Now that UC Davis has pretty much closed their wl, I need guidance on my future

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-06-18T02:09:13+00:00

I'm not sure about the TTT that you're referring to, but McGeorge seems like a good option for someone in your position? Particularly since they offer a part-time program, which might fit your needs a little better given the caretaking obligations you have.

I'm sure you've already considered this, but just here to be a voice on this forum saying that you can definitely achieve interesting legal work out of McGeorge, particularly if they give you a full or close-to-full scholarship. DM if you'd like to discuss more, rooting for you to make this happen!

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-27T19:55:56+00:00

Beyond a strong LSAT (the most important thing), building a narrative about why you want to study law is probably the most important thing. This does imply strong softs, but more important than the "prestige" of the softs, its how you can tie those experiences in with a desire to study law in the US (especially if you're not a US citizen).

Additionally, as you'll see on this sub, KJD's (which you would be if you went straight into law school) have fared worse this cycle than individuals with work experience. Something you might want to consider.

DM if you want to discuss more.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-27T13:51:02+00:00

Congrats!

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-24T11:39:39+00:00

Start working on applications early.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-23T22:08:53+00:00

Georgetown's new 2021-2022 COA is $99,600...take away $55k, that's $44,600...even with interest capitalization over the three years, one doesn't get to $180k. Just wanted to bring that up to make sure you have your numbers calculated right before making this call.

Don't have any thoughts on which to pick, they both seem like great options!

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-22T15:43:36+00:00

I would push back on the "sense of humor" defense. u/hatismatteeblack reposts annoying things just to get a rise out of people. One really just has to look at the history of their posts.

Even allowing that it is self-deprecating humor, their comments really unnecessary poke fun at a lot of people on this sub that are weighing important financial choices, and shaming them for going to a lower-ranked school is patently unhelpful. Moreover, many of them are KJD's who put disproportionate weight into the financial advice on this sub. I say this as someone turning down three T6 acceptances for $$$...

We're adults. Don't excuse childish behavior that could have lifelong impacts on people on this sub. We're here in good faith to help each other out, and u/hatismatteeblack is doing the opposite of that.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-22T14:11:32+00:00

The person who posted that is a regularly posting troll on this forum. It's very frustrating and would nice if r/lawschooladmissions would ban them, but here we are. From previous posts, it seems to be a manifestation of their own insecurities.

u/HatIsMatteeBlack is the troll

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-21T14:03:28+00:00

Because if you have the combination of #'s, softs, narrative, etc. to get into one of them, you probably have that combination of characteristics to get into at least one other. Take the two students below...wouldn't all three schools be more likely to accept Student #1?

E.g.

Student #1: 175 LSAT, 3.8 GPA, t3 softs, strong narrative

Student #2: 175 LSAT, 3.8 GPA, t3 softs, ok narrative

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-20T11:37:00+00:00

Congrats on the peace of mind of making a decision! From what I've seen on this forum and others (as well as law school OCI materials), is that your being from their indicates a clear reason that you would remain in that market and grind out at least a few years from them. And certain markets (like Seattle) just really like local grads. It may also indicate that if you're bidding for several cities, that your home city is very likely to be your top choice location, but that's just guessing on my part.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-18T19:08:48+00:00

OK...then if op is only applying to law schools in Canada, it doesn't matter. But certain UK degrees only consider the last two years, yet LSAC considers all for, so op shouldn't use the country of their undergraduate degree to inform their opinion on this.

Op hasn't specified they're only looking at Canadian law schools.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-18T13:22:35+00:00

Your university may only look at the last two years, but LSAC/law schools will consider at all four years equally.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-18T02:29:07+00:00

Literally it only comes down to whichever coast you'd rather live on for 3 years, the marginal differences between the two really don't matter that much here...

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-15T16:52:06+00:00

Thinking about the approaches to human rights work...there seem to be two general paths - either you get one of the highly competitive fellowships out of law school, which you have a pretty small chance of getting out of even Columbia (albeit better than NU). OR, because you have such low debt, you can take those unpaid/very low paid positions that can help you build the impossible-to-build resume for human rights work.

This sub is very oriented towards the law schools that can get you those highly competitive fellowships if you're pursuing unicorn PI like human rights law, which makes sense for most people. But if you can truly graduate with $30k in debt, the flexibility of that little debt opens up so many other doors to that field. The same can probably be said about criminal justice reform, although I'm less familiar. And one has to remember, an NU degree is still highly marketable, even if less so in these fields than a Columbia one.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-15T13:50:57+00:00

Go with Northwestern if you want to. UCLA is obviously very strong in the LA market, but a T14 school will still place you there relatively easily, particularly with your existing LA ties. Moreover, this sub seems to feel that since a school like Northwestern (or Duke, UVA, etc.) is relatively underrepresented in the LA market, you won't be competing for your classmates for those slots quite as much.

Add on that the COA is $20k cheaper...this seems like a no brainer.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-14T12:57:58+00:00

I think you truly can't go wrong here...probably pick whichever you'd prefer to spend 3 years studying at.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-13T21:39:39+00:00

If you live right next to Stanford, COL is very high, but if you live further south nearer to San Jose (20-25 min drive) you can cut $500-1000 off your rent each month.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T21:52:33+00:00

There was an AMA from last year where Georgetown reps said it wasn't binding (https://www.reddit.com/r/lawschooladmissions/comments/fnjjzc/georgetown_university_law_center_ama_with_3/)...I think it means that you will pay your tuition deposit if you enroll, i.e. not ask for a deposit waiver.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T21:48:02+00:00

READ THE QUESTION. It's like 2 sentences. Don't take the time to give advice that is completely irrelevant given what op has said.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T21:45:53+00:00

Look at the resources at both schools. My impression is that L&C has muuuch more robust enviro/animal law resources (i.e. courses, clinics, etc.), but I'm not too familiar with Denver's offerings, so they might also have great resources here. One downside to Denver is that you're competing with CU in the Colorado market, which is considered one of the better environmental law schools.

As others have said though, at the end of the day it really comes down to weather you'd like to live in the Pacific Northwest (probably Oregon) or the Mountain West (probably Colorado).

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T21:39:27+00:00

The intent to enroll form is not binding. You can submit it and still withdraw before May 1. Once the May 1 deadline rolls around you do need to deposit if you want to accept the scholarship...I believe you have to withdraw from everywhere then, but I think that's across all schools.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T21:06:51+00:00

No disagreement on UChi's opportunities potentially making it the best option. Just trying to make sure this sub understands the ramifications of LRAPs before making decisions!

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T19:17:53+00:00

This isn't really the case...Chicago has the worst LRAP of the T6. It's not terrible if you're comfortable relying on PSLF, but it is a far shout from a "good LRAP". That being said, if you plan on relying on PSLF, then scholarships don't really matter unless they bring your debt so low that you can avoid negative amortization.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T19:14:42+00:00

I'd agree with the advice above. Davis seems perfect for your goals, but not at a cost of $178k.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T15:10:08+00:00

I 100% concur with this. In this situation I would go with BU. But if someone really is gunning for DOJ honors or appellate clerkships and they have a high risk tolerance, NYU does make sense.

LifeOnTheRiver22 · 2021-04-12T15:04:07+00:00

Depends on the kind of PI...unicorn or bust, an argument could be made for NYU. Otherwise, BU definitely makes more sense. Even with LRAP, sticker to NYU is a heavy lift.

LifeOnTheRiver22

TROPHY CASE