Decision looming - Emory or WashU? Forum

[LawHorn]

My goal is working for a midsize/large firm after graduation. I am from Texas and wouldn't mind returning. Other than not wanting to be in the Northeast, I have no geographical preference. I really wouldn't mind working in a secondary market. I know some will say not to take on the massive debt and stay at my current school; however, my current school is in the Northeast, and I am sure that I don't want to live here following graduation. In case it matters, I have 2 years experience working at a Vault 100 in DC, and significant connections in Dallas/Ft. Worth. Which school would you choose and why? Thanks.

[LawHorn]

The results are crazy close. I would love to hear reasons for the choice.

[transplantedbuckeye]

I chose Emory because I feel like it has more of a southern pull/ reputation. I can't verify that though... Just a gut feeling based on what I know about Emory.

[ubetcha]

The results are crazy close. I would love to hear reasons for the choice.

I was also admitted to both and have done a fair amount of looking into both. Really, they are almost identical schools, just in different markets. They both have very strong clincial programs and are expensive. They are both located in fairly large metropolitan areas. They are within a few spots of each other as far as rankings are consdiered, so this can't be a dispositive factor either way. They are both considered pretty regional; however, the coasts are not impossible to get to from either. WUSTL places best in the Midwest (especially Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas...and probably gives you a better shot at West Coast). Emory places best in the MidSouth and South East (especially GA, Louisianna, Tennessee...and probably gives you a better shot at the East Coast). WUSTL definitely has better facilities and building, but Atlanta has better weather after living in Texas (although this shouldn't be a big factor in your decision). After receiving acceptances to both, I looked into OCI and they draw very similar number of firms of very similar sizes, once again, just offices from different cities. Since you appear to want Texas, I think both schools would put you in a similar position to end up there; although Emory may have a little better tie to the South.

Hope this helps!

[OnaWing&aPrayer09]

Check how many employers are going to Emory.

I'm at Wash U right now. great school. sub par placement in Chicago and crappy placement on the coasts (aka where all my family and friends live). the most important thing is job placement. Only 64 employers are coming to campus for OCI... so, I'm transferring. But WashU does REALLY well in Texas.. and cities like Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Dallas, Nashville, Boulder, Kansas City, Ohmaha, Lexington, Chattanooga, etc.

If you don't mind working in a market like that, then you should be fine at either. The professors are really great. The Dean is better
The class of 2012 is REALLY young... and immature. But it seems like my class has just been a fluke. There are good people in my class...many of them tend to be married or moved her with their SO. I took one year and worked in Manhattan... so I learned how to pay my own bills.. a lot of people in my class just thought this was senior year x2. lol....The other two classes are normal (as in people who like to go out and drink every once in awhile.. but are beyond binge drinking or being fratty). The central west end is a goregeous neighborhood to live in and half the cost I paid in New York. ($680 to share a 2br apartment with doorman, parking space, gym, terrace and chandelairs. perfect). And the law school is right on campus. However, I got interviews at st. louis firms because of my resume.. and they ask the dreaded "why st. louis?" question. Unless you have some close tie, they won't belive you. So, don't count on networking much in this market. It's so bad, that big firms will take kids at St. Louis University and Mizzou over Wash U kids because they don't believe we want to stay.

Emory and UGA DOMINATES Atlanta... and T14 kids who are from there.. so if you really want to work there, then I'd sugguest going to Emory. Plus, I'm am NOT a southern girl whatsoever.. but I like atlanta much more than st. louis and it's much easier to fly in and out of... You don't have to layover through chicago...aka the dead zone.

If you're a city person (convenience, museums, the arts, great food)- Emory.
If you're a suburbs to country kinda guy (free beer every week at the law school, parks, 10 christian rock stations, laidback living)- Wash U.

If I were you, I'd probably go to Emory.
G'luck.

[Lawrence]

My honest advice is don't transfer into Wash U (or Emory for that matter, but as a Wash U student I feel more able to comment) with the hopes of landing a biglaw job. With the amount of firms coming to our OCI it seems like that is fighting an uphill battle. Only a handful of firms are coming from Texas and if you don't want to be in the northeast you are eliminating a large number of opportunities available to Wash U students. It just doesn't seem like once the top students here presumably snag up the best opportunites that transfers will be left with a whole lot. I love Wash U and really disagree with a lot of what the previous poster said, so I don't mean this as an indictment. I don't even think transferring to Wash U is a bad option, just don't do it with the plan of paying off the loans you will have to take out through a lucrative job in a big law firm.

With that said, I would still pick Wash U unless you have a particular affinity for the Atlanta market. I think it is slightly higher regarded than Emory, and the people here are pretty amazing. Top notch facilities, faculty, etc. I couldn't really ask for more from the actual school, but the economy has hit schools in this range in the rankings ridiculously hard.

[stratocophic]

Check how many employers are going to Emory.

I'm at Wash U right now. great school. sub par placement in Chicago and crappy placement on the coasts (aka where all my family and friends live). the most important thing is job placement. Only 64 employers are coming to campus for OCI... so, I'm transferring. But WashU does REALLY well in Texas.. and cities like Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Dallas, Nashville, Boulder, Kansas City, Ohmaha, Lexington, Chattanooga, etc.

If you don't mind working in a market like that, then you should be fine at either. The professors are really great. The Dean is better
The class of 2012 is REALLY young... and immature. But it seems like my class has just been a fluke. There are good people in my class...many of them tend to be married or moved her with their SO. I took one year and worked in Manhattan... so I learned how to pay my own bills.. a lot of people in my class just thought this was senior year x2. lol....The other two classes are normal (as in people who like to go out and drink every once in awhile.. but are beyond binge drinking or being fratty). The central west end is a goregeous neighborhood to live in and half the cost I paid in New York. ($680 to share a 2br apartment with doorman, parking space, gym, terrace and chandelairs. perfect). And the law school is right on campus. However, I got interviews at st. louis firms because of my resume.. and they ask the dreaded "why st. louis?" question. Unless you have some close tie, they won't belive you. So, don't count on networking much in this market. It's so bad, that big firms will take kids at St. Louis University and Mizzou over Wash U kids because they don't believe we want to stay.

Emory and UGA DOMINATES Atlanta... and T14 kids who are from there.. so if you really want to work there, then I'd sugguest going to Emory. Plus, I'm am NOT a southern girl whatsoever.. but I like atlanta much more than st. louis and it's much easier to fly in and out of... You don't have to layover through chicago...aka the dead zone.

If you're a city person (convenience, museums, the arts, great food)- Emory.
If you're a suburbs to country kinda guy (free beer every week at the law school, parks, 10 christian rock stations, laidback living)- Wash U.

If I were you, I'd probably go to Emory.
G'luck.

The only time the words "easier to fly" and Atlanta belong in the same sentence is when every other airport in the country is buried in a blizzard. Hate that airport Also, FWIW... IMO (quite familiar with both cities, not just 0L chatter here) all of the things listed for the schools apply to both to at least some degree. Free zoo/art museum in StL, tons of outdoorsy stuff to do near Atlanta (and even more if you expand the bubble by 30-90 miles), and I'm a huge fan of St. Louis' food (especially the original fare) etc. And... maybe it's just me, but... 10 christian rock stations in StL? You do know Atlanta's in the South, yes?

Problem is that while both are good schools, neither seems to line up with OP's plans any better than the other. I'll refrain from voicing my opinion due to bias, but my profile should tell you where I voted and which school I prefer

[LawHorn]

Thanks for all of the thoughtful responses. If anyone has decided to attend one of these two schools I would love to hear from you. PM me if you don't want to post.

[ENGINEERD]

Lol this poll is so close. At least you have two good options to choose from. I made a poll about my options awhile back and it was almost as close as yours is. I finally realized that I couldn't make a wrong decision and that this decision would not decide my career. Your in the same boat, which ever school you choose, you will be fine. Neither one will be a substantially better decision or offer many more opportunities than the other. I would just go with your gut on this one. However, I voted for Wash U. I was strongly considering Wash U and made a visit. I loved the school and I think it has a great deal of momentum. Everybody I talked to was happy to be there and it had a really good vibe. On the other hand I did not do much research on Emory so take that into account. Good luck on your choice!

[dukelawguy144]

Both are adequate choices.

Still not a t14 and both are not that great with biglaw.

[LawHorn]

This poll is nuts! I must admit that I am leaning WashU though...

[selfloathingtransfer]

I'd take Emory in a heartbeat. Alumni connections and whatnot are probably about equal, so if you end up thinking you want to practice somewhere other than where the school is (St. Louis or Atlanta), both schools will probably serve you about equally. That said, isn't Atlanta a much bigger legal market? It seems like you would have exposure to more opportunities while in law school in Atlanta over St. Louis. In a bad economy, I think that will be really important over the next year or two.

Edit to reiterate: As far as the post-law-school opportunities, considering the schools alone, I think they both provide roughly the same setup. However, Emory's location in Atlanta I think would provide you more/better opportunities DURING law school, and therefore provide you with a little more choice after law school. That's kind of convoluted and some may disagree, but that's my gut.

[A'nold]

Great decision to have to make....I'm hoping to have to make the same choice, lol.

[beachbum]

Heads: WUSTL
Tails: Emory

Lets do this.

[LawHorn]

Great decision to have to make....I'm hoping to have to make the same choice, lol.

I hope so too, A'nold. I am really pulling for you. Judging by the poll numbers, I assume you chose Emory. Care to state a reason? Thanks.

[A'nold]

Great decision to have to make....I'm hoping to have to make the same choice, lol.

I hope so too, A'nold. I am really pulling for you. Judging by the poll numbers, I assume you chose Emory. Care to state a reason? Thanks.

Nope, haven't voted. I would personally probably choose WUSTL for a few reasons:

1. The campus is gorgeous and that actually means a lot to me.
2. I love the housing in the area
3. I hate hot, humid weather
4. Closer to the West Coast where all of my family lives
5. Hey, it's a t20.
6. I think the WUSTL peeps on this website are pretty awesome.
7. I would rather work in the midwest upon graduation than the South if I couldn't manage to get back to the coast.
8. AWESOME law building.
9. They have a crap ton of momentum and the Dean Spivey (sp?) is big pimpin it up over there.
10. I needed to put something, so, uh, oh yeah, I can go watch the Seahawks once a year and get in fights with stupid Rams fans.

[LawHorn]

I like the list. I am a Cowboys fan, and the Boys don't play in Atlanta or St. Louis next year, so that won't be a factor. I also follow the American League, so neither city presents a compelling option for baseball. However, a "big pimpin" Dean I can get behind. Haha

[UFMatt]

This one is a push. It comes down to where you would be happiest. I would be happier in the southeast/east than the midwest, so I say Emory.