i go to school in a major city and that's where i plan on practicing when i get out.
there is one top 5 school, two top 30 schools, one tier 2, and two tier 4's.
the rankings pretty much go like this here:
(1) The top 5 US News schools
(2) My city's two, top 30 schools and the T-14 schools that aren't in the top 5
(3) My city's tier 2
(4) My city's tier 4
(5) My city's other tier 4
(6) The rest of US News (including tier 1, tier 2, tier 3, and tier 4 schools)
So the US News rankings are pretty much correct, at least in terms of reputation (which also equates with career opportunities), but you have to factor in regional reputation also. Of course, this is pretty much common knowledge now.
Don't any of you feel sort of cheated? I mean, I believed in the rankings at first, chose my school based on that (and money) so went here... but its BS. really. I am completely underwhelmed with my company. And while i did pretty well this semester, it doesnt make me like it any more... half these kids have never worked, they try to use big words that they dont understand when they speak just so they can SOUND like they know what they are talking about.
its bizarre.
I would rather go back to where I have non-lawyer friends to keep me sane and be in a 2nd tier school. It just seems like they literally lie to us to make us think its different- but its not. 1st tier, 2nd, 3rd,whatever. either way you can pass the bar.
i am really interested if anyone else feels the same way.