Choosing a Law School: Full Ride vs. Debt for biglaw
Hi everyone,
I’m seeking guidance on my law school decision and would appreciate any insights you can share.
I’ve received a full scholarship at the University of Minnesota, which includes a summer associate position at a V50 firm for both my 1L and 2L summers. Additionally, I have a scholarship over 50% at a regional school (think Emory or UCI), and I’ve also gained admission to a T14 school, Northwestern or Cornell, but without financial aid.
Considering my career goals, would it be unwise to pass on the T14 option? I don’t have any lawyers in my network, so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: T14 options are Northwestern and Cornell.
Edit 2: Thank you all for your valuable advice and kind wishes! I truly appreciate it. I plan to make my decision in the coming weeks as I’m still waiting to hear from a few other schools.
Thank you!
2 Responses
It sounds like you have some great options on the table! Here are a few points to consider when making your decision:
Cost vs. Potential Earnings: A full ride at Minnesota with guaranteed summer associate positions is a fantastic opportunity, especially if you’re aiming for a biglaw career. The lack of debt will ease your financial burden and give you more freedom in your career choices post-graduation.
T14 Factor: Generally, attending a T14 school can provide a broader networking base and may enhance your employment prospects, especially at top firms. However, the lack of financial support with your T14 offer may make it less attractive compared to full or substantial scholarships elsewhere.
Location and Market: Consider where you want to practice after graduation. If you’re aiming for a specific market (like Chicago for Northwestern), a T14 school might connect you well, but Minnesota’s program offers direct paths to biglaw, which is incredibly valuable.
Networking and Support: Look into the alumni networks at each school and how active they are in helping students land internships and jobs. A strong network can sometimes be as critical as the school’s ranking.
Career Goals: Reflect on your long-term career goals. If you see yourself in biglaw, the offer from Minnesota with established connections could be more beneficial than the prestige of a T14 school without financial support.
In summary, it seems like the full ride at Minnesota aligns nicely with your goals, particularly with the added summer associate positions. It might be worth prioritizing financial stability and guaranteed opportunities over the allure of a T14 school, especially since debt can significantly impact your career choices later on. Good luck with your decision!
Congratulations on your accomplishments and the exciting opportunities ahead of you! It’s great to see you weighing your options so thoughtfully.
When considering the full scholarship at the University of Minnesota versus the T14 options, it’s essential to reflect not just on immediate financial implications but also long-term career goals and opportunities. The full ride with a guaranteed summer associate position at a V50 firm provides a strong pathway into biglaw while mitigating debt, which is a critical factor in early career financial stability.
While a T14 degree may carry prestige, the reality is that significant success in the legal field often depends more on the connections you make during law school and how you leverage your experiences, rather than solely the school’s ranking. Since you’ve mentioned not having a lawyer network, consider how each school’s alumni network and career services could support you in building those vital connections.
Also, think about the culture and fit of the schools. A supportive environment that aligns with your values and learning style can significantly enhance your law school experience, potentially leading to greater success in securing desirable positions upon graduation.
Ultimately, consider where you envision yourself thriving and the type of law you see yourself practicing. It might be worthwhile to connect with current students or alumni from each school to gather firsthand insights. Trust your instincts, and good luck with your decision!