Picking a School Based on Program? Forum

[TexasENG]

I've been narrowing down which programs I think I would want to pursue for a career post school, and was wondering what the conventional wisdom was on Program Rankings?

For Example in USNews top Intellectual Property Law programs only 3 of the top 10 are T14 schools. So if I want to go into IP law should I pick a school with a top program such as GW (4th in IP) or do I just go to a T14 and hope for the best?

[nealric]

Program rankings are worthless. Do not pay attention to them unless it's a tiebreaker between schools at similar rank and cost.

[Clemenceau]

Ya. T14 is going to be superior to gw no matter what, cost notwithstanding

[Abraham Lincoln Uni.]

Program rankings may be important depending on what you want to do. For example, if you plan on working for a big well known firm, it may be best to consider applying to schools within the top program rankings. If, however, you either want to work for a small to middle sized firm or become a sole practitioner your options may not be as limited.

Some considerations for students include the programs that are offered, the cost of the school, and where specifically the student wants to practice upon graduation.

[hairbear7]

Program rankings may be important depending on what you want to do. For example, if you plan on working for a big well known firm, it may be best to consider applying to schools within the top program rankings. If, however, you either want to work for a small to middle sized firm or become a sole practitioner your options may not be as limited.

Some considerations for students include the programs that are offered, the cost of the school, and where specifically the student wants to practice upon graduation.

timely response