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I got into USC and Pepperdine. I'm torn because I was applied to Pepperdine specifically for the Dispute Resolution program. I am concerned about the cost of tuition at USC, the commute, the neighborhood...

I've been told USC, hands down, but I keep thinking about Pepperdine...

*edit to add: I didn't make the OCI deadline at USC but I did at Pepperdine..

What's ADR?

alternative dispute resolution

I've heard of some students at USC who are also enrolled in an ADR program at Pepperdine. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but I definitely know it's possible. You should check it out to see how it would work.

I wouldn't transfer to a school where you can't participate in the OCI.

Specialty rankings are entirely meaningless. You will get a better job with a firm that specializes in dispute resolution (if such a firm exists) out of USC. All (any) firms care about is the prestige and reputation of your school, not the meaningless specialization that US news puts out to make crappy schools feel better about themselves.

It is possible (I read it in the brochure), but, I'm sure I'd end up paying tuition to both USC and Pepperdine at the same time.

jstn1104 wrote:I wouldn't transfer to a school where you can't participate in the OCI.

That's what I am concerned about. I was going to wait and see if I got any bites from Pepperdine and then make the final decision. I just would hate to look back and kick myself for not going to a higher ranked school. This is so tough -- I barely got into any of the schools I applied to the first time around so I just went with the best ranked school. This time, though, I'm not sure what the best decision is.

I don't think you are stupid for debating it, but I do think if both are at sticker then USC is the better choice. Specialty programs generally carry little weight in terms of getting you into a great job within the specialty of interest as far as I can tell (unless the school with the specialty is otherwise a very strong school regardless of that specialty). But, OTOH, the minimization of specialty rankings on here may be overplayed a bit IMO. Just not to the extent where it is worth taking a very significantly lower-ranked school simply on the basis of a specialty focus of one of the schools.

In terms of the transfer, you probably do need to consider the OCI timelines, but then again, if you aren't going for biglaw it may not be as critical.

RockyMtnLvr wrote:

jstn1104 wrote:I wouldn't transfer to a school where you can't participate in the OCI.

That's what I am concerned about. I was going to wait and see if I got any bites from Pepperdine and then make the final decision. I just would hate to look back and kick myself for not going to a higher ranked school. This is so tough -- I barely got into any of the schools I applied to the first time around so I just went with the best ranked school. This time, though, I'm not sure what the best decision is.

Minus the OCI issue, I would say hands down USC is the right choice. But if you aren't going to be able to take advantage of the school's interview program, that's going to put you at a severe disadvantage. Is there no way you'll be able to participate?

Pepperdine Law allows visiting students, so can't you get your degree from USC and take some ADR classes at Pepperdine for a semester?

I just now noticed that you posted this in the transfers forum. So, no, I guess you couldn't be a visiting student since you have to spend two years at your new school.

jstn1104 wrote:

RockyMtnLvr wrote:

jstn1104 wrote:I wouldn't transfer to a school where you can't participate in the OCI.

That's what I am concerned about. I was going to wait and see if I got any bites from Pepperdine and then make the final decision. I just would hate to look back and kick myself for not going to a higher ranked school. This is so tough -- I barely got into any of the schools I applied to the first time around so I just went with the best ranked school. This time, though, I'm not sure what the best decision is.

Minus the OCI issue, I would say hands down USC is the right choice. But if you aren't going to be able to take advantage of the school's interview program, that's going to put you at a severe disadvantage. Is there no way you'll be able to participate?

I can only participate in Round II, which appears to be mostly government, but I need to look a little more into it. I'm able to apply to pick up any cancelled interviews, but it looks like it would be on the day-of and right now I am still working up in northern california until the 12th.

usc hands down... start mass mailing....