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Hi Everyone,
I'm in a little situation here and wanted to heed as much advice possible.

I recently started at Cal West January 2010 for their Spring Admission. It's been a total of three weeks in school. I received no scholarship. Cal Western is a 4th Tier school in San Diego with the notion of merging with UCSD and becoming UCSD School of Law.

Two days ago, I received notice from Willamette University (located in Oregon) on my acceptance including a $14,000 scholarship. Willamette is a 3rd/4th tier school. Wiki says 3rd tier, US News says 4th, not sure which is accurate.

I'm tempted to withdraw from Cal Western, receive 60% of my tuition back, and then start Willamette in the fall.

What do you suggest?

where do you want to practice/live?

P[strike]S Portland > San DIego
I've lived in both cities[/strike]

EDIT: not that Willamette is in Portland...

saltoftheearth wrote:where do you want to practice/live?

Between these schools, this is all that matters. Also, check the requirements for the scholly. If you have to remain in the top 30% or so, after moving, the whole thing could end up being a wash.

So.... what city do you want to practice and live in?

California. Though I'm intending to work for my ethnic community possibly placing less importance on location and building those contacts needed to secure job post graduation?

I already have a strong contact list for northern california (SF area), which is where I'd ideally like to work.

So which matters more, location or debt?

i would take the least amount of debt in this situation, if I had to choose.

saltoftheearth wrote:where do you want to practice/live?

P[strike]S Portland > San DIego
I've lived in both cities[/strike]

EDIT: not that Willamette is in Portland...

Also note that Salem SUCKS in every way possible.

At the schools your looking at I would stay in CA, where your law school should better prepare you for the exceedingly hard CA BAR which might not be the case at a small out of state school were most grads likely stay in state.

Best for you would be to get good enough grades to transfer up a little bit to a stronger CA school... otherwise stay there i guess

haylie wrote:California. Though I'm intending to work for my ethnic community possibly placing less importance on location and building those contacts needed to secure job post graduation?

I already have a strong contact list for northern california (SF area), which is where I'd ideally like to work.

So which matters more, location or debt?

Well, if these contacts are willing to hire you regardless of your school, go with the cheaper of the 2. If you're unsure, go where you have the best chance of getting summer internships that will hopefully facilitate employment after you pass the bar.

IMHO, neither sound appealing considering your desire for NorCal.