FSU/Hamline/Toledo

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Here's the skinny....

I'm trying to decide between FSU,Toledo, and Hamline. I would love some input. Hamline and Toledo both gave me full tuition waivers. FSU gave me 1k.

I'm considering FSU because:
-It's decently ranked
-Good bar passage rate(1# for 3 out of 6 years)
-It's employment numbers are high(similar to UF, I think they're .05% lower)
-It's salary rate is the 2nd highest in FL(I think UF beats it by a whooping grand)
-It's located in a city w/a large number of law firms and gov. positions
-It's near my fiancee's graduate school
-I'd prefer to practice in Orlando/Palm Beach area- if I stay in FL. FSU has connections w/firms in those areas.

I'm uneasy about it because:
-I hate northern FL.
-Outside unavoidable $$$ issue due to family problems
-I don't have a car. Not having one in Tallahassee is a hassle.

I'm considering Toledo because:
-Decently ranked
-Decent bar passage rate
-Fairly high employment stat.s and placement rates
-Full tuition waiver

I'm uneasy because:
-I really don't want to practice in Ohio
-I'm a little worried about the admin. They're nice, but they seem disorganized. Ditto for fin. aid.  I've had difficulty having questions answered.
-I know some who attends the school who mentioned that they over admit and flunk out a portion of the class. I need a 3.3 to keep my scholarship, and that makes me uneasy. However, it could be just a rumor and I feel very uneasy going on hear say.
-Not having a car will be a huge problem in Toledo


I'm considering Hamline because:
-They have a well ranked alternative dispute program/plenty of classes I am interested in.
-They're very helpful
-I would *love* to practice in the twin cities.
-It would be easy for my soon to be husband to find work there.
-Full tuition waiver + possible stipend
-Possible chance to do independent research
-I could deal without a car.
-It's the cheapest choice

I'm uneasy because:
-They have the lowest salary rate
-I'm worried that attending a 4th tier school would affect my job prospects
-If I want to practice outside of MN, I might be screwed

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Thank you in advance for your input. I'm very grateful!

[vegannramember]

Because you want to practice in FL, and those three schools are purely regional, FSU is the clear choice.  If you're in-state, it's unbelievably cheap (and you wouldn't have to go beyond the 18,500 in fed loans), and if you aren't in-state, it's really easy to establish residency after a year.

Yeah, North Florida sucks, but it's only three years!

[Nole]

North Florida does suck, I must agree. And not having a car in Tally is a major pain in the a$$. But Tally can be great. Especially if you are a football fan  I agree that if you want to practice in FL, it is the clear choice. It sucks to choose the more expensive school but this is the rest of your life you are talking about. You will work the money thing out. And the school will be much cheaper after the first year when you become in state.

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North Florida does suck, I must agree. And not having a car in Tally is a major pain in the a$$. But Tally can be great. Especially if you are a football fan  I agree that if you want to practice in FL, it is the clear choice. It sucks to choose the more expensive school but this is the rest of your life you are talking about. You will work the money thing out. And the school will be much cheaper after the first year when you become in state.

I am instate.

I'm leaning towards FSU.

I think I might prefer practing in MN though.

Ick.

[Nole]

The general consensus is that you should go to school as close to where you want to practice as possible. If you know where you want to practice, that is. 

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The general consensus is that you should go to school as close to where you want to practice as possible. If you know where you want to practice, that is. 

I know. :-) I'm going to thw twin cities this weekend. Hopefully,I'll have a better idea what I want to do after that.

[Nole]

yeah. I think visits can really help make decision. You really can't get a feel for how happy you will be in a place by looking at stats, etc. Hope your visit helps you out.

[thelawfool]

all 3 are "regional" so go to Minny if you want to practice there.  it won't matter if it's a tier 2 or tier 4.  those rankings don't mean much unless you are in the t14 IMO.  if you want to work in north florida or tampa, then go to FSU.  my buddy is having problems with interviews in So Fla from FSU.  thats where i possibly want to be.

[werbz]

I'd like to go to FSU... I've been complete for a while... How long did it take you to go from complete to decision?

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I'd like to go to FSU... I've been complete for a while... How long did it take you to go from complete to decision?

I wasn't complete when I received my decision. I applied in late October and had a reply 2 weeks later.

Good luck!