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Much to my own surprise, I was accepted at Harvard from a TT. Currently at the TT with a little under 1/2 tuition (comes to about $13k/year in tuition).

Here's my predicament: I have an elderly father at home who is in bad health, so I would hate to leave him. I also want to practice long term in the state in which my current school is located. Conversely, immediately after graduation I want a circuit-level clerkship and then want to practice in DC for a couple of years before coming back home. I could probably obtain those goals from my current school but it would obviously be incredibly difficult.

The short of it is, is it worth it to uproot my entire life and move to Cambridge in a matter of three or four days to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a Harvard education?

If not you, who else could possibly answer these questions? You clearly have unique circumstances, and only you could decide how much value your personal situation is worth to you.

Also, if you're in at Harvard, you probably can achieve any job you want in the area where your school is located. But Im sure you already knew that.

As the previous poster mentioned, not really sure how you expect us to valuate Harvard vs. your TT on your behalf. You are the only one with the knowledge of the facts, information, and goals necessary to make that determination.

Based on what you provided, I would go with Harvard. You already have one year finished at a discount, and you're only getting a half scholarship from your current school. I can't imagine getting back to your home state will be difficult from Harvard (e.g. "why did you leave if you truly want to work here?" "because I got into Harvard" "ok").

As the previous poster mentioned, yes, your goals will likely be obtainable from your current school. This really makes it a difficult call.

I would personally regret not taking Harvard in this scenario. Not everyone practices law forever, and goals can easily change. But the Harvard name and network will be with you forever.

This also depends on what you mean by "bad health." If he can't take care of himself without your assistance, then that makes things more difficult. But if he can get along fine without you, then I would (as unfortunate as it is) learn to deal with the guilt and take this opportunity.

While it might benefit me for you to turn down Harvard, you might also consider if your father's health is in decline and going to Harvard is a professional goal you have for yourself, it might be a boon to his pride to see his kid graduate Harvard Law before he passes. (Not to get sentimental on you.)

Without knowing more I'd take Harvard in a heartbeat here.

Strangers on the internet don't know how intimate your family's bond is. Yea, Harvard is Harvard, but I bet you're going to do pretty damn well for yourself staying in state. I also feel like "Harvard pride" is going to fade soon after you attend. It's the people who are really important in life, but again, we don't know how his condition is so.

Bring your dad with?

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