I'm going to law school in the fall, but I'm not sure where yet. I'm from Atlanta and have been accepted so far from UGA, Emory, and a few other schools. I expect to get into Vandy or Duke and possibly UVA, NYU, or Berkeley. I do not come from a rich family so my options are kinda this: 1) Pay 8k a year and go to UGA (ranked 32) or pay $100k more (over 3 years) and go to an out of state school or even possibly Emory (ranked 22)...

What are people's thoughts? Is it worth it to borrow the money? What about the ranking in your class? How much is that worth, because to get the top 10% in UGA would be a heck of a lot easier than NYU or even Emory...

Thanks in advance...

not worth it at emory... worth it for uva, nyu, and berkeley... and probably worth it for duke... maybe vandy and don't count on top grades anywhere

ditto the other post. the majority of students in your class are smart. you may end up middle of the pack.

you sure you want to go to law school?

If you are getting in at Duke and Vandy, you'll probably be able to get money and go to UGA for free. If you want to get back to Atlanta, then UGA is a good way to get there.

Emory is not worth it, but a top 10 would be (assuming you intend to practice and not be a mom or a bum).

Two thoughts. First, in the South at least, there is some prejudice in favor of "local" law schools, so keep that in mind if you want to work in Atlanta. It makes little sense, but I know it's true. Second, I know people who managed to increase the amount of scholarship offered to them where they were offered places and scholarships at more than one law school. If you want to be in Atlanta it might be worth giving Emory a call and asking about scholarship funds. Emory Law does actually give out a number of sizable merit/need-based scholarships each year. If you can get one, Emory is definitely worth it.

law school is for chumps--head to med school!