Southwestern? Is it really that bad?

[Hocine]

According to USNews Southwestern is a T3, but is it really that bad?

I know the numbers of its incomming class are extremely low, but their employment@grad and tuition statistics are better than some much higher ranked schools

I only ask because I'm taking a second look at cali schools, and I was considering replacing one of my safeties (like loyola chicago) with this one, because, in the long run, I'd like to settle down in cali


http://www.princetonreview.com/law/research/profiles/career.asp?listing=1035943&LTID=5

[Javert]

If you want to stay in CA, Southwestern isn't a bad safety. I'd say to go for it. You may also want to look at Santa Clara, if you haven't already.

[Hocine]

Thanks

Scary thing about santa clara is that about 35% of students are unemployed upon graduation

[Javert]

^

Hocine: Fair enough. But I think SW's numbers are misreading; only 63% reported their salary info. Does that mean Southwestern has employment figures for those that don't report, or not?

However, I think the clear implication is that if you excel at Santa Clara, you can get a great job. I suspect their reputation is highly regional, however. Same deal with SW.

[laur0212]

A friend of mine applied to Southwestern last year (I think she got waitlisted, she's at Seton Hall now), so the only thing I know about it is that it supposedly has a great Entertainment Law program.  Honestly, I think its probably a lot better than people make it out to be.

[Hocine]

mmm, good points

Thanks for your time javert and laur

[laur0212]

no prob

[Javert]

You're welcome Hocine. Happy to help.

[I'm also somewhat consistent. If Santa Clara gives me a ton of financial aid, they may be able to woo me away from Georgetown et al. I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that prestige is quite a bit overrated...... but I'll know more when I have acceptances/aid packages in hand]

[lp4law]

I'm a 2L evening student at Southwestern, and I love it.  Keep in mind that I work full time, run a side business, and drive 3 hours a night, 4 days a week to get to/from school.  Southwestern will give you everything you need to be successful, other than those things you need to bring yourself.

Frankly, many of my classmates are of a caliber that deserves "tier one" recognition, just as there are many "tier one" schools that admit and maintain particular individuals who really deserve "tier four" recognition.  It always seemed odd to me that the primary measuring sticks for law school admissions processes are your UGPA and LSAT score, both of which provide valuable and relevant information about the applicant's aptitude for law, but neither of which is a reasonable indicator of the oral or written communication skills that are most essential to the successful practice of law. 

From what I've seen on this board, there are many who believe that their only shot at major success in law will come from getting into a school whose name alone will get them a good job.  That's a pretty unfortunate and uninspired way to see things (not to mention untrue).  Fortunately there are many others who believe that the key to their success will be their hard work, enthusiasm, and the unique talents that most high-tier admissions committees might pass on.

My advice is to get into the highest "ranked" school you can with your numbers, then kick ass when you're there.  Southwestern is a great place to be if that's your attitude.

[laur0212]

 

From what I've seen on this board, there are many who believe that their only shot at major success in law will come from getting into a school whose name alone will get them a good job.  That's a pretty unfortunate and uninspired way to see things (not to mention untrue).  Fortunately there are many others who believe that the key to their success will be their hard work, enthusiasm, and the unique talents that most high-tier admissions committees might pass on.

I'm so glad to hear someone say that.  I've only been on this board for about a day, but I've been a little disappointed by some of the attitudes that I've found here.  Most of the people here have come across as very down to earth, but there are a few posts that I have come across where someone has referred to things such as what they consider to be a "crappy" LSAT scores, which one person put in the "160ish" range.  I suppose I got a crappy LSAT score then, because I only got a 163, but I've got news for you.  That puts me in the 90th percentile and ANYONE would be damn lucky to be there.  I didn't want to turn this into a rant, but to anyone who reads this that thinks that a score in the 160s isnt good, I beg of you to keep that thought to yourselves.  It really only insults the people who get those "crappy" scores and makes the people making those comments seem like arrogant, pompous, intellectual snobs.