Does it ever make sense to apply to only one school? Forum

[sunynp]

From a thread yesterday, where I advocated for applying broadly. OP of that thread has rich spouse so doesn't care about cost yet can't consider moving. Her lowish gpa of 3.3 and predicted mid 160s LSAT don't help her. There is only one t1 school near her.

What do you guys think? Does it ever make sense to only apply to one school ?

http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 6#p5804456

[TheZoid]

No, apply broadly and negotiate scholarships. Even if the spouse is rich, why piss the money away if you don't have to.

[suzige]

I could see how it could make sense for non-traditional applicants or a married person who's spouse has a decent career going in one city or someone with a young family already established in an area. I can't imagine picking up a couple of toddlers, for example, and moving across the country without some of my family around for help and support.

If the reality is that you aren't going to be moving out of an area regardless of what you are offered, then focusing on the one school in the area is not a horrendous thing I guess. However, I feel safe to say that most people applying are at least willing to entertain the prospect of moving to a place they've never lived before. Most are in their early 20s, with few commitments beyond themselves and their lives, so moving is not that big of a deal when all you really have to worry about is finding an apartment. Parents of young kids may have a more difficult transition from one place to another, for example, if they have to enroll their kids in school too.

If I were in that position, I would apply to at least a handful just to be able to try and leverage some scholarship money where I want to attend. But to each his own.

[20130312]

Even if you KNOW which school you would attend, you should still apply to other peer schools for the scholly leverage.

[Swimp]

No, apply broadly and negotiate scholarships. Even if the spouse is rich, why piss the money away if you don't have to.

Because, if you're wealthy enough, the possibility of saving some money might not be worth the hassle of submitting more than one application, haggling with admissions offices, etc.

Yes, I know the extra effort is very, very minimal, but I guarantee you there are a lot of wealthy people out there who feel this way.

[20130312]

a lot of wealthy people out there who feel this way.

Not applicable to 99% of law school applicants.

[Swimp]

a lot of wealthy people out there who feel this way.

Not applicable to 99% of law school applicants.

Of course not, but OP's question was 'Does it EVER make sense...,' and the example he gave was unusual.

[sunynp]

The other problem I see with this, is there is still a chance you won't get accepted. If your numbers are below median and you want to be a lawyer I don't think you can assume anything regarding admissions.

[20130312]

The other problem I see with this, is there is still a chance you won't get accepted.

Not sure if this is a problem or the best possible outcome.

Of course not, but OP's question was 'Does it EVER make sense...'

LAW STUDENTS

[spleenworship]

Even if you KNOW which school you would attend, you should still apply to other peer schools for the scholly leverage.

+1