Harvard Law School Class of 2018 Forum

(housing, friendships, future exams, all things 2018)
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Where are you in the decision process?

I'll be at HLS next fall!
93
65%
Still waiting to hear from another school....
4
3%
Still waiting to hear about financial aid :(
8
6%
Absolutely unsure
9
6%
Already withdrew from HLS
29
20%
 
Total votes: 143

m_ross

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by m_ross » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:10 pm

Fawkes wrote:Hi, everyone! I'm new to TLS, so I apologize if this question has already been asked and answered elsewhere.

Does anyone know if you have to make the deposit for HLS before you can apply for HUH? I would assume that you do, but I'd like to double check on the off chance that it isn't required.

While HLS has been my top choice for awhile (and I am SUPER thrilled and honored to be accepted!), I have been offered a named scholarship for full tuition at CCN and am still waiting to hear back from a couple more schools. Because of this, I cannot make a final decision by March 1 when applications open, especially since I plan on attending ASWs before committing anywhere. I am a bit paranoid that I won't get the housing I want if I don't apply early, so I just wanted to know how much pressure I should feel to make a decision sooner rather than later. Thanks in advance for your input!
You do not need to deposit at HLS before applying for HUH (afaik... Horse, is this accurate?). The processes are completely different and run by completely different offices. It also doesn't matter. The vast majority (and the best selection) of units will be available during the windows, and you have between Mar 1 and May 1st to apply for a window. Irrespective of when you apply during that time, you will be randomly assigned a window, which is what will determine your options for getting HUH housing. Of course, the later your application is approved, the later you will be able to view the "currently available" apartments. Some people have gotten apartments through that, but the VAST majority will be available through the windows.

I live in HUH housing, so PM me if you want more info on the different options and stuff.

Also, to clarify... there is a difference between HUH (Harvard University Housing) and HLS housing.

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RSN

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by RSN » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:13 pm

ChemEng1642 wrote:
morimoto1991 wrote:what time does ASW start on march 7?
The tentative schedule just went up!

Image

Image

Image

Looks fun!!
Oh snap. Pub trivia. It's like they know me already

Fawkes

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by Fawkes » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:24 pm

m_ross wrote:
Fawkes wrote:Hi, everyone! I'm new to TLS, so I apologize if this question has already been asked and answered elsewhere.

Does anyone know if you have to make the deposit for HLS before you can apply for HUH? I would assume that you do, but I'd like to double check on the off chance that it isn't required.

While HLS has been my top choice for awhile (and I am SUPER thrilled and honored to be accepted!), I have been offered a named scholarship for full tuition at CCN and am still waiting to hear back from a couple more schools. Because of this, I cannot make a final decision by March 1 when applications open, especially since I plan on attending ASWs before committing anywhere. I am a bit paranoid that I won't get the housing I want if I don't apply early, so I just wanted to know how much pressure I should feel to make a decision sooner rather than later. Thanks in advance for your input!
You do not need to deposit at HLS before applying for HUH (afaik... Horse, is this accurate?). The processes are completely different and run by completely different offices. It also doesn't matter. The vast majority (and the best selection) of units will be available during the windows, and you have between Mar 1 and May 1st to apply for a window. Irrespective of when you apply during that time, you will be randomly assigned a window, which is what will determine your options for getting HUH housing. Of course, the later your application is approved, the later you will be able to view the "currently available" apartments. Some people have gotten apartments through that, but the VAST majority will be available through the windows.

I live in HUH housing, so PM me if you want more info on the different options and stuff.

Also, to clarify... there is a difference between HUH (Harvard University Housing) and HLS housing.
Thank you! That's a huge relief!

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RSN

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by RSN » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:25 pm

Wait hang on, hadn't noticed "HLS & You: A Financially Sound Decision".

Uh, okay.

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malleus discentium

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by malleus discentium » Thu Feb 05, 2015 3:59 pm

LetsGoMets wrote:
ChemEng1642 wrote:
morimoto1991 wrote:what time does ASW start on march 7?
The tentative schedule just went up!

Looks fun!!
Oh snap. Pub trivia. It's like they know me already
Just as an FYI it's Harvard trivia not trivia trivia.

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jimmymac

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by jimmymac » Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:01 pm

Anyone have any good info on housing? I know its been asked a bunch, so I'm sure theres a link somewhere to discussion, but having a little trouble finding concrete info re. timeline/whats the best.

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RSN

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by RSN » Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:03 pm

malleus discentium wrote:
LetsGoMets wrote:
ChemEng1642 wrote:
morimoto1991 wrote:what time does ASW start on march 7?
The tentative schedule just went up!

Looks fun!!
Oh snap. Pub trivia. It's like they know me already
Just as an FYI it's Harvard trivia not trivia trivia.
Damn. Am I allowed to bring my current student friends?

canuckabroad

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by canuckabroad » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:05 pm

I apologize if this was asked somewhere and I missed it, but how long did it take to get your Harvard email created to log in to the admitted students site?

Nathanael

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by Nathanael » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:13 pm

LetsGoMets wrote:
malleus discentium wrote:
LetsGoMets wrote:
Oh snap. Pub trivia. It's like they know me already
Just as an FYI it's Harvard trivia not trivia trivia.
Damn. Am I allowed to bring my current student friends?
Gunning at pub trivia will be seen by others as a clear sign of intent for 1L year. :)

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HorseThief

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by HorseThief » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:34 pm

flomotion wrote:I just bought my tickets for the March ASW! Even though I haven't RSVP'd or registered for it. There's no cap to the number of attendees, right? ... Right?

Also, for some reason, I am under the impression that some current HLS students house some people during the ASW. Am I being crazy here? I can't remember where I read that. The only email I've gotten so far is the one that says "hold on, another email is coming for you with your email address!"
HLS students do not house you during ASW. I think they used to do this years ago, but then quietly did away with it.

If you know you're going to go to one of the ASW's, book a hotel/airbnb asap. They go very quickly, and you don't want to be dropping $300/night at one of the fancy places in town.

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HorseThief

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by HorseThief » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:36 pm

m_ross wrote:
Fawkes wrote:Hi, everyone! I'm new to TLS, so I apologize if this question has already been asked and answered elsewhere.

Does anyone know if you have to make the deposit for HLS before you can apply for HUH? I would assume that you do, but I'd like to double check on the off chance that it isn't required.

While HLS has been my top choice for awhile (and I am SUPER thrilled and honored to be accepted!), I have been offered a named scholarship for full tuition at CCN and am still waiting to hear back from a couple more schools. Because of this, I cannot make a final decision by March 1 when applications open, especially since I plan on attending ASWs before committing anywhere. I am a bit paranoid that I won't get the housing I want if I don't apply early, so I just wanted to know how much pressure I should feel to make a decision sooner rather than later. Thanks in advance for your input!
You do not need to deposit at HLS before applying for HUH (afaik... Horse, is this accurate?). The processes are completely different and run by completely different offices. It also doesn't matter. The vast majority (and the best selection) of units will be available during the windows, and you have between Mar 1 and May 1st to apply for a window. Irrespective of when you apply during that time, you will be randomly assigned a window, which is what will determine your options for getting HUH housing. Of course, the later your application is approved, the later you will be able to view the "currently available" apartments. Some people have gotten apartments through that, but the VAST majority will be available through the windows.

I live in HUH housing, so PM me if you want more info on the different options and stuff.

Also, to clarify... there is a difference between HUH (Harvard University Housing) and HLS housing.
HUH: I'm pretty sure you're right. I just looked at the application, and I didn't see anything about proving that you're a student. At some point they'll confirm this, but you can apply whenever.

HLS Housing: You also don't have to commit for this (I think). I'd also recommend that you sign up relatively soon because none of it is binding. Even when you've selected your room, you'll have a chance to back out (say, for example, after finding a better off-campus apartment).

foles

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by foles » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:37 pm

I...I...I just realized I can check in here.

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RSN

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by RSN » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:38 pm

Nathanael wrote:
LetsGoMets wrote:
malleus discentium wrote:
LetsGoMets wrote:
Oh snap. Pub trivia. It's like they know me already
Just as an FYI it's Harvard trivia not trivia trivia.
Damn. Am I allowed to bring my current student friends?
Gunning at pub trivia will be seen by others as a clear sign of intent for 1L year. :)
I'm banking on it

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HorseThief

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by HorseThief » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:40 pm

LetsGoMets wrote:Wait hang on, hadn't noticed "HLS & You: A Financially Sound Decision".

Uh, okay.
It's a sales pitch. They'll give data about what expected incomes are for the average HLS student (read: biglaw), then compare the career earnings from a full-ride elsewhere to a HLS degree. (Hint: they're super close).

My two-cents: only go if you a) definitely want to go for biglaw, b) have a full-ride elsewhere that you're seriously considering, and c) want some confirmation that the HLS degree is worth it. Otherwise, you should go explore Cambridge/hang out with other students.

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HorseThief

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by HorseThief » Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:40 pm

jimmymac wrote:Anyone have any good info on housing? I know its been asked a bunch, so I'm sure theres a link somewhere to discussion, but having a little trouble finding concrete info re. timeline/whats the best.
Check the first post in this thread.

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ChemEng1642

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by ChemEng1642 » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:00 pm

HorseThief wrote:
flomotion wrote:I just bought my tickets for the March ASW! Even though I haven't RSVP'd or registered for it. There's no cap to the number of attendees, right? ... Right?

Also, for some reason, I am under the impression that some current HLS students house some people during the ASW. Am I being crazy here? I can't remember where I read that. The only email I've gotten so far is the one that says "hold on, another email is coming for you with your email address!"
HLS students do not house you during ASW. I think they used to do this years ago, but then quietly did away with it.

If you know you're going to go to one of the ASW's, book a hotel/airbnb asap. They go very quickly, and you don't want to be dropping $300/night at one of the fancy places in town.
So my parents actually live in Massachusetts - how awful would it be to stay with them? My only concern would be Saturday night and I really don't want to have to bail early so I can get my way to their place somehow. Or is bunking with a friend that goes to BU a reasonable option - too far?

I would just feel silly paying for a hotel when my parents and friends are right there...
HorseThief wrote:
m_ross wrote:
Fawkes wrote:Hi, everyone! I'm new to TLS, so I apologize if this question has already been asked and answered elsewhere.

Does anyone know if you have to make the deposit for HLS before you can apply for HUH? I would assume that you do, but I'd like to double check on the off chance that it isn't required.

While HLS has been my top choice for awhile (and I am SUPER thrilled and honored to be accepted!), I have been offered a named scholarship for full tuition at CCN and am still waiting to hear back from a couple more schools. Because of this, I cannot make a final decision by March 1 when applications open, especially since I plan on attending ASWs before committing anywhere. I am a bit paranoid that I won't get the housing I want if I don't apply early, so I just wanted to know how much pressure I should feel to make a decision sooner rather than later. Thanks in advance for your input!
You do not need to deposit at HLS before applying for HUH (afaik... Horse, is this accurate?). The processes are completely different and run by completely different offices. It also doesn't matter. The vast majority (and the best selection) of units will be available during the windows, and you have between Mar 1 and May 1st to apply for a window. Irrespective of when you apply during that time, you will be randomly assigned a window, which is what will determine your options for getting HUH housing. Of course, the later your application is approved, the later you will be able to view the "currently available" apartments. Some people have gotten apartments through that, but the VAST majority will be available through the windows.

I live in HUH housing, so PM me if you want more info on the different options and stuff.

Also, to clarify... there is a difference between HUH (Harvard University Housing) and HLS housing.
HUH: I'm pretty sure you're right. I just looked at the application, and I didn't see anything about proving that you're a student. At some point they'll confirm this, but you can apply whenever.

HLS Housing: You also don't have to commit for this (I think). I'd also recommend that you sign up relatively soon because none of it is binding. Even when you've selected your room, you'll have a chance to back out (say, for example, after finding a better off-campus apartment).
Follow up - can you live in HUH or HLS housing with a SO? Particularly if you haven't lived together before? I know some schools require that documentation to be able to do that. Or is off campus my best bet?

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blueberrycrumble

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by blueberrycrumble » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:06 pm

Hm, April ASW representation is not strong :(

Also, anyone know what percentage of people who want HLS housing actually get it? Or percentage of people who want HUH housing and get it? I would much prefer to live on campus.

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HorseThief

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by HorseThief » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:11 pm

ChemEng1642 wrote:
So my parents actually live in Massachusetts - how awful would it be to stay with them? My only concern would be Saturday night and I really don't want to have to bail early so I can get my way to their place somehow. Or is bunking with a friend that goes to BU a reasonable option - too far?

I would just feel silly paying for a hotel when my parents and friends are right there...
It's not a terrible option, but it isn't great either. Hangs at the bar tend to run late, and often folks will go out for another round after the official stuff shuts down. Getting to BU isn't terrible, though. You'd have to take the train down a few stops (either from Harvard Sq or from downtown), then be willing to walk for a bit. You probably wouldn't have to leave too early to get back at a reasonable time.
ChemEng1642 wrote: Follow up - can you live in HUH or HLS housing with a SO? Particularly if you haven't lived together before? I know some schools require that documentation to be able to do that. Or is off campus my best bet?
Most HLS housing has singles, so I don't know if you can get a SO in there. You definitely can with HUH though.

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HorseThief

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by HorseThief » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:20 pm

blueberrycrumble wrote:Hm, April ASW representation is not strong :(

Also, anyone know what percentage of people who want HLS housing actually get it? Or percentage of people who want HUH housing and get it? I would much prefer to live on campus.
You're practically guaranteed on-campus housing if you want it. I think there were even a few rooms left over when this school year started. It may not be the best room, but you can get one.

HUH is a whole different story. If you're planning to get an apartment via the lottery, get yourself a back-up plan. The units in Terry Terrace (right across from the law school) and 29 Garden (5min walk away) go very, very quickly. If you're willing to live much further away (i.e. Botanical Garden, Peabody Terrace, or Akon St.), you can probably get a room.

Your best bet for getting a HUH apartment near the law school is to a) get a lease with weird timing like one that starts in July (for which you don't need to wait for the lottery, but can access as soon as you've made an account), or b) hope that an upperclassmen is looking for a roommate (We had a site for this last year, but it appears to be down right now. I'll post it later if it comes up again).

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ChemEng1642

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by ChemEng1642 » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:34 pm

HorseThief wrote:
blueberrycrumble wrote:Hm, April ASW representation is not strong :(

Also, anyone know what percentage of people who want HLS housing actually get it? Or percentage of people who want HUH housing and get it? I would much prefer to live on campus.
You're practically guaranteed on-campus housing if you want it. I think there were even a few rooms left over when this school year started. It may not be the best room, but you can get one.

HUH is a whole different story. If you're planning to get an apartment via the lottery, get yourself a back-up plan. The units in Terry Terrace (right across from the law school) and 29 Garden (5min walk away) go very, very quickly. If you're willing to live much further away (i.e. Botanical Garden, Peabody Terrace, or Akon St.), you can probably get a room.

Your best bet for getting a HUH apartment near the law school is to a) get a lease with weird timing like one that starts in July (for which you don't need to wait for the lottery, but can access as soon as you've made an account), or b) hope that an upperclassmen is looking for a roommate (We had a site for this last year, but it appears to be down right now. I'll post it later if it comes up again).
Huh (lol pun)...This would actually work perfectly for me since my SO is leaving his job at the end of June and would probably be moving somewhere the beginning of July. Also does HUH have year long leases? Since my SO will be working full time we'd need the place for pretty much 3 years straight. Is that a thing?

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HorseThief

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by HorseThief » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:39 pm

ChemEng1642 wrote:
HorseThief wrote:
blueberrycrumble wrote:Hm, April ASW representation is not strong :(

Also, anyone know what percentage of people who want HLS housing actually get it? Or percentage of people who want HUH housing and get it? I would much prefer to live on campus.
You're practically guaranteed on-campus housing if you want it. I think there were even a few rooms left over when this school year started. It may not be the best room, but you can get one.

HUH is a whole different story. If you're planning to get an apartment via the lottery, get yourself a back-up plan. The units in Terry Terrace (right across from the law school) and 29 Garden (5min walk away) go very, very quickly. If you're willing to live much further away (i.e. Botanical Garden, Peabody Terrace, or Akon St.), you can probably get a room.

Your best bet for getting a HUH apartment near the law school is to a) get a lease with weird timing like one that starts in July (for which you don't need to wait for the lottery, but can access as soon as you've made an account), or b) hope that an upperclassmen is looking for a roommate (We had a site for this last year, but it appears to be down right now. I'll post it later if it comes up again).
Huh (lol pun)...This would actually work perfectly for me since my SO is leaving his job at the end of June and would probably be moving somewhere the beginning of July. Also does HUH have year long leases? Since my SO will be working full time we'd need the place for pretty much 3 years straight. Is that a thing?
HUH leases are all year-long. As a 3L, you have an option to end the lease early. Most leases start in August/September, but every once in a while there'll be one that gets offset somehow.

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ravel

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by ravel » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:40 pm

What are you guys doing between now and September?

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ChemEng1642

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by ChemEng1642 » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:44 pm

HorseThief wrote:
ChemEng1642 wrote:
HorseThief wrote:
blueberrycrumble wrote:Hm, April ASW representation is not strong :(

Also, anyone know what percentage of people who want HLS housing actually get it? Or percentage of people who want HUH housing and get it? I would much prefer to live on campus.
You're practically guaranteed on-campus housing if you want it. I think there were even a few rooms left over when this school year started. It may not be the best room, but you can get one.

HUH is a whole different story. If you're planning to get an apartment via the lottery, get yourself a back-up plan. The units in Terry Terrace (right across from the law school) and 29 Garden (5min walk away) go very, very quickly. If you're willing to live much further away (i.e. Botanical Garden, Peabody Terrace, or Akon St.), you can probably get a room.

Your best bet for getting a HUH apartment near the law school is to a) get a lease with weird timing like one that starts in July (for which you don't need to wait for the lottery, but can access as soon as you've made an account), or b) hope that an upperclassmen is looking for a roommate (We had a site for this last year, but it appears to be down right now. I'll post it later if it comes up again).
Huh (lol pun)...This would actually work perfectly for me since my SO is leaving his job at the end of June and would probably be moving somewhere the beginning of July. Also does HUH have year long leases? Since my SO will be working full time we'd need the place for pretty much 3 years straight. Is that a thing?
HUH leases are all year-long. As a 3L, you have an option to end the lease early. Most leases start in August/September, but every once in a while there'll be one that gets offset somehow.
Ok thanks for all the good info!

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RSN

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by RSN » Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:51 pm

HorseThief wrote:
LetsGoMets wrote:Wait hang on, hadn't noticed "HLS & You: A Financially Sound Decision".

Uh, okay.
It's a sales pitch. They'll give data about what expected incomes are for the average HLS student (read: biglaw), then compare the career earnings from a full-ride elsewhere to a HLS degree. (Hint: they're super close).

My two-cents: only go if you a) definitely want to go for biglaw, b) have a full-ride elsewhere that you're seriously considering, and c) want some confirmation that the HLS degree is worth it. Otherwise, you should go explore Cambridge/hang out with other students.
Thanks. I was gonna say, I think they left off some words in the title.

"HLS & You: A Financially Sound Decision (For Us... For You, Not So Much)"

ravel

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Re: Harvard Law School Class of 2018

Post by ravel » Thu Feb 05, 2015 7:38 pm

LetsGoMets wrote:
Thanks. I was gonna say, I think they left off some words in the title.

"HLS & You: A Financially Sound Decision (For Us... For You, Not So Much)"
I don't really understand why people complain so much about tuition when they're going to a top 6 or 7 school. First of all, unless you're international, you qualify for federal funding. Also, if you are international, Harvard is more than supportive. Secondly, the majority make 160,000 coming out. Even with interest, you could probably wipe out your debt in 6 years while living comfortably. If you go for public interest, they have repayment assistance programs. "Debt" like a government "deficit" is not at all a bad thing as long as it's sustainable. There's no magic to not being in debt. An HLS debt is more than sustainable.

Also, even less double the required monthly debt payments AND tax, your income will be more than what the majority of Americans make.

Seriously? What are you waiting for?

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