Hello LSD'ers,
I need some input from you guys. I need to make a decision by June 1st between Chicago Kent and Rutgers (both PT evening programs). I am a little torn, because there are high points between both schools that I like, and I just want to make sure I am making the most informed decision possible.
With Chicago-Kent some of the high-points are:
- Chicago location (I really like Chicago especially since this decision will require me to move from Southern California),
- The people (the midwest hospitality really appeals to me)
- Ranking (it seems that Kent is known for IP, legal writing, and has an overall higher ranking),
- Chicago is much closer to California than Newark.
With Rutgers some of the high points are:
- In-state tuition offer (Rutgers is offering me instant in-state residency which would drop my annual tuition to $17,000, about $10,000 less than Chicago-Kent),
- Career services department and employment prospects (Rutgers has great placement percentages for NLJ 250 firms and judicial clerkships)
- Better network after graduation: my uncle is a Rutgers Alum and now has had his own practice for about 20 years, my cousin is a 2L at Seton Hall and will graduate next year.
There's other factors that I am mulling over, but the ones I outlined are pretty much the main ones that are affecting my final decision. I guess the main question is do I sacrifice financial independence (after graduation) for a location and market that appeals to me? Or is it dumb to pass up free money and a great employment network to go to a fairly comparable school? Your thoughts...
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