How should I proceed? Forum

[ineptimusprime]

Well, this admissions cycle was a pleasant surprise for me; I had pretty low expectations going in given my low LSAT.

As it stands now, I have a seat deposit in at Kansas, and am sitting on the waiting list at the University of Utah. I'm really excited about the possibility of attending either school, but would attend Utah if admitted (I really like the affordable tuition of both schools, the basically open enrollment/non-competitive clinical opportunities at both schools, and could reasonably see myself living/working in either place. I would choose Utah if admitted mostly for geographic/family reasons). I have ties to both the intermountain west and the midwest, so I don't really feel like either option is really too ridiculous a choice. I only targeted schools in these regions. I have zero interest in doing BIGLAW or working on either coast. If you feel you have a compelling reason why I shouldn't attend either of these schools (or law school in general), feel free to post. I'm not so stubborn as to ignore input that doesn't fit with the way I WANT the world to be.

Anyways...

Here's my issue though: while I have lived and done my undergrad in Utah for the past 3 years, I haven't officially reclassified as a resident -- it just wasn't necessary given my scholarship situation. I also wanted to maintain Idaho residency because I thought my chances of admission at Utah were lower than my chances of attending the University of Idaho, and naturally, I wouldn't want to pay non-resident at Idaho. Things shook out differently, and now I'm sitting classified as a non-resident at both KU and Utah.

There's good news though, it's still very possible for me to qualify for resident price at both schools. In Utah, it's just a matter of getting a Utah Driver's License and registering my vehicle, in Kansas, it's a matter of similar paperwork, plus, my wife needs to find employment before we get out there. If we are unable to qualify for residency in Kansas, I do have a scholarship that basically matches the resident price at Utah.

Utah residency policy requires that I be reclassified as a resident 90 days prior to the beginning of classes (so basically end of May/beginning of June). Being on the waitlist though, I'm obviously not guaranteed a response before that 90 day window, which would leave me paying non-resident for the first semester (which is $40,000+ per year).

So should I:

(A) Get Utah residency (i.e. pay a couple grand to register my car in Utah) ASAP even though I may have to pay again to re-register my car in Kansas in order to qualify for residency there?

(B) Wait until the last minute (as close to the 90 day window as possible) to give Utah additional time to make a final decision and then decide whether or not to reclassify as a Utah resident? (I'm leaning this way, but I'm worried that with the time it may take to process everything, I won't be reclassified as a resident in time and could be stuck paying out of state the first semester if I'm admitted.)

I've considered contacting Utah about this, but don't think they could or would have any way to expedite a decision for me unless it's a rejection.

So do I take a little (though still substantial for me) financial hit now for a possible savings in the future?

[fruitoftheloom]

From the KU Website:

The definition of residence (K.A.R. 88-3-2 - see below) contains criteria which can be grouped together into three basic categories: 1. Continuous physical residence in the state of Kansas for a year prior to the start of classes. 2. Reliance upon Kansas sources of support and 3. Intent to make Kansas your permanent home indefinitely. It is possible to change classification status while attending the University, however, you will be required to document that you have met the criteria, as outlined in K.A.R. 88-3-2 for a year prior to the first day of classes. Demonstrating that you have met these criteria while attending school can be difficult. Each application is assessed relative to the regulations based on the individual's situation as presented in the application. Note - If you have lived in Kansas within the past five (5) years and were a resident for tuition purposes and plan to return to Kansas, please contact the assistant registrar. This information is available in the Residency Brochure.

Moving to Kansas this summer and registering your vehicle there won't get you in state tuition for the first year. I think if your wife works, then you can get it for your 2nd and 3rd years. IMO - register your vehicle in Utah. I understand that a couple of hundred bucks might be substantial to you now, but you won't need to bother registering your vehicle in Kansas until after the start of classes. Your reason for residency change will be #2.

I went there for undergrad, it's basically impossible to prove #3. And #1 only applies if you live there 1 year prior to enrolling at all - staying there for school disqualifies you for #1.

[ineptimusprime]

Hmm... I was told that if my wife is hired by a Kansas company advertising an opening, and accepts that position PRIOR to our relocation to Kansas, that we will receive a non-resident waiver by virtue of her being "recruited" to Kansas for employment. I don't believe there is any time bar when using this method. I doubt I have been misinformed, because I got this info from the Dean of Admissions.

http://www.registrar.ku.edu/pdf/rectrans.pdf

It could be more difficult than it appears on the surface though.

Should I contact Utah at all about this? I'm sure it's too common an issue for them to give me any sort of accommodation.

[fruitoftheloom]

Honestly, I wasn't aware of that. I'd make sure your wife's employer is willing to fill that form out.

[ineptimusprime]

After reading into the residency policy a little more, I'm wondering how I'm going to sell that my wife moved to Kansas for the "sole purpose of obtaining employment" when her move coincides almost perfectly with my beginning law school.