So I am faced with a huge decision...just like everybody here.
I'm deciding between Mercer, South Carolina, and Miami.
I know a decent amount about Miami, and have visited the city, but I don't know anything about Mercer or South Carolina.
Mercer is rated pretty good, but do the facilities keep pace with South Carolina? I've heard that South Carolina has some pretty old buildings, but honestly that doesn't bother me at all if the faculty is first rate.
I would like to work in Florida...No State Income Tax!!!, but I really do not want to stay in Miami. I was looking and the cost of living is absolutely through the roof.
I'm just looking for a general discussion about mostly South Carolina and Mercer, there is material all over about Miami, but barely anything about Mercer and South Carolina.
Thanks in advance everybody!
VTMercutio-
Maybe I can help out a little bit. So. Carolina is my state school and I was admitted with a renewable $7500 scholarship for Fall of '07. I've been to Columbia many times and know several law students. Additionally, I live in Charleston and know a few attorneys in the area- one of which worked at Nelson Mullins, which while I wouldn't necessarily consider it "BigLaw," starts first year associates off at $95K.
My roommates dad went to Mercer and I know one attorney in Charleston that went there. Both had good things to say, but other than that and the fact that it has some pretty nice study abroad programs, I know nothing about the school.
As someone who was accepted to both USC and Miami, it may be worth mentioning how I compared the two schools.
1. Diversity
very important to me. USC, Columbia, and the state have none, while there is an abundance at UM and South Florida.
As a state school in the south, and for a long time, the only choice for residents of SC, I find it odd that the law school
is over 93% white. I bet that makes for interesting class discussions.
At Miami, you'll definitely encounter people that more represent the demographics of this country- your future clients.
2. Opportunities
yes, if you want to practice in So. Carolina, become a gamecock. Keep in mind, however, only 3million people
live in the entire state. That being said, how many jobs can there be? Cities worth living in are limited to
Charleston, Greenville, Rock Hill, and Hilton Head- in that order. If anyone familiar with SC wants to throw in Aiken, then
will concede. No matter which of the SC cities you choose, there aren't many glamerous jobs whatsoever. I live in
Charleston and one firm here does pay $95 to first years, which will allow you to live like a King in the city. But thats
definitely not the norm.
Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca, W. Palm Beach, Tampa, Orlando are all nice places to make a career and retire. I did UG in FL,
have friends that have graduated from and are attending FSU, UM, and UF, and as long as you attend one of these three and have
good grades, you can work in any city. Miami, as a city, is great for those that want to do Sports/Entertainment and its a
huge international finance and banking city. You'll only be able to get this from going to Carolina if you parlay your JD into
a job in Charlotte (competing against UNC, Duke, and Wake) or Atlanta (competing against UGA and Emory).
3. Location of the School
Columbia is an awful city- you'll be miserable, trust me. I bet this is the primary reason the faculty is relocating to
Charleston, which is beautiful by the way.
Miami, for me, is perfectly ideal. We all know about the "Miami" culture so its definitely not for everyone.
4. Money
It ended up being cheaper for me to attend UM than Carolina (my state school) because of scholarships. Miami has a large
endownment and strong alumni network (USC has a large alumni network also) so scholarships are readily available. Did you
receive any money from them? Those receiving scholarships from Miami have to accept by April 2nd so if lots of people
forego, more money will be freed.
I hope this helps.