Negotiating with DePaul? Forum

[CPM723]

So I was accepted about a month ago to DePaul and have received a generous scholarship. The stipulations, however, worry me. I have a few questions.

1st- What does a 3.2 equate to on DePaul's grading curve? I cannot find a straightforward answer online.

2nd- Is it possible to negotiate the scholarship stipulations?/Is it too early to begin negotiating?- I have been accepted at a few other schools so far, but have not received scholarship information yet.

If anyone has any insight that would be great.

Thanks!

[FUBAR]

A 3.2 at DePaul is probably around top 1/3. Odds are you won't retain your scholarship. Even with a full scholly and no stips, the odds of landing a decent job out of DePaul ITE without excellent grades are slim.

Don't go to law school if this is your best option at the end of the day.

[CPM723]

Not my best option, just wondering if I could work the stipulations down.

[rinkrat19]

It is possible (sometimes, and depending on the school) to negotiate scholarship stips away or down. I don't know if DePaul does.

You'll be in a stronger position to negotiate, however, if you wait until you have better scholarship offers (more money/less stip) from peer schools and/or admissions (and/or scholarships) to better schools in hand.

[CPM723]

I figured. I just wasn't sure if there was a way to start the process early as a way to show your dedication to the school.

[mrtoren]

I don't think dedication factors into it at all. In fact, it probably has the opposite effect. If it looks like you really want to attend that school, they have no reason to provide additional incentive to get you on board. Nevertheless, negotiating stips away is very tough to do. You need another school of equal, if not better, standing to offer you more money. Even then its a gamble. DePaul may just tell you to go to the other school since they have enough students to fill your spot. You have to have something they want.

A 3.2 at DePaul, according to the Admissions Director, is roughly top 35%. Considering how many scholarships DePaul gives out, it may be possible to keep it. I'm at the median LSAT and slightly below the median GPA and I received $15,000/yr. Assuming at least 50-65% of the entering class receives money, they can't possibly section stack that intensely. Will everyone keep the full award? No, absolutely not. However, I think a lot of kids will retain at least half due to the new 2.9 stip.

If you want BigLaw, DePaul isn't the school to attend. Only a handful make it into the top firms every year. However, for public interest, government, or small firm work, it isn't a bad choice. You just need to manage your debt and continually run the numbers. You need to fully understand the investment you're making.