Top Law Schools

Here's the deal. I'm from Texas and would like to practice here after school. I'm not at all opposed to leaving for a few years of law school, but I really want to be able to come back. Here's the schools that are tempting and how much tuition would cost me for 3 years.
UMich $90k
Texas $60k
WUSTL $14k
Baylor $0

What do you think and why? I'm about 98% sure this is gonna end up being a toss up between UT and Michigan, but let's just see.

Also, of anywhere in Texas, I like Dallas the best. I applied for a full tuition + stipend scholly at SMU. If I get that, does it change your vote?

I am the first (and lone) vote for SMU but only if you get a full ride. You want to practice in Dallas. SMU's main market is Dallas. You get free education. I don't see why you would go wrong with SMU.

What do you want to do?

I think that UT versus SMU (if full tuition + stipend) will be where it ends and that would come down to your preference of managing risk versus greater prestige.

bk187 wrote:What do you want to do?

I think that UT versus SMU (if full tuition + stipend) will be where it ends and that would come down to your preference of managing risk versus greater prestige.

I'd like to get into a corporate gig in Dallas

UT ftw. SMU for free is definitely worth consideration if you're extremely debt averse and want to be in Dallas, but UT expands your options and pwns pretty much every other school for Texas biglaw.

I would cross Baylor and WUSTL off your list immediately. Not that they're never the answer, just not for you with the other options you have.

Given your preferred location, I think you should focus on (SMU for free v.) UT v. UMich. All three are going to place well in Dallas, UT and Michigan probably more so than SMU. Even in Dallas, SMU is not above a top 10 school or UT. How debt-averse are you? COL is going to be higher in Austin than Ann Arbor, but Austin is a helluva not nicer (IMO, considering weather, etc.). Regardless, I don't think you're in bad shape either way.

I'd vote for Michigan, but ultimately this is an incredibly personal decision. Have you visited the schools?

This isn't even a discussion if WUSTL is giving you 114k a year! their COA can't be much more than 70k that leaves you with an extra 40k a year to just party with. No brainer

unc0mm0n1 wrote:This isn't even a discussion if WUSTL is giving you 114k a year! their COA can't be much more than 70k that leaves you with an extra 40k a year to just party with. No brainer

Whoops. fixed.

patrickd139 wrote:Have you visited the schools?

I've been to SMU. Really liked the feel there.

I'm going to Texas for ASW at the end of March, and I don't think I'm gonna be able to afford to make it to Michigan, but I'm still working on that.

Burgstaller04 wrote:

patrickd139 wrote:Have you visited the schools?

I've been to SMU. Really liked the feel there.

I'm going to Texas for ASW at the end of March, and I don't think I'm gonna be able to afford to make it to Michigan, but I'm still working on that.

I would definitely suggest a visit to Michigan. It's the only school on your list I haven't been to, but all others have distinctly different atmospheres. I have no reason to think that would be different for Michigan too.

Keep in mind, as well, that you'll be staring down the barrel at that travel burden every time you come back to Texas during law school, assuming you're based in Texas for holidays and such.