Willamette or L&C Forum

[limalu]

Deciding between Willamette ($12 K per year with a 2.9 stip) or Lewish & Clark (sticker).

I am not sure I want to practice in Oregon after I graduate but that's another story (and another poll).

I'm looking for feedback on whether the ranking of L&C makes it worth the tuition, or if the education really will be that much better....

[Campagnolo]

What is the total cost of attending each institution (including living expenses)?

[msu1077]

.

[Campagnolo]

What is the total cost of attending each institution (including living expenses)?

Total COL, including tuition, would probably come out pretty even.

I want numbers.

[msu1077]

.

[Campagnolo]

L&C: ($35,098 x 3) + ($18,150 x 3) = $159,744
W: ($31,130 x 3) + ($16,740 x 3) - ($12,000 x 3) = $107,610

Either way, I think it's too much to pay for one of these schools. It's possible that you will come out Okay, but it's a big risk.

Paying off $159,744 over 10 years at 8% requires $1,938.14 payments. Paying off $107,610 is still tough at $1,305.61.

There just aren't that many high-paying jobs in Oregon each year. You said you were likely not staying in Oregon after graduation, so your prospects may vary. I wouldn't expect the Willamette name to carry you too far outside the Willamette Valley. Lewis & Clark may go a bit further, but not too much.

What do you think, OP?

[limalu]

Sorry if I didn't include numbers.

To attend Willamette, I'll be paying 12K for the first year with a 2.9 GPA stipulation to keep the scholarship.

I went to Cornell so I am somewhat confident that I will be able to get a 2.9.... but nothing is certain.

Without scholarship the tuition will be $32 K.

Lewis and Clark is 39 K per year.

Let's just say cost of living will be identical.

Another detail to consider is that I am 95% sure that I do NOT want to stay in Oregon after school.

I want to move to a bigger city (I know I know, unrealistic expectations...)

Anything else you need to know?

BTW I love you all for analyzing this with me. That's why they pay you the big bucks, right?

[Campagnolo]

Willamette has been known to stack sections, meaning they put all the scholarship kids in one section and apply the curve by section. What is 2.9 at Willamette, do you know? Top half? Top third?

If it's any help, I have known a few people who went to Willamette with success, and they kept their scholarships. They had to work damn hard to do it, though, because the competition between them was fierce. Also, don't say you're confident that because you went to an Ivy League undergrad you should be just fine. Not only does it sound arrogant, but it clearly didn't help you on the LSAT, or else you'd be going to Haahvaahd instead of considering L&C and Willamette

In all seriousness, there are always going to be talented, hardworking people in any law school. That's not to say you won't necessarily rise to the top (your Ivy breeding and perfect hair undoubtedly helping you along the way), but just know you have to work just as hard as you would anywhere else.

If I had to choose, I'd pick Willamette. That, or retake. If you got in the mid 160s (as you must have done to get that offer), you can always gain another 5 points and spend 3 more years in Ithaca.

Have you visited Salem, OR? This state is beautiful, but Salem kinda blows. And I'm being nice.

[limalu]

Campagnolo, how did you know I have perfect hair?

Anyways.... I've been living in Portland for the past 8 years (I graduated from Cornell back in '02).

A 2.9 at Willamette is probably the top third (at least). They told me that 50% of the recipients lose their scholarship after the first year!

Any thoughts on the chances of transferring out of Willamette after the first year?

Any suggestions on specific things to ask the Academic Adviser I'll be meeting with in the next week or two?

Thanks again.

[Campagnolo]

I just saw from another one of your posts that pops is willing to pay the freight at Brooklyn, and that you also have an offer at Oregon. Oregon is much less expensive, Brooklyn is free, and you have a guaranteed job when you graduate.

I guess I don't see what the dilemma is, or why Willamette and Lewis & Clark are serious contenders.

[limalu]

I visited U of O this weekend and I really didn't like Eugene.

Salem is an hour away and I found the campus to be quite pleasant. I figure I could keep my apartment and come "home" to Portland every weekend.

My Dad is willing to pay but I still LOVE the idea of an affordable law school.

[Campagnolo]

I visited U of O this weekend and I really didn't like Eugene.

Salem is an hour away and I found the campus to be quite pleasant. I figure I could keep my apartment and come "home" to Portland every weekend.

My Dad is willing to pay but I still LOVE the idea of an affordable law school.

LOL at affordable law school, but wanting to keep two apartments.

Having grown up in the Willamette Valley and spent a lot of time in all three towns, Portland > Eugene > Salem.

What's the biggest thing holding you back? I don't think it's cost based on what you've been saying. Lay out all your options and arrange them by cost. Then, start crossing the options off based on things you don't like and report back.

[CaptAdams]

I went to Cornell so I am somewhat confident that I will be able to get a 2.9.... but nothing is certain.

I went to Cornell, ever heard of it?