Top Law Schools

A forum for everyone starting at American University's Washington College of Law for Fall 2010. Let's talk DC, Housing, Admitted Students Weekend, and everything else!

hey there!

I'm most likely going to matriculate there as well! are you going to the admitted students' events in March/April?

yes, I'm going to the April 23rd one. What about you?

most likely the same...or at least one of the April ones.

why WCL and what kind of law do you plan on practicing?

I chose WCL because I've always wanted to live and work in DC (and in and with the federal govt), the public interest/human rights offerings, externship program, and overall it was the perfect fit for what I wanted in a law school experience.

I plan to go into Public Interest and/or Human Rights law when I graduate. What about you?

texas0813 wrote:I chose WCL because I've always wanted to live and work in DC (and in and with the federal govt), the public interest/human rights offerings, externship program, and overall it was the perfect fit for what I wanted in a law school experience.

I plan to go into Public Interest and/or Human Rights law when I graduate. What about you?

Texas, I'm right there with you for the reasons for choosing WCL... It's a top choice, though I'm waiting to see If I get in elsewhere. Pretty much sold on doing public interest and hoping to get some $$ to further that. I currently live in the DC area (2+ years) if anyone has any questions, I know it well!

I plan on attending the one in March, but since I live in NYC I will be going to the reception here first - does anyone know some good areas to live in in DC?

Congrats to all of you. I'm a 1L and part of the 2012 class. Moved to D.C from San Francisco for law school. Let me know if you have any questions about what to expect.

texas0813 wrote:I chose WCL because I've always wanted to live and work in DC (and in and with the federal govt), the public interest/human rights offerings, externship program, and overall it was the perfect fit for what I wanted in a law school experience.

I plan to go into Public Interest and/or Human Rights law when I graduate. What about you?

More or less, the same. I want to work for the government or become a judge. WCL seemed like the best school that I could get into and also seems to have a diverse, united student body as well. It's more or less, the perfect fit for me. Just a little on the expensive side but, oh well, everything has a price.

The DC area is also a boon, as its the nation's capitol and is probably the most layoff, unemployment-proof city in the US.

flattire wrote:I plan on attending the one in March, but since I live in NYC I will be going to the reception here first - does anyone know some good areas to live in in DC?

Most students live somewhere along the Red Line of the Metro. A lot of students live up in Maryland because its cheaper. The best place to live is probably somewhere between AU and Dupont Circle. "Best" meaning nightlife, culture and restaurants. The school itself is a quiet residential neighborhood and most students don't live too close.

Hi! I live in Boston and am planning on attending in the fall.

I would looooove to get rid of my car. Thoughts?

lesleydh1984 wrote:Hi! I live in Boston and am planning on attending in the fall.

I would looooove to get rid of my car. Thoughts?

Hey there! I'm from Boston too! Are you getting rid of your car because you think you wouldn't need it in DC? And you should probably sell it and get as much $$$ as you can from it.

ATOIsp07 wrote:

lesleydh1984 wrote:Hi! I live in Boston and am planning on attending in the fall.

I would looooove to get rid of my car. Thoughts?

Hey there! I'm from Boston too! Are you getting rid of your car because you think you wouldn't need it in DC? And you should probably sell it and get as much $$$ as you can from it.

Hi! Yeah - it's just such a hassle. I would rather not make the payment/insurance $. Plus I hate having a car in the city.

lesleydh1984 wrote:Hi! I live in Boston and am planning on attending in the fall.

I would looooove to get rid of my car. Thoughts?

You won't need a car. When you do need a car for shopping or something just grab a zip car or taxi. The Metro is pretty solid for a 1L WCL student so long as you live near the red line.

mmiracle wrote:

texas0813 wrote:I chose WCL because I've always wanted to live and work in DC (and in and with the federal govt), the public interest/human rights offerings, externship program, and overall it was the perfect fit for what I wanted in a law school experience.

I plan to go into Public Interest and/or Human Rights law when I graduate. What about you?

Texas, I'm right there with you for the reasons for choosing WCL... It's a top choice, though I'm waiting to see If I get in elsewhere. Pretty much sold on doing public interest and hoping to get some $$ to further that. I currently live in the DC area (2+ years) if anyone has any questions, I know it well!

How long is the commute from Bethesda, MD (on the red line) to WCL? I'm already trying to figure out how/where I'm going to live.

So glad we have our own thread. I'll be in the JD/MA International Affairs program. Can't wait until August. I'm very jealous of all of you looking for places to live. Sadly, I'll be stuck at my parent's house all the way at the end of the orange line for at least the first year.

globallawyer wrote:So glad we have our own thread. I'll be in the JD/MA International Affairs program. Can't wait until August. I'm very jealous of all of you looking for places to live. Sadly, I'll be stuck at my parent's house all the way at the end of the orange line for at least the first year.

What specialization for the MA?

globallawyer wrote:So glad we have our own thread. I'll be in the JD/MA International Affairs program. Can't wait until August. I'm very jealous of all of you looking for places to live. Sadly, I'll be stuck at my parent's house all the way at the end of the orange line for at least the first year.

+1...near Vienna?

generic20101L: I'm bouncing around between a few, but right now i'm thinking the Law and International Peace and Conflict Resolution specialization. I'm between that and International Development

mps200: I'm in between Fairfax and Chantilly. About 15 mins away from the Vienna stop. Not looking forward to the commute. When I visited over the summer it was an hour and a half door to door.

Does anybody have any idea when we're supposed to hear about scholarships/financial aid?

ATOIsp07 wrote:Does anybody have any idea when we're supposed to hear about scholarships/financial aid?

Good question! I've heard that American is not great with the ole financial aid. Has anyone heard the same?

Also, anyone from the area, I'm starting to look for apartments, any recommendations?

I have never lived in DC, BUT my friend is at AU Law right now and she was saying some good areas to live are Dupont Circle, Woodley Park, and Cleveland Park. These are all on the Red Line a few stops away from the AU/Tenleytown stop (where the WCL shuttle picks up). I think I've narrowed my search down to Cleveland Park because I like the area and it's only 2 stops away.

Of course you can always live in Maryland or Virginia, but it just depends on what type of atmosphere you want!

How long is the commute from Bethesda, MD (on the red line) to WCL? I'm already trying to figure out how/where I'm going to live.[/quote]




Bethesda is very doable as far as commuting to AU. It's two stops away.

cpboy77 wrote:How long is the commute from Bethesda, MD (on the red line) to WCL? I'm already trying to figure out how/where I'm going to live.

Bethesda is very doable as far as commuting to AU. It's two stops away.[/quote]


Thanks! I'm looking there (towards Maryland) since housing is less expensive and I'm saving up $$ in case I live by myself. But, if I meet some people at the Housing Conference this summer, I may be able to get a place closer to campus for cheaper. Who knows?

American's the shit!

Unless I can break into Georgetown or Wisconsin, American looks like my law school.

I'm more than content, however. A T1 school in one of the best legal markets (DC) and excellent prospects for Public Interest, which is really the reason I wanted to pursue a legal education.