- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mar 31, 2017
- Tue Apr 04, 2017 10:23 am
#33884
What follows is the transcript of a conversation between a student, Nicole, and one of our Admissions gurus, Dave, regarding Nicole's choice between Penn State (Dickinson) and UC Hastings:
Nicole: “Hi all, I am currently debating between Penn State (Dickinson) and UC Hastings and was hoping I could get your thoughts?
Hastings has said I could get "up to $10,000" in need-based grants but as of now, I haven't officially heard anything back. There is a possibility I could commute from my parents' home (which would save on COL) but I'm not really banking on it. Meanwhile, Penn State (esp. with their 21 spot jump in ranking) has offered me $105,000. Either way, I'd be leaving with debt
it just depends on how much. I'm originally from the Bay Area and Hastings has a lot going for it regionally. Penn State (though I believe we're coming up on their 2nd year as a stand-alone) has been doing some great things, but I'm still a little wary.
Thoughts at all on this?”
Dave Killoran: “Hey Nicole, Three things here:
First, talk to Hastings and get the financials locked down. Be straight up with them and explain that you are making a decision and the money is key (which won't be a surprise to them
. From there, run the debt calculations for each school, and include everything you can think of, including travel to Pennsylvania, etc. And talk to your parents as well--will you be able to stay there for certain? And will that work for you personally?
Second, it sounds like you are concerned about the recency of Penn's two law schools. I wouldn't be. they've made a commitment here, and both schools are doing just fine. This is a school system with serious resources, and I don't see any cause for concern that they will run into problems. So, on that count at least, I would not be concerned.
Third, the school choice here is geographically rather stark. This isn't Philly vs NYC as we saw in another question recently, but instead Downtown SF vs Carlisle/Harrisburg. Totally different parts of the country and location experiences. What's your feeling there, and also, where do you see yourself practicing? I'm a former full-time Bay Area resident and current part-time resident, and obviously this area is amazing (but expensive). If you want to stay in this region, you need to factor that in a bit to the decision.
Hopefully those are some thoughts that help clarify the situation, but it seems you probably need to get some more information first, especially from Hastings. Please let me know if that helps, and good luck!”
Nicole: “Hi all, I am currently debating between Penn State (Dickinson) and UC Hastings and was hoping I could get your thoughts?
Hastings has said I could get "up to $10,000" in need-based grants but as of now, I haven't officially heard anything back. There is a possibility I could commute from my parents' home (which would save on COL) but I'm not really banking on it. Meanwhile, Penn State (esp. with their 21 spot jump in ranking) has offered me $105,000. Either way, I'd be leaving with debt
it just depends on how much. I'm originally from the Bay Area and Hastings has a lot going for it regionally. Penn State (though I believe we're coming up on their 2nd year as a stand-alone) has been doing some great things, but I'm still a little wary. Thoughts at all on this?”
Dave Killoran: “Hey Nicole, Three things here:
First, talk to Hastings and get the financials locked down. Be straight up with them and explain that you are making a decision and the money is key (which won't be a surprise to them
. From there, run the debt calculations for each school, and include everything you can think of, including travel to Pennsylvania, etc. And talk to your parents as well--will you be able to stay there for certain? And will that work for you personally? Second, it sounds like you are concerned about the recency of Penn's two law schools. I wouldn't be. they've made a commitment here, and both schools are doing just fine. This is a school system with serious resources, and I don't see any cause for concern that they will run into problems. So, on that count at least, I would not be concerned.
Third, the school choice here is geographically rather stark. This isn't Philly vs NYC as we saw in another question recently, but instead Downtown SF vs Carlisle/Harrisburg. Totally different parts of the country and location experiences. What's your feeling there, and also, where do you see yourself practicing? I'm a former full-time Bay Area resident and current part-time resident, and obviously this area is amazing (but expensive). If you want to stay in this region, you need to factor that in a bit to the decision.
Hopefully those are some thoughts that help clarify the situation, but it seems you probably need to get some more information first, especially from Hastings. Please let me know if that helps, and good luck!”