Univ of Georgia Forum

[missvik218]

I'm trying to decide between UGA (I'm in-state, plus a scholarship that results in me paying 10k per year tuition) and Georgetown part-time (no money). Being close to family is a big deal. Anyone have any thoughts?

How big of a deal?

[mebeSajid]

Well, I've turned down higher paying jobs out of state to stay close to home. If Emory had given me enough money (read 20-25k) I would have taken that over Georgetown. Not sure about UGA though.

Plus I'm a Georgia Tech grad, so I might get killed if I scream the proper response to "What's the good word?" at UGA.

[missvik218]

Well, I've turned down higher paying jobs out of state to stay close to home. If Emory had given me enough money (read 20-25k) I would have taken that over Georgetown. Not sure about UGA though.

Plus I'm a Georgia Tech grad, so I might get killed if I scream the proper response to "What's the good word?" at UGA.

Re: Georgia Tech, I think they'd forgive you!

And so then I guess you'd be looking to work in GA after school also, as opposed to DC?

I think if I were you I'd take the money at UGA. Yes, Georgetown is T14 but it's my new theory is that anything non-HYS is regional, it's just to what extent.

If you want to be in GA, all of your connections and family are in GA, you can save a fortune by going to UGA; I really don't see the point in going to Georgetown. Unless of course they offer a certain discipline or area of study you're particularly interested in that UGA doesn't have?

[iShotFirst]

Well, I've turned down higher paying jobs out of state to stay close to home. If Emory had given me enough money (read 20-25k) I would have taken that over Georgetown. Not sure about UGA though.

Plus I'm a Georgia Tech grad, so I might get killed if I scream the proper response to "What's the good word?" at UGA.

Plus you have to do Georgetown part time? What are you going to do during the day, work, sleep? If no good job already set up in DC, don't do part time. I see no advantages to going to Georgetown in your case.

[mebeSajid]

Plus you have to do Georgetown part time? What are you going to do during the day, work, sleep? If no good job already set up in DC, don't do part time. I see no advantages to going to Georgetown in your case.

It would be Georgetown part time for the first year - all the research I've done suggests that transferring to the FT program after a year shouldn't be an issue. Also, I've got enough friends in DC that have assured me that getting a job in DC while going to school (at least for the first year when I'm going part time) should not be an issue.

And so then I guess you'd be looking to work in GA after school also, as opposed to DC?

I think if I were you I'd take the money at UGA. Yes, Georgetown is T14 but it's my new theory is that anything non-HYS is regional, it's just to what extent.

If you want to be in GA, all of your connections and family are in GA, you can save a fortune by going to UGA; I really don't see the point in going to Georgetown. Unless of course they offer a certain discipline or area of study you're particularly interested in that UGA doesn't have?

I'd like to work in GA, but want the option of being able to move elsewhere, so that's where Georgetown would help. Plus Georgetown's got much more coursework in Intellectual Property, and I'd like to work at a boutique IP law firm after graduating.

The way I'm looking at this is:

Pros of Georgetown:
1. Great reputation
2. DC's a really fun city
3. Better IP coursework than UGA
4. Better career opportunities than UGA
5. I won't get killed when I yell "To Hell with Georgia".


Pros of UGA:
1. Costs a hell of a lot less money
2. Much closer to family
3. Good for working in Atlanta (though how does UGA play with boutique IP law firms like Finnegan and Fish?)
4. No summer school
5. If I decide I want to do something not related to biglaw, like PI, than I can without having to worry about the debt burden.

Any suggestions to add to this list are appreciated.

[TheBigMediocre]

Lists and things of that nature.

I would argue that in your situation, median at GeorgeTTTown (I kid, I just like the joke) is a lot scarier then median at UGA because of the debt load. Not saying you're going to be a median student, but you always want to take it into consideration.

Also...Unlike GULC, I haven't seen anyone selling their UGA Law degree on eBay.

[kikuchiyo ali]

Well, I've turned down higher paying jobs out of state to stay close to home. If Emory had given me enough money (read 20-25k) I would have taken that over Georgetown. Not sure about UGA though.

Plus I'm a Georgia Tech grad, so I might get killed if I scream the proper response to "What's the good word?" at UGA.

UGA's IP is not terrible; Heald's a big deal in IP. Plus I ended up getting my summer internship with an IP lawyer through the school. As for coming from Tech, you might get made fun of at orientation, but there are a few Tech grads here.

[mebeSajid]

Well, I've turned down higher paying jobs out of state to stay close to home. If Emory had given me enough money (read 20-25k) I would have taken that over Georgetown. Not sure about UGA though.

Plus I'm a Georgia Tech grad, so I might get killed if I scream the proper response to "What's the good word?" at UGA.

UGA's IP is not terrible; Heald's a big deal in IP. Plus I ended up getting my summer internship with an IP lawyer through the school. As for coming from Tech, you might get made fun of at orientation, but there are a few Tech grads here.

Looking at your posting history, I think I remember meeting you at ASD - or were you not there?

[Drockman]

Well, I've turned down higher paying jobs out of state to stay close to home. If Emory had given me enough money (read 20-25k) I would have taken that over Georgetown. Not sure about UGA though.

Plus I'm a Georgia Tech grad, so I might get killed if I scream the proper response to "What's the good word?" at UGA.

Plus you have to do Georgetown part time? What are you going to do during the day, work, sleep? If no good job already set up in DC, don't do part time. I see no advantages to going to Georgetown in your case.

Not sure why would anyone choose UGA over Georgetown, especially for IP Law, for which UGA is not known for. I wish I had that option, even if it is part-time.

[MikeRob9485]

I'd chose UGA over Georgetown without giving it a second thought

[mebeSajid]

I appreciate the responses, but could you guys share your reasoning?

I'm leaning towards UGA, because that gives me the option of graduating without any debt.

[MikeRob9485]

Low amount of debt with a high average starting salary (particularly in the Atlanta area) is one of the biggest reasons for most people. Also if you come out and want to work in the public sector where you won't get paid as much, the low debt will allow you to do what you really want to do instead of being forced to follow the money. For me, I love this state I've lived here my entire life and have no intention of ever leaving. Athens is also an hour and a half to two hour drive to Atlanta. The school is highly regarded throughout the south, especially in Georgia. Then there is the Athens music scene, football games, an expansive and prestigious alumni network, the bar scene is unrivaled when you need to occasionally unwind, and the girls of UGA are unbelievably gorgeous, the list goes on

[lawhawk]

Low amount of debt with a high average starting salary (particularly in the Atlanta area) is one of the biggest reasons for most people. Also if you come out and want to work in the public sector where you won't get paid as much, the low debt will allow you to do what you really want to do instead of being forced to follow the money. For me, I love this state I've lived here my entire life and have no intention of ever leaving. Athens is also an hour and a half to two hour drive to Atlanta. The school is highly regarded throughout the south, especially in Georgia. Then there is the Athens music scene, football games, an expansive and prestigious alumni network, the bar scene is unrivaled when you need to occasionally unwind, and the girls of UGA are unbelievably gorgeous, the list goes on

+1

[Drockman]

I appreciate the responses, but could you guys share your reasoning?

I'm leaning towards UGA, because that gives me the option of graduating without any debt.

It is a given that UGA is cheaper, but that is as good of a reason to choose a law school as it is to choose hys, because you will make a bit more money out of there, you have to take into account mobility and the prestige of your degree. My point being that, a school such as Georgetown will without a doubt open up more doors for you, I am sure it is not terribly hard for a Georgetown grad to find employment in Atlanta. But it is terribly hard for a UGA grad to find employment in D.C. And if you happen to change your mind and want to have a shot at New York or even somewhere midwest of west, a JD from Georgetown will go a long way, whether it is in private practice, public practice, academia or other things you may become interested in as you go through law school.

[married0L]

Drock,

Certainly. However, some life situations don't really open themselves up to "changing their mind." For instance, as my name says, I am married. My wife and I are looking to have kids right when I get out of law school, and distance to grandparents is a huge deal to us. I am not going to NYC, California or DC. In that case, its about regional placement and relative cost. Prestige is GREAT when it is applicable, but for MOST law school attendees, it is far from the deciding factor. For those of us that have been out of college a few years, we understand that a little bit better (hopefully). Pragmatic solutions to reaching our goals and providing for our families is a driving factor.

I don't mean to hijack, just thought I would share my opinion. I know my decisions about my family are decisions I have made and I am very comfortable with them. They limit me in some ways but have given me more than I could receive in an education from any law school. I assume many are like me on this board and because of that often find themselves making tough decisions with logic that deviates from the mean on here.

[ellakay]

Hi all, UGA 1L here. I'd be happy to take questions if y'all have any.

[TheBigMediocre]

Hi all, UGA 1L here. I'd be happy to take questions if y'all have any.

1. Know anyone who did that summer-start thing that UGA is supposed to offer? What did it consist of? Beneficial?

2. I remember reading through the UGA Class of 2012 thread on TLS last year and apparently someone had figured out how to find out what section (x/y/z) you were before UGA officially told you. Do you remember anything abou this?

3. Who was your civ pro professor?

4. What are you doing this summer?

5. How much of a bitch was graded legal writing?

Thanks in advance!

[ellakay]

1. Know anyone who did that summer-start thing that UGA is supposed to offer? What did it consist of? Beneficial?

I did it. It consisted of a mini con law course (intensely socratic) and some general "this is how you do law school" type things. The benefits are purely psychological. You get your first cold call over with and get to meet some fun people. I wouldn't do it again knowing what I know now, but if you're really nervous about law school, it may help with the jitters.

2. I remember reading through the UGA Class of 2012 thread on TLS last year and apparently someone had figured out how to find out what section (x/y/z) you were before UGA officially told you. Do you remember anything abou this?

Yeah, that was me, and they weren't happy about it. (Sorry UGA law administration!!) Here's how it happened: They posted our schedules on OASIS. Each class has a call number (basically the identification for the class). Out of curiosity, I pulled up the official schedule of classes from the registrar, and it had the sections listed under each call number. I figured if it was still posted, they didn't care if we knew, but that was definitely a mistake. They quickly yanked the sections and professors off of the schedule of classes and posted signs in the bookstore around our books about "incorrect information on the internet regarding section assignments." I guess someone at the school just messed up and forgot to take the section assignments off of the registrar's schedule of classes. I'm betting they won't let that happen again.

That being said, I took a gamble on our section assignments being right (which they were!) and got my books on half.com. I saved approximately $500 by ordering them used vs. buying them new in the bookstore.

3. Who was your civ pro professor?
A total badass. I'll PM you--I'd rather attempt to remain somewhat anonymous.

4. What are you doing this summer?
Internship with a federal judge.

5. How much of a bitch was graded legal writing?
Not at all, but I have a knack for it. Some people really, really hated it, but it's kind of my thing. Also, I had a fabulous professor who spent tons of time in her office helping students. My main advice: just start early. I think that's why it wasn't bad for me--I never waited until the last minute. Both my memo and my brief were printed out and ready to turn in the afternoon before they were due the next morning, and I think that helped keep me sane.

The "easter egg hunts" were the only real negative to LRW. Basically, we had to find various things in books in the library. Thankfully, my professor let our section work in groups for everything except the final one. Being able to work with others helped tremendously, but I think that a few LRW sections required that students do everything on their own, which I think would have been pretty rough.

[MikeRob9485]

I appreciate the responses, but could you guys share your reasoning?

I'm leaning towards UGA, because that gives me the option of graduating without any debt.

It is a given that UGA is cheaper, but that is as good of a reason to choose a law school as it is to choose hys, because you will make a bit more money out of there, you have to take into account mobility and the prestige of your degree. My point being that, a school such as Georgetown will without a doubt open up more doors for you, I am sure it is not terribly hard for a Georgetown grad to find employment in Atlanta. But it is terribly hard for a UGA grad to find employment in D.C. And if you happen to change your mind and want to have a shot at New York or even somewhere midwest of west, a JD from Georgetown will go a long way, whether it is in private practice, public practice, academia or other things you may become interested in as you go through law school.

UGA has one of the largest alumni networks in DC, so it shouldn't be terribly hard to find employment there

[JesusSmarmia]

ellakay,

My biggest peeve so far at UGA is the schedule, with class all day, separated by one-hour breaks. How does that actually end up working out? Does it at least allow enough time to do your digging for legal research during the day and avoid staying on campus all evening? If I want to keep my time on campus to a minimum, what is the least I can expect to get away with? (without my performance suffering)

thanks

[missvik218]

ellakey, thanks so much for taking questions!!

1. What is parking like; where is it, how expensive, etc? I'm thinking of getting one pass and sharing with the roomies to get to school on days when it's raining or something ..?

2. Do you know anyone planning or thinking about the Business Law and Ethics focus? What do you think about specializing in that way, helpful, hurtful, neither?

3. I know you said you have a summer gig lined up, what is the general consensus around school? Do most people have summer employment? Are people getting paid? Was it fairly easy to come by or did people have to really pull strings and use personal connections?

4. Are you IS or OOS? If you're OOS (or know anyone who is) how has the process of gaining IS residency for tuition purposes gone? Anyone having serious trouble?

5. Have you dealt much with the Career Services Office? Are they helpful, how would you characterize them?

6. Do you know anyone who is planning on working abroad this summer (Global Internship Program)? Is this difficult to gain access to? Are there grade requirements?

Also, if you wouldn't mind PMing me the name of your Civ Pro professor, I'd appreciate it! Thanks in advance!!

[cake]

I'm not ellakay, but I'll respond anyway. Responses in bold:

1. What is parking like; where is it, how expensive, etc? I'm thinking of getting one pass and sharing with the roomies to get to school on days when it's raining or something ..?

The North deck parking is just a short walk (2-3 minutes from the law school). It was $40/month last year. I've been told parking passes downtown are cheaper, but the walk will be a bit longer, which isn't ideal if you're just going to use it for bad weather days.

2. Do you know anyone planning or thinking about the Business Law and Ethics focus? What do you think about specializing in that way, helpful, hurtful, neither?

I don't know anyone.

3. I know you said you have a summer gig lined up, what is the general consensus around school? Do most people have summer employment? Are people getting paid? Was it fairly easy to come by or did people have to really pull strings and use personal connections?

As far as I know, everyone has something to do over the summer, including summer school (which is good idea, since it frees up the regular schedule for you to take more of the classes you want). I only know a handful of people that have paid jobs- most everyone seems to have unpaid internships.

4. Are you IS or OOS? If you're OOS (or know anyone who is) how has the process of gaining IS residency for tuition purposes gone? Anyone having serious trouble?

I'm IS, but the OOS people I spoke with all said UGA works with you a lot to help you get IS as soon as possible. There will be a meeting or two at the beginning of the year to go over the requirements and give you tips.

5. Have you dealt much with the Career Services Office? Are they helpful, how would you characterize them?

They're all wonderful and very helpful with the process. I decided to do the GIP over the summer, so I didn't work with them too much, but I did get an offer with their help before I decided to do GIP.

6. Do you know anyone who is planning on working abroad this summer (Global Internship Program)? Is this difficult to gain access to? Are there grade requirements?

Like I said, I will be in the GIP this summer. It's not particularly difficult, but you want to make sure your application gets in as early as possible once you're sure you want to go, or you might not be able to get one of the slots.

[cake]

ellakay,

My biggest peeve so far at UGA is the schedule, with class all day, separated by one-hour breaks. How does that actually end up working out? Does it at least allow enough time to do your digging for legal research during the day and avoid staying on campus all evening? If I want to keep my time on campus to a minimum, what is the least I can expect to get away with? (without my performance suffering)

thanks

The schedule didn't give me any problems, and is a lot more open second semester (no crim, LRW ends in February). You should be able to get your LRW research done during the breaks as long as you can focus. I usually didn't stay on campus after my last class.

[missvik218]

Thank you cake!! Very helpful. Do you mind saying where you're working and what you're doing this summer?! I'm super interested/excited about the GIP!! Does the Dean Rusk Center give you options of positions available or do you have to figure out where you want to go and what you want to do on your own?

Feel free to PM me if you don't want to out yourself.

[TheBigMediocre]

The student body, how hot is it?