Do rankings really matter? Forum

[apetro]

I've been accepted to two schools so far (I've been accepted to more than two, but these are the only two I've been accepted to that I would seriously consider).... but my question is, do rankings really matter?

They are both out of state.

They are both T2 schools, and they have 25 schools between them. I have visited the lower ranked school, and I absolutely loved it. It seems like an incredible fit and it has multiple programs that I am interested in. I have not yet visited the higher ranked school, although I have been to the town, and it only has one program that I'm interested in. The lower ranked school has given me more money.

The higher ranked school has slipped in ratings over the past few years while the lower ranked school has gained in the ratings...

The higher ranked school is closer to home and I have a sibling in the same state (about 3 hours away). The lower ranked school is across the country, although I'm not too concerned about proximity to family (that's why they made airplanes).

Although I really do like the idea of the lower ranked school (as I said...I have not yet visited the other campus), I don't want to make a mistake if rankings really do make a difference in the long run....advice?

[smaug_]

Rankings matter but not when it comes to the differences between TTTs.

If you're attending a lower ranked school, your primary concerns should be cost (go for free or don't go) job outcomes (it is why you go to school) and location (can you get a job in that market).

Good luck.

[UnicornHunter]

I've been accepted to two schools so far (I've been accepted to more than two, but these are the only two I've been accepted to that I would seriously consider).... but my question is, do rankings really matter?

They are both out of state.

They are both T2 schools, and they have 25 schools between them. I have visited the lower ranked school, and I absolutely loved it. It seems like an incredible fit and it has multiple programs that I am interested in. I have not yet visited the higher ranked school, although I have been to the town, and it only has one program that I'm interested in. The lower ranked school has given me more money.

The higher ranked school has slipped in ratings over the past few years while the lower ranked school has gained in the ratings...

The higher ranked school is closer to home and I have a sibling in the same state (about 3 hours away). The lower ranked school is across the country, although I'm not too concerned about proximity to family (that's why they made airplanes).

Although I really do like the idea of the lower ranked school (as I said...I have not yet visited the other campus), I don't want to make a mistake if rankings really do make a difference in the long run....advice?

USNews rankings do not matter at all. Nor do school visits, programs you're interested in, or "fit." That's all for college. What matters for law school is a) employment prospects, b) cost, and c) location (i.e. does the school place well in the market you want to work in for the rest of your life, not "do I want to live here for three years.")

edit: scooped by smaug.

[Gooner91]

If you are considering a lower ranked school you need to think that they are regional schools. Basically meaning the degree will not get you a job out of the state or city the school is in. You need to decide where you want to work and where you have ties and apply to a school that can get you into that area.

What are the specific schools, scholarship offers (and stips), your gpa and lsat score and where do you have ties and want to practice?

[hephaestus]

Unless the school that is 3 hours a way is close to free I would not go at all. Retake and reapply next year. There are few schools it is realistically worth moving across the country for (basically only the T14).

[apetro]

I have researched and thought about the regional aspect and employment prospects. But I was unsure if ranking should outrank that or not

Unless the school that is 3 hours a way is close to free I would not go at all. Retake and reapply next year. There are few schools it is realistically worth moving across the country for (basically only the T14).

As far as retaking and reapplying, that doesn't pertain to my question. While I appreciate the input, my question was regarding how much of a difference does 25 spots make.

[lawhopeful10]

http://www.lawschooltransparency.com

Look up your schools employment statistics and cost of attendence. Go for as cheap as possible to the school in a state where you have ties and are comfortable working.

[hephaestus]

I have researched and thought about the regional aspect and employment prospects. But I was unsure if ranking should outrank that or not

Unless the school that is 3 hours a way is close to free I would not go at all. Retake and reapply next year. There are few schools it is realistically worth moving across the country for (basically only the T14).

As far as retaking and reapplying, that doesn't pertain to my question. While I appreciate the input, my question was regarding how much of a difference does 25 spots make.

Ok then. At the very least it would be helpful to tell us the schools and the exact amount of scholarship aid from each. TTs vary widely in their employment prospects.

[californiauser]

the fact that you won't even name the schools means you should probably retake the lsat

[copingtrope]

Retake and reapply next year.

[spleenworship]

Either retake or, at the very least, post the schools and how much scholarship money you got so we can LST it for you and see if either is worth attending.

[apetro]

the fact that you won't even name the schools means you should probably retake the lsat

The reason I won't name the schools is because I don't want any prejudices towards one in particular. If anyone would like to truly help me in this decision then I would be more than happy to PM about it.

[northwood]

if you are not going to a T14- then I would strongly look at your target state's state flagship school. If the state where you want to practice does not have a state flagship school, ( or you are an out-of-state resident-- BUT are able to have sufficient ties) then go to the best school in your targeted practice region that offers you the best scholarship/ has the lowest cost of attendance.

If you are desiring to practice in a new different geographic region, then I would strongly suggest spending at least one year moving there and living there. This will 1) help solidify your ties to the region and make you appear to be less of a flight risk 2) allow you to establish residency and get in state tuition 3) and help you decide if you really are okay with living and working there ( a lot of people think they will be, but end up wanting to go somewhere else). You can also take time to decide if you really want to go to law school, and if you want to go to that state school/ or a higher ranked school.

But in a nutshell- outside the T14 ( and even perhaps a smaller amount of schools than that) no, rankings do not matter that much.

[banjo]

As far as retaking and reapplying, that doesn't pertain to my question. While I appreciate the input, my question was regarding how much of a difference does 25 spots make.

Employers don't use USNWR for hiring purposes, so the rankings are useless.

That said, you should obviously retake. There are almost no circumstances in which attending a T2 law school makes sense.

[johnnyquest]

As far as retaking and reapplying, that doesn't pertain to my question. While I appreciate the input, my question was regarding how much of a difference does 25 spots make.

Employers don't use USNWR for hiring purposes, so the rankings are useless.

That said, you should obviously retake. There are almost no circumstances in which attending a T2 law school makes sense.

A full ride (or close to it) to a state flagship or solid regional where you have connections and want to practice doesn't make sense? There are more than a few circumstances in which a T2 makes sense. For the OP though, I agree...retake.

[spleenworship]

As far as retaking and reapplying, that doesn't pertain to my question. While I appreciate the input, my question was regarding how much of a difference does 25 spots make.

Employers don't use USNWR for hiring purposes, so the rankings are useless.

That said, you should obviously retake. There are almost no circumstances in which attending a T2 law school makes sense.

There are circumstances in which a T2 makes sense. Assuming we're talking about the old fashioned T2 (50-100). Such as a full ride or such

[banjo]

I said "almost no circumstances" because I do think that a full-ride to a T2--with no stips--in the region where you want to practice and have connections makes sense.

That said, I'd still encourage someone with that option to retake and try for money in the T14.

[spleenworship]

I said "almost no circumstances" because I do think that a full-ride to a T2--with no stips--in the region where you want to practice and have connections makes sense.

That said, I'd still encourage someone with that option to retake and try for money in the T14.

Yeah, barring older student with mortgage/spouse with job... Though IMO, full ride at strong regional is probably equal to the lower half of the T14. I'm biased though, since I'm at a strong regional T2 with a scholly.

[johnnyquest]

I said "almost no circumstances" because I do think that a full-ride to a T2--with no stips--in the region where you want to practice and have connections makes sense.

That said, I'd still encourage someone with that option to retake and try for money in the T14.

I'd also say someone with a good full-time job (and a job lined up) and going evening PT at a regional for decent price would be a reason to go to T2 as well.