Thoughts on GW Early Decision for AA Male Forum

[kcirdor01]

I'm an AA male (3.79/160). I was wondering what you guys think about the GW ED program (which guarantees a full tuition scholarship for 3 years). Should I apply to that, or should I simply apply to T14 schools and hope that someone offers me a similar amount of money??

Thanks!

[Yeshia90]

The CR, if I'm not mistaken, is that you should retake to get closer to a 165, then blanket the T14, because saving a ton of money doesn't help if you can't get a job when you graduate.

[ShuckingNotJiving]

The CR, if I'm not mistaken, is that you should retake to get closer to a 165, then blanket the T14, because saving a ton of money doesn't help if you can't get a job when you graduate.

Not quite. That may be the CR for a non-URM applicant. In his case, the CR is to aim higher. AA males with his numbers have gotten into T6's, and even HYS.

OP, I'm not sure if GW's ED is binding, but if it is, it'd be unwise to yoke yourself to GW with your numbers.

[Yeshia90]

The CR, if I'm not mistaken, is that you should retake to get closer to a 165, then blanket the T14, because saving a ton of money doesn't help if you can't get a job when you graduate.

Not quite. That may be the CR for a non-URM applicant. In his case, the CR is to aim higher. AA males with his numbers have gotten into T6's, and even HYS.

OP, I'm not sure if GW's ED is binding, but if it is, it'd be unwise to yoke yourself to GW with your numbers.

GW's ED is fully binding.

[JamMasterJ]

The CR, if I'm not mistaken, is that you should retake to get closer to a 165, then blanket the T14, because saving a ton of money doesn't help if you can't get a job when you graduate.

Not quite. That may be the CR for a non-URM applicant. In his case, the CR is to aim higher. AA males with his numbers have gotten into T6's, and even HYS.

OP, I'm not sure if GW's ED is binding, but if it is, it'd be unwise to yoke yourself to GW with your numbers.

It's ED. By definition, it's binding.
OP, you can do a fair bit better than GW with your numbers and URM status. Money at several T14s is likely. If you want HYS, you might need a few more points on the LSAT, but you are in a good position and shouldn't tie yourself to the GW ED

[ShuckingNotJiving]

It's ED. By definition, it's binding.
OP, you can do a fair bit better than GW with your numbers and URM status. Money at several T14s is likely. If you want HYS, you might need a few more points on the LSAT, but you are in a good position and shouldn't tie yourself to the GW ED

Got it. I was under the impression that some schools had ED programs that more so resembled EA. But I suppose that's not the case. Excuse my ignorance!

OP, you should definitely not apply to GW ED. If you're worried about money, when you get accepted to some T14's communicate to the schools that finances play a substantial role in your decision. I recall seeing someone with similar numbers to yours with a full-ride to MVPB. I say "when" you get accepted, but this is provided your statements/recs /resumes are up-to-par. Good luck!

[kcirdor01]

I like what you guys are saying, BUT, money for me will almost certainly be the deciding factor for me when applying to schools (unless I'm lucky enough to get into HYS, which I'd be willing to pay full price for). Wouldn't it be wiser to have <$20k debt from a school ranked #20 than to have >$100k debt from a T14?? Do any of y'all know anything about the job prospects for a GW Law grad ?? I don't even really care too much about working in NYC...D.C. or mid markets (Richmond, ATL, Charlotte) would all be fine with me as well.

[Horsefeathers]

I like what you guys are saying, BUT, money for me will almost certainly be the deciding factor for me when applying to schools (unless I'm lucky enough to get into HYS, which I'd be willing to pay full price for). Wouldn't it be wiser to have <$20k debt from a school ranked #20 than to have >$100k debt from a T14?? Do any of y'all know anything about the job prospects for a GW Law grad ?? I don't even really care too much about working in NYC...D.C. or mid markets (Richmond, ATL, Charlotte) would all be fine with me as well.

Just curious - are you certain that you could cover three years COL for ~ 20k? Because if you're talking 60k for three years vs. 100k at a T14, the calculus gets a whole lot more complicated.

[dkt4]

I like what you guys are saying, BUT, money for me will almost certainly be the deciding factor for me when applying to schools (unless I'm lucky enough to get into HYS, which I'd be willing to pay full price for). Wouldn't it be wiser to have <$20k debt from a school ranked #20 than to have >$100k debt from a T14?? Do any of y'all know anything about the job prospects for a GW Law grad ?? I don't even really care too much about working in NYC...D.C. or mid markets (Richmond, ATL, Charlotte) would all be fine with me as well.

there is often a very substantial difference in placement power between schools in the T14 and schools that aren't. if you are so inclined, your best bet is retaking and trying for a 165+, where you will likely see substantial scholarship money at schools that have broader placement power than GW. even if you don't retake, you could potentially see $ at some schools that are stronger than GW. ED to GW isn't the worst idea, but you have more options if you want them.

[kcirdor01]

Thanks for the advice, everyone.