Harvard Law School Class of 2018 Forum

[psychmusic]

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[everything_bagel]

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.

I think your last point is really important to keep in mind, but you won't find a lot of support for everything else you've said on these forums. Big law is awful, especially if you aren't really there voluntarily. LIPP is nice and all but the indenture is real. Unlike the majority of Americans you can't discharge your debts if you figure out law isn't for you...or if you just have trouble finding a job.

[ravel]

I think your last point is really important to keep in mind, but you won't find a lot of support for everything else you've said on these forums. Big law is awful, especially if you aren't really there voluntarily. LIPP is nice and all but the indenture is real. Unlike the majority of Americans you can't discharge your debts if you figure out law isn't for you...or if you just have trouble finding a job.

I do see your point, but those are not Harvard specific or even law school specific complaints. The risk of job loss and bankruptcy is very real if you go into any debt, e.g. to buy a house. Also, with LIPP, it's like you have insurance on your debt in case any job you'd have to take doesn't pay well. That's a big luxury. With an HLS degree, even outside of the law, no graduate is looking at working in fast-food (except in the case of an economic crisis, in which case I think people losing their homes and small businesses will still trump any complaints about the "burden" of our HLS debt).

[RSN]

I understand your points, ravel, but you need to spend some time in the Choosing a Law School forum here and read what some people who have done exactly what you're describing have written. Paying off your debt through six years of work sounds all well and good when you're a 0L, but the reality of biglaw or LIPP/LRAP and hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt is extremely difficult.

[radio1nowhere]

I think your last point is really important to keep in mind, but you won't find a lot of support for everything else you've said on these forums. Big law is awful, especially if you aren't really there voluntarily. LIPP is nice and all but the indenture is real. Unlike the majority of Americans you can't discharge your debts if you figure out law isn't for you...or if you just have trouble finding a job.

I do see your point, but those are not Harvard specific or even law school specific complaints. The risk of job loss and bankruptcy is very real if you go into any debt, e.g. to buy a house. Also, with LIPP, it's like you have insurance on your debt in case any job you'd have to take doesn't pay well. That's a big luxury. With an HLS degree, even outside of the law, no graduate is looking at working in fast-food (except in the case of an economic crisis, in which case I think people losing their homes and small businesses will still trump any complaints about the "burden" of our HLS debt).

Okay, guys, this is not the right place to debate this. Go post in "choosing a law school" or something if you want to start these worn-out arguments again, please!

[omegaweapon]

Did anyone else get sent a list of students to reach out to?

I got one today, but am not sure what questions to ask. I'm trying to decide between North and Gropius, but I'll see them at ASW, and I don't want to bother people with housing questions.

[everything_bagel]

Did anyone else get sent a list of students to reach out to?

I got one today, but am not sure what questions to ask. I'm trying to decide between North and Gropius, but I'll see them at ASW, and I don't want to bother people with housing questions.

How do you not have questions? I mean, why do you want to go to law school? Whether to help you make your decision or to help you make the most out of your time at HLS if you're decided, current students are a pretty awesome resource. But if you really don't have questions about anything other than housing, I think you're right that you should give it a pass.

[KissMyAxe]

Checking in. Incredibly excited. Looking forward to being friends with all of you.

[omegaweapon]

Did anyone else get sent a list of students to reach out to?

I got one today, but am not sure what questions to ask. I'm trying to decide between North and Gropius, but I'll see them at ASW, and I don't want to bother people with housing questions.

How do you not have questions? I mean, why do you want to go to law school? Whether to help you make your decision or to help you make the most out of your time at HLS if you're decided, current students are a pretty awesome resource. But if you really don't have questions about anything other than housing, I think you're right that you should give it a pass.

I guess I don't want to waste their time with things that it seems like I could find out online. I've looked through faculty evaluations and stuff, and know what classes and clinics I'm excited about, (I REALLY want to take Sandel's Ethics and Biotech seminar BTW, he was a hero of mine in undergrad, and the class sounds amazing) and I know about the actual mechanics of the school because I've read through the TLS students thread.

I think in person I'd be able to feel out some questions I have about the atmosphere of the school and stuff, but that seems uncomfortable to just quiz people on online?

I'm probably overthinking all of this, but it seems like there's such a huge amount of information available already that I've been able to answer almost all of my questions.

[strugglebus]

I think in person I'd be able to feel out some questions I have about the atmosphere of the school and stuff, but that seems uncomfortable to just quiz people on online?

Agree 100%. I've gotten a lot of ask-me-questions emails this week from other schools (haven't gotten the list from HLS yet, which is unsurprising given my recent JS2), and any questions I might have are either sufficiently technical to be on the website or better discussed in person/in a live conversation.

[ChemEng1642]

I think in person I'd be able to feel out some questions I have about the atmosphere of the school and stuff, but that seems uncomfortable to just quiz people on online?

Agree 100%. I've gotten a lot of ask-me-questions emails this week from other schools (haven't gotten the list from HLS yet, which is unsurprising given my recent JS2), and any questions I might have are either sufficiently technical to be on the website or better discussed in person/in a live conversation.

Me too!

I've just been sending polite responses that I'll definitely get in touch if I have any questions - at least so they know I got their email.

[malleus discentium]

Did anyone else get sent a list of students to reach out to?

I got one today, but am not sure what questions to ask. I'm trying to decide between North and Gropius, but I'll see them at ASW, and I don't want to bother people with housing questions.

If admissions has put you in contact with a student, they will be very happy to answer any question you have, however technical or boring you think it is. As for North versus Gropius--if North is in your price range, it is not even close. North is streets ahead.

[omegaweapon]

Did anyone else get sent a list of students to reach out to?

I got one today, but am not sure what questions to ask. I'm trying to decide between North and Gropius, but I'll see them at ASW, and I don't want to bother people with housing questions.

If admissions has put you in contact with a student, they will be very happy to answer any question you have, however technical or boring you think it is. As for North versus Gropius--if North is in your price range, it is not even close. North is streets ahead.

None this is in my price range, but I think I'm going to wind up going anyway

[Nathanael]

I would really like to get everything booked for the ASW in a month, but I feel a little weird about buying tickets and booking accommodation before being able to officially RSVP. Anyone else hung up on this?

[LSCHI]

I would really like to get everything booked for the ASW in a month, but I feel a little weird about buying tickets and booking accommodation before being able to officially RSVP. Anyone else hung up on this?

I was but then decided to go ahead and book everything anyway. Although I am still hoping to access the admitted students website sometime soon...

[ChemEng1642]

I would really like to get everything booked for the ASW in a month, but I feel a little weird about buying tickets and booking accommodation before being able to officially RSVP. Anyone else hung up on this?

I say go for it! I don't think anything's going to stop you from registering for an ASW once you get access. I actually did it the other way - bought tickets first before RSVPing just to make sure I could go before I committed to anything.

[ikethegremlin]

Question for anybody more knowledgeable/better-at-reading-websites than me-

If you want to live in HUH, and don't want to spend over a grand a month on rent, it seems like somewhere like this, for example:

http://huhousing.harvard.edu/our-proper ... loor_plans

is your only real option: 4 bedrooms for 3k a month, split 4 ways.

Question is, do you need to apply with a group of 4 people worked out already, or do you literally take a room in a suite and wait for the rest to fill up? I'm kind of guessing the way the pricing is displayed you need to apply as a group, in which case how easy/hard is it to find willing roommates?

[HorseThief]

Question for anybody more knowledgeable/better-at-reading-websites than me-

If you want to live in HUH, and don't want to spend over a grand a month on rent, it seems like somewhere like this, for example:

http://huhousing.harvard.edu/our-proper ... loor_plans

is your only real option: 4 bedrooms for 3k a month, split 4 ways.

Question is, do you need to apply with a group of 4 people worked out already, or do you literally take a room in a suite and wait for the rest to fill up? I'm kind of guessing the way the pricing is displayed you need to apply as a group, in which case how easy/hard is it to find willing roommates?

You can do it either way. Expenses are obviously easier if you have the group already put together, but I know of people who got the room first, then advertised for roommates.

[ikethegremlin]

Question for anybody more knowledgeable/better-at-reading-websites than me-

If you want to live in HUH, and don't want to spend over a grand a month on rent, it seems like somewhere like this, for example:

http://huhousing.harvard.edu/our-proper ... loor_plans

is your only real option: 4 bedrooms for 3k a month, split 4 ways.

Question is, do you need to apply with a group of 4 people worked out already, or do you literally take a room in a suite and wait for the rest to fill up? I'm kind of guessing the way the pricing is displayed you need to apply as a group, in which case how easy/hard is it to find willing roommates?

You can do it either way. Expenses are obviously easier if you have the group already put together, but I know of people who got the room first, then advertised for roommates.

Okay that's really helpful. But either way you are responsible for filling the space - as in, you can't just take one of the 4 bedrooms and have Harvard fill the other 3 like in an undergrad-dorm-suite kind of deal.

Got it.

[m_ross]

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).

So we're clear, the backing-out thing only applies to HLS housing - once you select and confirm a HUH apartment, you're stuck with it.

[hillz]

What's everyone doing for ASW accommodations? Looking at flights now and I want to get there on Friday night but that means paying an extra $200 for a hotel room. So excited, but man, visiting schools is pricey!

[Hat.trick]

For those (like me) who didn't know), I emailed HLS a few days ago about the tuition deposit and they told me that they dont have one. All you have to do is accept their offer of admission. I thought that was pretty cool and it came as a nice surprise to my ever shrinking wallet.

[omegaweapon]

What's everyone doing for ASW accommodations? Looking at flights now and I want to get there on Friday night but that means paying an extra $200 for a hotel room. So excited, but man, visiting schools is pricey!

I'm staying at the Irving House. It's really close, and about 70 dollars cheaper than an actual hotel, although I have to share a bathroom.

[strugglebus]

For those (like me) who didn't know), I emailed HLS a few days ago about the tuition deposit and they told me that they dont have one. All you have to do is accept their offer of admission. I thought that was pretty cool and it came as a nice surprise to my ever shrinking wallet.

This is awesome. Hadn't heard about that before. Anyone know what the deadline is?

[RSN]

Wait wait wait. There's an ASW schedule for parents? And part of it is a session with JS?