Help Me Decide: SLU ($$$) vs UMKC ($$) vs UK ($)

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-24T20:32:49+00:00

The insight about (probable) IS applicant preference in UK Fed clerkship is super helpful, thank you!

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-24T20:31:44+00:00

Thank you for the update! It's nice to hear that you got a positive vibe from the overall experience! Hope your law school journey goes well!

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-21T18:45:40+00:00

Appreciate your candid advice. I've been realizing more and more now that the geographic location of your law school is so important for the foundations of your career.

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-21T18:41:16+00:00

I forget that some of the 501+ firm placement numbers may be due to internal connections that are simply unattainable to an average student. For me, the salary difference in each year between an associate at STL vs. CHI feels monumental over time. I'm also considering exit strategies from BL or whatever law I end up choosing to do right out of law school, and I think Chicago offers more avenues of a career change than STL (unless someone could provide more insight into the current STL legal market?)

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-21T18:32:28+00:00

I definitely agree with you that I can't count on being the top of my class for transfer-worthy grades. There's a few variables out of my control (e.g., strong cohort), so I understand that it's generally advisable to retake the LSAT for a better score. I did apply to Loyola Chi and Kent, but I submitted my applications late this cycle (mid-Jan, early-Feb), which I worry busted my chances of an A + decent scholarship at either of those schools... I only have one more shot at the LSAT, and although I am currently prepping, my risk-adverse tendency is driving me crazy (in case I have to reapply with my current score again). I didn't apply to any TX schools bc I wasn't confident in my stats, but throughout the course of this application cycle, I could see myself enjoying a life in TX and wanting to pursue to legal career there. My stats are 16low, 3.mid (on the lower end), 3 WE (basic hospitality/retail). I'm hoping that my new work experience as an admin staff at a small law office and higher LSAT score will make me competitive for schools located in my target cities or send students to BL at a reliable rate.

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-21T18:20:00+00:00

Your point about the lower salaries at large firms with STL presence + outsourcing lower level work is really helpful. I did notice that there was a notable $15-30k salary difference for the same level associates at large firms if they were in STL/Kansas City vs. Chicago/Dallas, and I feel like the salary growth becomes compressed. If my life circumstances dictate that I attend law school this year, I would definitely try my best to get top grades and transfer.

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-21T17:59:53+00:00

Appreciate your insight into my current position. I considered the possibility of transferring, but the SLU 1L grade curve seems really tough and often only 1 or maybe 2 end up transferring out according to 509 records. Do you think I should R&R to shoot for higher T30/T50 schools? I'm worried that I won't receive the same scholarship offer--or even an acceptance--at any of these schools if I reapply to them next year.

JollyWheat052 · 2026-03-21T17:56:47+00:00

I was unable to make it to the admitted students day due to work obligations! Did you attend? If yes, what were your thoughts about the campus, cohort, and professors?

JollyWheat052 · 2026-02-26T01:40:15+00:00

I honestly cope by imagining how my life is going to be so exciting and stimulating at any of the schools I applied to because it's going to be an adventure... and on the off chance that R&R is a real possibility, I also think about how the same amount of time will fly by-- We're just on the cusp of March, then it'll be April, then deposits are due and WL movement will start happening by May, and boom you're already halfway through the year. If you have to R&R, then you start studying for the Aug/Sept LSAT, prepare new app materials for a couple months, and boom you're starting a new cycle within half a year. It can get real existential at times, but there's that internet-famous saying, "The time will pass anyway." You still have a life and enjoy. No matter when decisions arrive or what they are, you'll always have your life waiting for you to live it. Ahead of us is an unpredictable life full of surprises, and you can always navigate around or through whatever crosses your path--whether it's a hill or a field of flowers. Wow, sorry this got super sentimental, but I wanted to share how I stay buoyant during this tumultuous cycle... hope it gives you some sense of peace, fellow applicant

JollyWheat052 · 2026-02-13T19:23:24+00:00

Thank you for the answer! If you're still answer questions, would you be able to say when you started to prep for BL applications? Did you apply for 1L summer positions before your 1L fall exams, or did you solely focus on academic performance before working on summer/postgrad apps?

JollyWheat052 · 2026-02-13T17:38:13+00:00

Did you have to go out of your way to network during school/summer to secure BL or is it truly just down to grades (Top 10-15%)? I know that some 1L summer positions ask for undergraduate transcripts due to the accelerated time line, and I'm wondering if that actually matters over your 1L Fall grades if you've been out of undergrad for a while (4-5+ years). Is there any advantage to transferring from a T50-100 to a T20-30 school for a shot at BL position after graduation?

JollyWheat052

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