WUSTL or W&L with money?

[moosemeatpie]

I have the standard 11.5k scholarship from W&L (with their low tuition and low CoL it's a significant difference of $$$). Nothing, so far, from WUSTL. If I want to work in biglaw in the northeast after graduating, or government jobs with an international twist, where do you recommend, especially given location isn't a big factor, i think i'll like both places just fine....

[michaelduke]

I have the standard 11.5k scholarship from W&L (with their low tuition and low CoL it's a significant difference of $$$). Nothing, so far, from WUSTL. If I want to work in biglaw in the northeast after graduating, or government jobs with an international twist, where do you recommend, especially given location isn't a big factor, i think i'll like both places just fine....

W and L. 

[philibusters]

W&L.  Thats a lot of money

[midjeep]

Wash U, but only because I am on the WL at W&L 

But it all depends on what you want to do and where you want to be after you graduate. Wash U has a better national rep than W&L, but both schools will probably place the same in the areas you are looking at (ie if you apply to a NY firm, they are not going to admit someone over you, who is essentially tied with you for the same position, because of the school you end up choosing.

Both schools have a very different vibe though. W&L seems a it more relaxed, low key, small size, and in the middle of small town america. Wash U is somewhat larger, the students seem a bit more diverse and competative, and St. Louis is pretty big city.

Pick the school that fits you best, and if you don't know, go for the $$$ 

[moosemeatpie]

thanks, all. i had my mind set on W&L, even before i knew of the money situation. i just wanted to be sure. i can sacrifice the $$$ and 3 years of my life to ensure that i can get the job i want in Boston (first choice) and DC (second choice) and if *&^% hits the fan, NYC (last choice)...

where do you see the two schools going in rankings 2-5 years from now? i am actually going to be deferring for two years (i have already gotten the deferral from W&L, haven't spoken t WUSTL yet), meaning graduating in 5 years......

[dave303]

This thread made me realize that there are 3 law schools named after George Washington and they are all top 25. The one law school named after Thomas Jefferson is tier3 (or was it 4?).

[ronin3782]

This thread made me realize that there are 3 law schools named after George Washington and they are all top 25. The one law school named after Thomas Jefferson is tier3 (or was it 4?).

Well if you factor in American's Washington College of Law and UDub...there are 5 named after him in the top tier...hence 10% of all top tier law schools (i think my math is right  )

Also, isn't the whole area of Georgetown named after him? Or was it King George II...I am slowly losing my US history memory.

[waitingsucks]

Georgetown (the area, after which the school is named) predates George Washington

[ronin3782]

Ya, figured its probably George II.

[ilsox7]

W&L is a better school.  Wash U is fantastic, don't get me wrong.  But I visited both places.  I loved both places.  W&L is just a notch above Wash U.  As for Big Law in the Northeast...neither school is the best path to that.  But the education you will get at W&L will be terrific.