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I'm in-state, and I'm getting good enough tuition at both that I would graduate from either without any debt. I would be happy in the Bay Area or in SoCalGitaroo_Dude wrote:Biglaw in CA is going to be REALLY difficult from either. Just make sure you adjust your expectations before attending either; be okay with PI work, low level government work, etc.
That said, what's your total COA? Like, sure they're offering the same amount of money. But if they're both offering like $15k a year I'd say both options are bad. Are you getting in-state tuition?
Need more info before giving a good answer, but in general I'd say take UCI if you want SoCal and Davis if you want Sacramento/some chance at the Bay Area.
Also, I wouldn't put much stock in the alumni networks from either. It's not going to make that big of a difference one way or the other.
Alright, we're getting somewhere. The most important question is still this though: are you okay with not landing biglaw? Because it's unlikely from either one so you'll need alternative plans in the likely event you don't land biglaw. If you'd be happy with the median outcome at either school, then it becomes easier to recommend one.khaleesi_k wrote:I'm in-state, and I'm getting good enough tuition at both that I would graduate from either without any debt. I would be happy in the Bay Area or in SoCal
Which place do you prefer to live? If costs are equal, go to whichever place you want to live at upon graduation because both schools are pretty regional. As a general rule of thumb, you will have a lot more luck getting interviews and networking if you are in the geographical market.khaleesi_k wrote: I'm in-state, and I'm getting good enough tuition at both that I would graduate from either without any debt. I would be happy in the Bay Area or in SoCal
OP this is really good advice.Gitaroo_Dude wrote:Alright, we're getting somewhere. The most important question is still this though: are you okay with not landing biglaw? Because it's unlikely from either one so you'll need alternative plans in the likely event you don't land biglaw. If you'd be happy with the median outcome at either school, then it becomes easier to recommend one.khaleesi_k wrote:I'm in-state, and I'm getting good enough tuition at both that I would graduate from either without any debt. I would be happy in the Bay Area or in SoCal
If you don't have a preference b/t NorCal and SoCal I'd probably just choose whichever school you prefer on an "emotional" level. That said, as far as SoCal goes, would you be okay with ending up in the OC instead of LA or SD? That's where UCI's strength is gonna be maximized, so if you're targeting LA in particular I think you'll be at disadvantage against the USC/UCLA kids.
Regarding Davis, would you be happy with Sacramento in particular? I don't have exact numbers, but I know a lot of UCD grads end up there. You're more likely to end up there than SF, so take that into account. If you don't want Sac I'd say just go with UCI.
Also, just out of curiosity, is the CoL being covered by savings or something? I think UCD/UCI in a vacuum are both defensible if you graduate with really low debt, unless you're having to drain a lot of personal savings.
From my knowledge, both schools can give out more than just full tuition. He/she could be one of those students getting an extra $5k - $8k a year on top of full tuition. I mean that doesn't cover everything, but it is free rent the whole way if you play your cards right.Gitaroo_Dude wrote: Also, just out of curiosity, is the CoL being covered by savings or something? I think UCD/UCI in a vacuum are both defensible if you graduate with really low debt, unless you're having to drain a lot of personal savings.
Oh, for sure. That'd be a badass outcome too.ManoftheHour wrote:From my knowledge, both schools can give out more than just full tuition. He/she could be one of those students getting an extra $5k - $8k a year on top of full tuition. I mean that doesn't cover everything, but it is free rent the whole way if you play your cards right.Gitaroo_Dude wrote: Also, just out of curiosity, is the CoL being covered by savings or something? I think UCD/UCI in a vacuum are both defensible if you graduate with really low debt, unless you're having to drain a lot of personal savings.
amta wrote:Davis is a better city than irvine.
It depends on the thread. Generally, the only articulated goal has been CA biglaw and federal clerkship.Gitaroo_Dude wrote:Has OP made it clear they're biglaw or bust?
Agreed. Irvine has to be one of the most boring cities ever. However, Irvine is closer to way more cool stuff in proximity.amta wrote:Davis is a better city than irvine.
cavalier1138 wrote:This is the third time you're going through the "UCI/similar/take-a-year-off" debate. You've been consistently told to take a year off and retake for your goals. Please, start listening.
I hate SoCal and agree that Irvine is boring, but have you been to Davis?ManoftheHour wrote:Agreed. Irvine has to be one of the most boring cities ever. However, Irvine is closer to way more cool stuff in proximity.amta wrote:Davis is a better city than irvine.
My cousin asked me where she should go to school. I told her if she has a car, UCI. If she doesn't, UCD for sure.
Man Irvine is awesome. My buddy who went there said that Kobe works out in the UCI campus gym from time to time, so there's that. Plus way more to do near LA than around Davis. So if we're basing this solely on geography, I vote UCI.amta wrote:okay, well if we're gonna play like OP shouldn't retake based on employment goals, then they should go to UCD because Davis is a better city than irvine.
I'm not willing to take a year off but thank you for the advice anyways!cavalier1138 wrote:This is the third time you're going through the "UCI/similar/take-a-year-off" debate. You've been consistently told to take a year off and retake for your goals. Please, start listening.
Getting California biglaw from these schools is not gonna happen bruhkhaleesi_k wrote:Not gonna happen bruhcavalier1138 wrote:This is the third time you're going through the "UCI/similar/take-a-year-off" debate. You've been consistently told to take a year off and retake for your goals. Please, start listening.
Prospects to California will be grim.khaleesi_k wrote:HEY everyone so I just got into Notre Dame!
I'm guessing that's probably better than both? Or would prospects in California be really rough from there?
Thank you!SmokeytheBear wrote:Prospects to California will be grim.khaleesi_k wrote:HEY everyone so I just got into Notre Dame!
I'm guessing that's probably better than both? Or would prospects in California be really rough from there?
Listen--you need to make decision. People have offered you all of the good advice you're going to get on this (in multiple different threads).
None of the options you have are great. If you want CA, do not go to Notre Dame. Flip a coin and go to UCI or UCD (though I would vote UCI).
This also is an obnoxious statement. Unless these "solid connections" have told you unconditionally that they will give you a job, these connections mean next to nothing aside from maybe getting your resume on top of the stack or getting you a screener. If you don't have the grades, you don't get the job. This is coming from a practicing attorney with experience at two different V50s (including on the recruiting committee).khaleesi_k wrote:Not gonna happen bruh. I have solid connections in the California biglaw legal field and I'm not concerned about landing top 10-20 percent of my class if I go to UCI/UCD... hence me asking for the best advice given those two schools (and now Notre Dame as well). So I'd appreciate it if feedback where given based on that - I am not willing to take a year off. Thanks!cavalier1138 wrote:This is the third time you're going through the "UCI/similar/take-a-year-off" debate. You've been consistently told to take a year off and retake for your goals. Please, start listening.