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I am deciding between the University of Arizona and Cal Western (with a half scholarship), and I know they are on two totally different playing fields, but I would love some insight as to what would be best for job prospects. I am from San Diego and plan to practice in Southern California, which I also need to account for in my decision. I really appreciate any advice, thanks!

Cost at zona? Is cal western aba accredited?

arizona

What field of law do you want to practice? Also, do you want to go BigLaw, mid-Law, or...?

Arizona would be about 40,000 a year and yea, Cal Western is accredited.

rdruc wrote:Arizona would be about 40,000 a year and yea, Cal Western is accredited.

nvm, retake

I would love to get into mid law or big law, and I know that might not be realistic, but it is a goal that I am shooting for. I am thinking about doing entertainer law, corporate law, or trusts and estate planning. I am just unsure of the job prospects and connections I would be able to make if I was in Arizona, because I definitely want to practice in Southern California.

Arizona places really well in...Arizona. And at that cost not worth it. Retake. It is long odds to get you into SoCal right away.

rdruc wrote:I would love to get into mid law or big law, and I know that might not be realistic, but it is a goal that I am shooting for. I am thinking about doing entertainer law, corporate law, or trusts and estate planning. I am just unsure of the job prospects and connections I would be able to make if I was in Arizona, because I definitely want to practice in Southern California.

The legal market in San Diego is very strained, I'm sure other users currently practicing and living there will attest to that. Your chances at BigLaw from Cal Western will be slim, and I point to the fact that less than 5% of University of San Diego's graduates go on to practice at BL firms, and that's the best school in San Diego - though it is a Tier 2. That said, even your chances at mid law will be better from USD than Cal Western. Did you apply to USD? Surely if you got in to UA you can get in there.

You also have the transfer option from Cal Western to USD after your first year, but that depends on your ability to do well in your first year...it's a gamble. Can you retake the LSAT for a better score and apply to USD as a 0L? I concede that if you know for a fact that you want to be in Southern California that going to school there is probably your best call, I'm not sure how easy it will be reach your goal from Arizona.

Knowing you were so certain about SoCal, did you apply to all the SoCal schools? Again, citing your acceptance to UA, it seems like you could have been accepted at Pepperdine, Loyola, USD...T1/T2 schools that would vastly improve your chances of staying in SoCal.

You should retake. But if you won't it's gotta be Arizona. You can find a job in that state, at least.

According to an earlier post, your numbers are 153/3.67. If you have only taken the LSAT once, you might want to consider a second sitting. Nevertheless, between Arizona & Cal Western, Arizona is the better choice even for one targeting Southern California.

P.S. Were you admitted to U.San Diego or to Loyola Marymount ?

I am currently on the waitlist for both, and holding out, hoping to get off either.

rdruc wrote:I am currently on the waitlist for both, and holding out, hoping to get off either.

How did you land the half scholarship at Cal Western if you're still on their wait list?

I am in at Cal Western with a half scholarship, and on the waitlist at UCI, Loyola, and USD.

Retake and Reapply to USC/UCLA.

rdruc wrote:I am in at Cal Western with a half scholarship, and on the waitlist at UCI, Loyola, and USD.

I understand. Thanks for clearing that up. I'd ride out those wait lists then go UA if none say yes....IF you can't retake and apply next cycle. You've got a strong GPA, if you raise your LSAT you can get money at any of those schools, and challenge for UCLA/SC.

First choice retake, second choice any of those wait lists, final choice UA.

dudeimsocool wrote:arizona

dudeimsocool wrote:

rdruc wrote:Arizona would be about 40,000 a year and yea, Cal Western is accredited.

nvm, retake

My thoughts exactly. Dont attend Arizona unless tuition is half that, at least. Dont attend a Cali TTT unless its free. Retake or dont go.

I voted Arizona. I don't even think California Western has job prospects.

Call Arizona and try to get money. Best of luck.

I just got into USD! Looks like I will be there in fall, unless I get into UCI! Thanks for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it!!