Early Decision: NWU vs GWU Forum

[Idealist]

Hey, guys! I'm a splitter with a 3.3 GPA but a 173 LSAT. I have four years of work experience: two corporate (large F500 company), two at a community development non-profit.

I'm against amassing a lot of debt, so scholarships are a priority. I would like to apply ED to either Northwestern or George Washington, in hopes of securing a scholarship. NWU is the better/ higher ranked school (and truly my top choice), but GWU is the safer bet. Since you can only apply ED to one (and it's binding!), would you apply NWU if you were in my shoes, or would you play it safe?

My sights are set on public interest work. Which would you apply ED to? Any advice?

Thanks!

[transferror]

Where do you want to practice? Where do you have ties/connections?

[FSK]

Define public interest? GW pushes Public Interest a lot, but its not like we're placing people into the really preftigious positions.

[Idealist]

I would love to work in advocacy for refugee/ asylum seekers or with juveniles in the justice system. I'd also consider working for the State.

I'd prefer to practice either on the East Coast (preferably NYC, DC) or in Texas (I have some family in Dallas & Austin). If I went to school in Chi, I'd maybe stay. I'm relatively flexible re: location.

[transferror]

I would love to work in advocacy for refugee/ asylum seekers or with juveniles in the justice system. I'd also consider working for the State.

I'd prefer to practice either on the East Coast (preferably NYC, DC) or in Texas (I have some family in Dallas & Austin). If I went to school in Chi, I'd maybe stay. I'm relatively flexible re: location.

Advocacy for refugee/asylum seekers shouldn't be in the equation. You'd need a position with the ACLU, a fellowship in an immigration clinic, or an NGO focused on immigration, etc... - all of which are incredibly difficult to get.

For State work or juvenile advocacy/family law, going to school in your target market will be very important because you will have access to internships and externships during the semester, and most schools have juvenile advocacy or family law clinics that will help you with exposure to local family law judges and attorneys. You will also have more opportunity for internships during the school year in urban areas, so GW/NU/GULC > Duke/Cornell. For example, it's pretty common to intern for a DA's office 1L summer, and then be asked to stay on as an intern during 2L year. This often leads to a position for 2L summer, and in many places, the office will allow you to extern and take part in hearings during the fall of 3L year. Someone who does that has a much better chance at employment IMO (and anecdotally in my experience) than someone who just interns at a DAs office during 1L and 2L summer. Access during the year is critical, and can even net you some trial experience, which is a big deal.

Pedigree and grades also matter far less for this type of PI, so take the cheapest option - full ride at a strong regional trumps T14 with debt.