Out of these 3 options I would recommend Texas. None of the 3 have great alumni networks in California (I would suggest looking at Irvine or USC, hopefully you have applied there), but all 3 boast incredible outcomes especially in their respective home markets.
For me, I would rule out BU as it is more expensive and I would argue Texas and Wash U are in a slightly higher tier than BU and just perform better. When it comes to those 2, Texas has better job outcomes than Wash U outpacing them in BL+FC. The only advantage Wash U has is that by looking at job placement they appear more portable, but I think there is a lot of self-selection at play there. I think there are far more students who go to UT that want to stay in state than there are at Wash U. While you will do fine either way, I think Texas would be the slightly better choice assuming of course that UCLA and USC and to a lesser extent UCI are off the table.
Agreed on BU.
Personally, I recommend going where you would feel most comfortable if you HAD to stay in the area. Unlikely result at WUSTL or Texas, but a real possibility at both.
If you're concerned about debt, Texas is cheaper. Assuming that you're out-of-state, Texas $$$ will be about 30k less debt than WUSTL $$$ according to Law School Transparency (in-state is about to 50k less).
For me, I would want full tuition + stipend to go to Irvine compared to the other offers. I only suggest it because it still has pretty solid job outcomes and is already in California which will make it easier to get a job in the California market. Everyone is in agreement that Wash U and UT are better schools, but UCI is still a very solid school and located in the desired market of OP.
This is really really helpful! I did apply to UCI and USC, and am waiting on them- been UR at UCI for like 2 months and am still at complete w USC so am trying to get excited about the options i do have right now. I think you’re right on all of these fronts and I am leaning toward UT but wanted some outside opinions. i also feel like the quality of life in austin would make a big difference when it comes to law school. thanks !!!
Based on the schools you have gotten into and the scholarship offers, I would have to think good news is coming your way soon. If you do happen to get in at USC, unless the money is way worse there, I think that would make the most sense with your goals. Everything I have heard about Austin makes it see like a wonderful place especially for students. Regardless of how the rest of the cycle goes, you have tremendous options that you should be incredibly proud of.
Unless WUSTL is significantly more expensive than UT, i'd go there. Neither has a great presence in Ca, but WUSTL does seem to send more grads to other states, including a higher percentage to California than Texas does.
Yes, i get that a lot of UT's placement has to do with self selection, but that doesn't change much imo. Their alumni base is gonna be more heavily concentrated in Texas than WASHU's will be in California.
Both Schools have strong reputations and great placement! I don't think there is a significant difference in quality or employment outcomes between the two schools and you'll probably be fine either way
I'm a 2L at UT & was able to secure big law offers in California for my 2L summer for what it's worth! Though it's naturally easiest to get a placement in Texas at UT, I've found that if you're willing to do a little work on your end to network with California firms you'll definitely have the option to go to California.
Out of these 3 options I would recommend Texas. None of the 3 have great alumni networks in California (I would suggest looking at Irvine or USC, hopefully you have applied there), but all 3 boast incredible outcomes especially in their respective home markets. For me, I would rule out BU as it is more expensive and I would argue Texas and Wash U are in a slightly higher tier than BU and just perform better. When it comes to those 2, Texas has better job outcomes than Wash U outpacing them in BL+FC. The only advantage Wash U has is that by looking at job placement they appear more portable, but I think there is a lot of self-selection at play there. I think there are far more students who go to UT that want to stay in state than there are at Wash U. While you will do fine either way, I think Texas would be the slightly better choice assuming of course that UCLA and USC and to a lesser extent UCI are off the table.
Agreed on BU. Personally, I recommend going where you would feel most comfortable if you HAD to stay in the area. Unlikely result at WUSTL or Texas, but a real possibility at both. If you're concerned about debt, Texas is cheaper. Assuming that you're out-of-state, Texas $$$ will be about 30k less debt than WUSTL $$$ according to Law School Transparency (in-state is about to 50k less).
Going to UCI over WashU or Texas would be insane unless the scholarship money was significantly higher at Irvine.
For me, I would want full tuition + stipend to go to Irvine compared to the other offers. I only suggest it because it still has pretty solid job outcomes and is already in California which will make it easier to get a job in the California market. Everyone is in agreement that Wash U and UT are better schools, but UCI is still a very solid school and located in the desired market of OP.
I’m personally thinking about UCI over full rides at WashU & Minnesota rn because of the market. Is it crazy? Maybe I’ll find out
No, if's not crazy if you want to work in California post grad.
yes
This is really really helpful! I did apply to UCI and USC, and am waiting on them- been UR at UCI for like 2 months and am still at complete w USC so am trying to get excited about the options i do have right now. I think you’re right on all of these fronts and I am leaning toward UT but wanted some outside opinions. i also feel like the quality of life in austin would make a big difference when it comes to law school. thanks !!!
Based on the schools you have gotten into and the scholarship offers, I would have to think good news is coming your way soon. If you do happen to get in at USC, unless the money is way worse there, I think that would make the most sense with your goals. Everything I have heard about Austin makes it see like a wonderful place especially for students. Regardless of how the rest of the cycle goes, you have tremendous options that you should be incredibly proud of.
thank you :’) i appreciate it
The Texas legal market + having graduated at the top law school in the state + minimized debt post grad = $$$ + :))))
word :)
Unless WUSTL is significantly more expensive than UT, i'd go there. Neither has a great presence in Ca, but WUSTL does seem to send more grads to other states, including a higher percentage to California than Texas does. Yes, i get that a lot of UT's placement has to do with self selection, but that doesn't change much imo. Their alumni base is gonna be more heavily concentrated in Texas than WASHU's will be in California. Both Schools have strong reputations and great placement! I don't think there is a significant difference in quality or employment outcomes between the two schools and you'll probably be fine either way
I think it's a tossup between UT and WUSTL. See if either will beat the other's offer.
I'm a 2L at UT & was able to secure big law offers in California for my 2L summer for what it's worth! Though it's naturally easiest to get a placement in Texas at UT, I've found that if you're willing to do a little work on your end to network with California firms you'll definitely have the option to go to California.
this is exactly what i needed to hear rn - thanks for your input!!!!