- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 9010
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Fri Aug 04, 2017 12:11 pm
#37971
Below is a transcript of a conversation between a student, Katie, and one of our Admissions experts, Dave, regarding Katie's law school decision.
Katie: "Hi Dave, I was accepted to several schools last week, and have narrowed it down to three. Finances are a strong consideration, but I also don't want to discount the ranking of these schools. I am fairly certain I will remain in the Baltimore/Washington area, considering my husband and I just purchased a home in Baltimore. I should also note I will be going in the evening while working at a small firm during the day that provides guaranteed employment upon graduation should I opt to practice this type of law.
My options are:
University of Maryland- highest ranked of the schools I am considering (#48 overall, #4 part time)
22k-10k= 12k per year
American University- #6 for part time programs, 2 hour commute total each day
38k-30k= 8k per year
University of Baltimore- not highly ranked (#29 for part time), but strong local reputation. More likely to be near top of class
24k-15k=9k per year
I have just two more days to make a decision (I was only given a week by one of these schools), and am looking for any input you have to offer.
Thanks in advance!"
Dave Killoran: "Hi Katie, I only have a moment to respond unfortunately, but to me this is a fairly clear case. Given the close amounts per year, I'd look at the two more highly ranked schools, meaning Maryland and AU. Then when you toss in that commute for AU, I think that Maryland looks very strong. Not to put my own value judgment on this, but 2 hours commute each day and you only save 4K a year, and it's for a lower ranked school? That doesn't seem to add up to me at all.
Also, no matter how well Baltimore is regarded locally, always think big picture, especially when costs are so close.
Last note, you can never assume what will happen with class rank or grades; it's just too variable to even think about that as a factor. Things at a different school could align even better, or something at Baltimore might cause issues.
So, given all the factors, if it was me, I'd take Maryland and not look back for even a second
I hope that helps. Thanks and please let me knwo what YOU decide, because that's what important here!"
Katie: "Hi Dave, I was accepted to several schools last week, and have narrowed it down to three. Finances are a strong consideration, but I also don't want to discount the ranking of these schools. I am fairly certain I will remain in the Baltimore/Washington area, considering my husband and I just purchased a home in Baltimore. I should also note I will be going in the evening while working at a small firm during the day that provides guaranteed employment upon graduation should I opt to practice this type of law.
My options are:
University of Maryland- highest ranked of the schools I am considering (#48 overall, #4 part time)
22k-10k= 12k per year
American University- #6 for part time programs, 2 hour commute total each day
38k-30k= 8k per year
University of Baltimore- not highly ranked (#29 for part time), but strong local reputation. More likely to be near top of class
24k-15k=9k per year
I have just two more days to make a decision (I was only given a week by one of these schools), and am looking for any input you have to offer.
Thanks in advance!"
Dave Killoran: "Hi Katie, I only have a moment to respond unfortunately, but to me this is a fairly clear case. Given the close amounts per year, I'd look at the two more highly ranked schools, meaning Maryland and AU. Then when you toss in that commute for AU, I think that Maryland looks very strong. Not to put my own value judgment on this, but 2 hours commute each day and you only save 4K a year, and it's for a lower ranked school? That doesn't seem to add up to me at all.
Also, no matter how well Baltimore is regarded locally, always think big picture, especially when costs are so close.
Last note, you can never assume what will happen with class rank or grades; it's just too variable to even think about that as a factor. Things at a different school could align even better, or something at Baltimore might cause issues.
So, given all the factors, if it was me, I'd take Maryland and not look back for even a second
I hope that helps. Thanks and please let me knwo what YOU decide, because that's what important here!"