How to decide?

[Anonymous]

Too hard to decide. #1.5 an option?

[Anonymous]

Yes, law is not a great career choice these days. Only 60% of law school grads have found long-term full-time employment within 10 month of graduation. And the jobs they do find are, increasingly, ones that aren't on a partnership track (so no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow). Be very cautious about accumulating debt on the premise that it'll be easy to pay it off because DC will be a lawyer.

Also, lots of kids want to be a lawyer based courtroom dramas, but what they're seeing/imagining bears no resemblance to daily workload. Unless your kid really loves to read, write, and sift through big piles of incredibly boring documents, don't assume s/he'll end up becoming a lawyer.

Have you talked with school #2 about whether they can give you more $$? If not, I'd try that.

[Anonymous]

I plugged $25K paid back over 10 years at a 6.8% interest rate, and got a monthly payment of $288.

Is school #2 worth $288 per month, every month, for 10 years compared to #1?

I don't know the answer - just trying to frame the question.

[Anonymous]

Hi, you have received a lot of perspective from others. College decisions have become very complex, but perhaps they need not be as hard as we all make them. You do need to consider where your child fits better....it is an individual decision....some kids flourish in a smaller environment, sometimes it is better to have new beginnings and not know a lot of kids, sometimes it is the opposite. Debt should be a serious consideration. Your child can change the area of study and law may not be the path in two or three years. This is also a very competitive field. It is always important to consider the job opportunity in any field of study. You might want to talk to the guidance counselor as a family and get his/her perspective. They often have a lot of information. A child who is serious about their education and is willing to sacrifice and persevere will do well regardless of the school as you have explained. I wish you all the best.

[Anonymous]

We are facing the same kind of choice:
Head: Monroe scholar at William & Mary
Heart: UVA with minimal aid. UVA first choice school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are facing the same kind of choice:
Head: Monroe scholar at William & Mary
Heart: UVA with minimal aid. UVA first choice school.

W&M, no question. -UVA grad

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC has narrowed to 2 schools. Finances have been a consideration but D.C. chose 5 good schools and was accepted at all with merit aid. Further study (grad school or more likely law school) is a likely thing and would like to study abroad.

Head says choose #1 - smaller (DC now worries it's too small), not well known here but decent in its geographic area with a good alumni network. Will be able to graduate debt free. Accepted to Honors College. Has an entry program with several top law schools. Will know no one there. No big sports. DC likes it but is maybe underwhelmed.

Heart says choose #2 -more well known but not elite by any means. Good sports and campus spirit. DC really likes it a lot and has friends already there and going next year as well. Not offered Honors Program. Solid reputation, more exciting location, and great alumni network in NY area. Very impressive dept. chair. No hooks but solid law school placements. Will graduate with about 25K in debt.

What should we be considering that we might not be thinking of? Neither DH nor I did graduate school so we know nothing about financing that. We have one more child who will be 2 years behind.

If a top student, then can get funding for grad school. Law school you will have to pay. Can you visit again before the deposit? Kids at this age are notoriously fickle, so I would lean towards school which has more course offerings and options (#2).
Have you also looked into finding more outside money. there are a lot of scholarships which go unused every year.

[Anonymous]

Unless he can get into a top 12 law school, he shouldn't go, especially if he will need to borrow money to go. Pick the undergrad where he will be happy and has the strongest job placement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are facing the same kind of choice:
Head: Monroe scholar at William & Mary
Heart: UVA with minimal aid. UVA first choice school.

This should not even be a question. W&M, hands down.

[Anonymous]

I'd say the real problem is that your child is 18 and somehow thinks they want to be a lawyer. Do they really know what the legal profession entails? For the most part it's a soul crushing, mind numbing job..... it at all like what one might see on TV. There's a reason law school applications are down....anybody with half a brain and an intact heart can see the life sentence of tedium that a legal careeer will guarantee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

AmyForever wrote:I will choose option 1# definitely as its debt free, socializing will never be a problem...just do you best and shine

Socializing can be a problem at a small school. It can be more like a high school than a college.
I've heard of many people hating their small school environment because of the social dynamics but staying there because it was easier than staying.
I'd consider those dynamics seriously over saving a few $$.

It's really an individual thing. I went to a small school and loved seeing familiar faces everyday and living in a close-knit environment. Some people prefer the smaller atmosphere to a huge, anonymous school.