GSU/Atlanta Discussion

[vap]

GSU places SUBSTANTIALLY better than Mercer in Atlanta MIDLAW.

How do you come to this conclusion?

I'm not sure I disagree with you, but I would be interested in actual numbers.

Given GSU's location, I would certainly expect it to place more grads in Atlanta.  But the data listed below seem to indicate that GSU does not place substantially better in Atlanta than Mercer, at least generally.  This doesn't counter your assertion about midlaw, but I think it discounts the common assumption that GSU places substantially better than Mercer in Atlanta for all legal employment.

Martindale shows 913 GSU grads and 529 Mercer grads registered in Atlanta.  The student body at each school, respectively, is 685 and 408 according to LSAC.

The ratio of Mercer to GSU grads is .579 whereas the ratio of school size is .596.  This difference does not appear significant, particularly given GSU's location.  Compared to Mercer, GSU is a relatively new school.  As GSU becomes more established, I would expect the disparity to gradually grow.

[vap]

Martindale is a good resource for determining where students end-up (physical location-wise).  I don't think it's good in seeing who has better employment.

I agree.  I wasn't trying to comment on employment prospects with the Martindale data or to refute the other poster's comment about GSU having a substantial advantage for midlaw.  It's information that is unrelated to the midlaw claim.  However, it's the type of information I would hope to see when the poster backs up the midlaw claim with numbers.

[matta]

My statement about the substantial difference in MIDLAW opportunities comes solely from my experiences.  You can take it as you will, but this is coming from someone who has lived in Atlanta for 22 years.  Also, about half of my friend's parents are attornies in ATL and I work as a case clerk in MIDLAW.  I think entering MIDLAW has just as much to do with establishing relationships with firms as it does grades.  Maybe this is what gives the edge to GSU, since it is in Atlanta.  Or, perhaps it is just self-selection and more Atlantans, with pre-existing connections to MIDLAW frims, choose to go to GSU.

[gclemen1]

Are there any areas of the aforementioned neighborhoods that have "downtown" feels with rows of bars?  Something like Underground Atlanta, or like Adam's Morgan (each of those places is a bar, and it's usually much more packed on Saturdays):




..or is most of the nightlife kind of spread out throughout the neighborhoods?

Virginia Highlands is a really fun place that has a pretty nice row of bars.  It is an awesome neighborhood to go down to and have a great time.  Atlanta is a really fun city.  You will enjoy it.

[namehasbeenchanged]

Midtown has a few nice gastropubs (TAP is wonderful) and Decatur has Brickstore...I feel like you have to drive around to get places...except for Virginia Highlands...a strip of bars/shopping/salons...it is really cute.

So, anyone going to GSU this fall?

[I am Penny Lane]

What do you guys think about GSU (120k COA) vs FSU (100K COA) in general?

[vap]

What do you guys think about GSU (120k COA) vs FSU (100K COA) in general?

Neither at that price, but if you must, then go to the state you prefer to live in.  If that's not important at all, then GSU because its location in a large legal market.

[CoupDeGlace]

What do you guys think about GSU (120k COA) vs FSU (100K COA) in general?

Having visited both, I'd pick FSU. It's cheaper and I like FSU a lot better than GSU. The school just is a lot higher quality to me.

That being said, if you really want to end up in Atlanta after law school, you're giving yourself a better fighting chance going to GSU as opposed to FSU. FSU says they do place people in Atlanta, and I do believe the school does have a few graduates that can reach into the ATL market, but Atlanta is a really desirable market for a lot of people who go to school in the south.

If you really have no preference, go with FSU. I think the school has a lot going for it, and I'll be surprised if they don't continue their upward trend in the new rankings on March 28. I was really impressed by the faculty and facilities.

Atlanta is a lot more exciting than Tallahassee. It also is a lot more expensive than Tallahassee. But that goes without saying.

[namehasbeenchanged]

GSU with in state tuition vs. Mercer

[gclemen1]

yeah, if you want to say in Atlanta, definitely go to GSU.  They do pretty well in the city and surrounding areas.