Law School Discussion

Have you guys received your financial aid info yet?  I got my letter from Duquesne telling me I'm eligible for the full $18.5k in federal money, which means I'll need to do about $16k privately (my EFC is $1).  The total Cost of Attendance was listed @ $34,951.

Does anyone know if Duquesne takes out the usual $550 origination fee on their Stafford Loans?  I'd assume they do.

Is anyone going with a different lender than Duquesne for their loans?  I just talked to the Financial Aid Office and they're sending me info on private loans.  I'm considering going with someone else for my Staffords + Privates, but don't know how complicated that will get.  It seems much easier to just go with Duquesne for my federal money and go with someone they recommend for my private.  Ugh this is all so confusing, I haven't had to deal with it before.

Any other financial questions and/or recommendations?

Milan in the computer dept. informed me that Duquesne may be offering SecurExam software for Macs this coming fall, as a version was recently released.  I'm going to shoot an email off to see if there's been any progress on that.

According to Duq's website, Macs are supported as far as network connectivity goes (http://www.lawlib.duq.edu/dcli_wireless.htm, middle of the page).

I'm in the same boat, as I don't want to spend money for a laptop when I already have an Apple Powerbook G4.

I just received my financial aid info in the mail this past week.  They're giving me the full federal 18.5, and now I have to pick which private lender I want to go with and get the ball rolling I suppose.

I'll be living in Shadyside with a friend who attends Pitt, btw.

do most students use laptops for note-taking and whatever in class?

when reading school reviews it seems like everyone makes note of how many power outlets are in the classes, how good the wireless internet/network range is, etc.  i don't notice much about laptops at all throughout duquesne's web site.

i didn't get the chance to sit in on any classes, though i have been to and around the law school itself for my LSAT.

Commute down 5th Ave to Dusquense can be a little annoying from Shadyside depending on the time.  But the area is very attractive and there are some decent bars/restaurants.   

i was thinking that about 5th, i guess i'll just have to deal with it.

the owner of cappy's cafe (on walnut) is a personal friend, i'm going to see if i can get a hookup behind the bar maybe once a week to keep a couple extra bucks in my pocket.

the best of luck with that search, you shouldn't have too much trouble.  the cost of living is surprisingly low for a city like pittsburgh.

where are you moving from, and what areas are you checking out?