$$, I really fail to see how you could get out of there for much less than $200,000.

OP said parents are paying for cost of living.

bk187 wrote:

Daytukrjabs wrote:I thought USC's tuition alone was 50k?

Their CoA said 46k and change.

SoftBoiledLife wrote:Yeah if you're financing the whole education with loans and didn't get $$$, I really fail to see how you could get out of there for much less than $200,000.

OP said parents are paying for cost of living.

CoA stands for total cost of attendance.( Tuition, books, transportation, and living,etc.)
http://lawweb.usc.edu/how/jd/finaid/costs.cfm
46k is for tuition only. You can't get out of USC under 150k unless you have scholly or outside help.

NewLobo wrote:CoA stands for total cost of attendance.( Tuition, books, transportation, and living,etc.)
http://lawweb.usc.edu/how/jd/finaid/costs.cfm
46k is for tuition only. You can't get out of USC under 150k unless you have scholly or outside help.

I understand that, I guess I should have been clearer. What I meant was:

The page with USC's CoA lists tuition at 46k.

bk187 wrote:

NewLobo wrote:CoA stands for total cost of attendance.( Tuition, books, transportation, and living,etc.)
http://lawweb.usc.edu/how/jd/finaid/costs.cfm
46k is for tuition only. You can't get out of USC under 150k unless you have scholly or outside help.

I understand that, I guess I should have been clearer. What I meant was:

The page with USC's CoA lists tuition at 46k.

Gotcha .