So I've accepted a spot at UNC for the fall with no scholarship offers after turning down substantial money awards at higher ranked universities (though UNC was still cheaper since I'm in state). I was looking on LSN and saw a lot of people who were going to UNC as well with scholarship offers but with much lower gpas and lsats than me (15 points lower on the lsat). All of these people were minorities and they have received Merit Based awards since the other financial awards have not been given out yet.
Really, I understand Affirmative Action. I understand why it is in place and why it is needed, and for the most part I support it. I understand that racism still exists and if me not being awarded a scholarship is the only form of "racism" I ever experience then I will gladly take it over what other people have to deal with. But I don't understand why it's "fair" (sounding really whiny here. I apologize.) Especially for a graduate program. Most students going into law school are paying their own way and we're all going to come out with the opportunities to get the same well-paying jobs (isn't that why a lot of people go to law school?). We all need that money whether we are white, black, hispanic, whatever. Why is the color of your skin a merit for which you get a scholarship? Am I being really ignorant in not understanding this? I mean, obviously this is coming as a personal result from feeling like I deserved to be considered for a scholarship offer, but I just feel especially in the case of Merit scholarships that there should be a certain academic standard implied. I'd just like an open discussion. Really, I'm not going to argue about it. If anything, I want to understand.
Thank you!

I think one of my biggest concerns is...what if I change my mind about public interest or even staying in NC. Maybe I'll want to try a new place for a little while. Will I regret not going to a "better" school because of more limited options?