T10 (in 2014) vs (T25 in 2013) Forum

[chicagocubsrule]

So I had my heart set on a Top 25 program (between 23-25) in the Midwest. Unfortunately, I got in with no money. Today I received a call from one of my reaches (where I was waitlisted for a few months) and was offered a seat for the Class of 2014 (assuming I commit to going there). My question is: should I suck it up and start class in a few weeks at a school I'm happy with or do I defer for the year and go to a much better school? Either option will result in lots of debt.
Thanks

[Holly Golightly]

If you have a financially stable option for the next year, wait.

[Flanker1067]

So I had my heart set on a Top 25 program (between 23-25) in the Midwest. Unfortunately, I got in with no money. Today I received a call from one of my reaches (where I was waitlisted for a few months) and was offered a seat for the Class of 2014 (assuming I commit to going there). My question is: should I suck it up and start class in a few weeks at a school I'm happy with or do I defer for the year and go to a much better school? Either option will result in lots of debt.
Thanks

If they are both lots of debt, I would take T10 in a second. Better job opportunities, and personally I think the extra time will mean better opportunities for you too. Just make a little money or have a lot of fun in the meantime.

[chicagocubsrule]

Thanks guys! I should've included a little background about me. I'm an older candidate (turning 30 in August) and am currently earning a six figure salary so I'll have a job in the event I defer. My only issue is I feel I'm already a bit old to start school and deferring another year won't help alleviate this feeling.

[Holly Golightly]

I definitely vote for waiting, then. Just feeling old isn't a good enough reason to pass it up!

[CanadianWolf]

Defer, although it would help to know the schools in question & where you want to live & work. I am concerned because I had a case like this about twenty years ago regarding a top 3 MBA program versus a full ride at a top 20 to 25 program that did not work out well for the person who chose the top ranked MBA program.

[chicagocubsrule]

Defer, although it would help to know the schools in question & where you want to live & work. I am concerned because I had a case like this about twenty years ago regarding a top 3 MBA program versus a full ride at a top 20 to 25 program that did not work out well for the person who chose the top ranked MBA program.

Both are in the Midwest and I know for certain I want to be in Chicago when I graduate (both schools have excellent reputations here).

[CanadianWolf]

I'm not going to play a guessing game with you, such as Illinois & Michigan, because quality of information in limits the quality of advice that can be proffered & because almost nobody attends Illinois without money.

[chicagocubsrule]

I'm not going to play a guessing game with you, such as Illinois & Michigan, because quality of information in limits the quality of advice that can be proffered.

sent you a PM

[CanadianWolf]

Based on your PM this choice is not even close. Go with the higher ranked law school. For independent verification check the National Law Journal's most recent placement statistics. These two schools operate in different orbits.

[chicagocubsrule]

Based on your PM this choice is not even close. Go with the higher ranked law school. For independent verification check the National Law Journal's most recent placement statistics. These two schools operate in different orbits.

thanks

[chicagocubsrule]

any other thoughts?

[Lurkster]

You have all of the advice that you need. There isn't even a question as to what you should do.

[Bronte]

You have all of the advice that you need. There isn't even a question as to what you should do.

[reverendt]

The longer you wait before entering the legal job market the more time it has to bounce back from the mess it currently is.

If you can find something to do (and a means of support) for the next year, I'd wait and go T10.

[chicagocubsrule]

The longer you wait before entering the legal job market the more time it has to bounce back from the mess it currently is.

If you can find something to do (and a means of support) for the next year, I'd wait and go T10.

good point

[lawschoollll]

You make 6 figures already?

TCR is don't go to law school.

[camstant]

You make 6 figures already?

TCR is don't go to law school.

Yep.

[Knock]

You make 6 figures already?

TCR is don't go to law school.

Yep.

I agree. Why trade the certainty of a 6 figure salary for the uncertainty of a legal career, where you may or may not be making a 6 figure salary.

[vanwinkle]

I gave up decent money (not six figures, but still decent money) to go to law school. I understand the desire, so I won't do anything to discourage you from going.

However, take the deferral. Waiting a year, saving up more money, and letting the economy heal a little more will be great for you in the long run. Just make sure you're responsible and save as much of what you're making now as you can, that's the best thing you can do for yourself right now.

There's absolutely no doubt you'll be in a better employment situation from the T10, due to both the time delay and attending a better school.

[clint4law]

I gave up decent money (not six figures, but still decent money) to go to law school. I understand the desire, so I won't do anything to discourage you from going.

However, take the deferral. Waiting a year, saving up more money, and letting the economy heal a little more will be great for you in the long run. Just make sure you're responsible and save as much of what you're making now as you can, that's the best thing you can do for yourself right now.

There's absolutely no doubt you'll be in a better employment situation from the T10, due to both the time delay and attending a better school.

yeap...at this point in my life I'm also not focused about money so I see where OP is coming from. Anyone goin to law school to become wealthy is in for a surprise.

[chicagocubsrule]

thanks guys

[thecilent]

Do not go to law school. If you pay sticker, do you know how much money ls will cost you with that opp cost. I think that is wayyyy too much money. Think thoroughly about this decision

[vanwinkle]

Do not go to law school. If you pay sticker, do you know how much money ls will cost you with that opp cost. I think that is wayyyy too much money. Think thoroughly about this decision

Really awesome job of not reading the thread fully before responding.

[JOThompson]

So I had my heart set on a Top 25 program (between 23-25) in the Midwest. Unfortunately, I got in with no money. Today I received a call from one of my reaches (where I was waitlisted for a few months) and was offered a seat for the Class of 2014 (assuming I commit to going there). My question is: should I suck it up and start class in a few weeks at a school I'm happy with or do I defer for the year and go to a much better school? Either option will result in lots of debt.
Thanks

If they are both lots of debt, I would take T10 in a second. Better job opportunities, and personally I think the extra time will mean better opportunities for you too. Just make a little money or have a lot of fun in the meantime.

If the cost will be roughly equal for both schools, then wait a year and attend the T14 IMO. You can acquire some work experience, save up some money, and wait for the economy to rally during that year off.