- PowerScore Staff
- Posts: 9010
- Joined: Feb 02, 2011
- Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:20 am
#34282
What follows is the transcript of a conversation between a student, Amy, and one of our Admissions gurus, Dave, regarding Amy's choice between Cardozo and Fordham.
Amy: "Hi Dave, Thanks so much for the time and effort you've put into answering our questions. I have an interesting situation - it's been somewhat mentioned to you before but not quite the same. My life is in nyc and so I'm only considering schools in the nyc area. That being said - I have narrowed my options down to Cardozo and Fordham (like a few of the others on this thread). Cardozo has offered me a full ride guaranteed for 3 years with no academic stips while Fordham has offered me a guaranteed $20k/year. I guess the interesting thing in my situation is that I have no other debt from undergrad or my Master's (I attended on full rides) and I would be living in Manhattan, at home, with no rent payment. Is the $120k overall worth it for Fordham's stronger reputation and alumni reach? (I say $120k because I'm calculating $36k/year plus other fees but no other payments since COL is free).
I am not particularly interested in big law but I would like for it to be an option rather than not. It seems like Fordham has a higher reach in big law AND mid law, as well as federal clerkships. It's a very conflicting situation -- either Cardozo for absolutely free or Fordham for $120k over 3 years. I'm torn. Would appreciate ANY advice you could give me!"
Dave Killoran: "Hi Amy, Thanks for the message! It's funny how the Fordham vs Cardozo decision has come up quite a bit in the past, but you can see why since it's a tough one. If you compare the two schools, the overall employment numbers are similar (see https://www.lstreports.com/schools/card ... s/fordham/), but inside those numbers is where the difference appears. As you noted, Fordham places better in large firms and clerkships whereas Cardozo send more grads to smaller firms (which are often perceived as less desirable) and public service. As for whether you are interested in biglaw, I think you made the correct point that doesn't matter because you want options, and "better" law schools tend to generate better job choices.
When we start talking about schools, it's easy for the money to get abstracted. that is, $120K doesn't feel like anything significant because it's just numbers on paper right now. So, the best thing I can think of for you is to look at the monthly costs and fees associated with that debt level, and for there make the determination if the extra opportunities at biglaw/clerkships is worth it. Imperfect but at least it gives you a definite sense of the money involved. Try these two:
Michigan Law Debt Wiz Calculator: https://www.law.umich.edu/financialaid/ ... lator.aspx
Washington Post Student Loan Debt Calculator: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sp ... alculator/
I know it's conflicting but perhaps that will tip you one way or the other. Good luck!!"
Amy: "Hi Dave, Thanks so much for the time and effort you've put into answering our questions. I have an interesting situation - it's been somewhat mentioned to you before but not quite the same. My life is in nyc and so I'm only considering schools in the nyc area. That being said - I have narrowed my options down to Cardozo and Fordham (like a few of the others on this thread). Cardozo has offered me a full ride guaranteed for 3 years with no academic stips while Fordham has offered me a guaranteed $20k/year. I guess the interesting thing in my situation is that I have no other debt from undergrad or my Master's (I attended on full rides) and I would be living in Manhattan, at home, with no rent payment. Is the $120k overall worth it for Fordham's stronger reputation and alumni reach? (I say $120k because I'm calculating $36k/year plus other fees but no other payments since COL is free).
I am not particularly interested in big law but I would like for it to be an option rather than not. It seems like Fordham has a higher reach in big law AND mid law, as well as federal clerkships. It's a very conflicting situation -- either Cardozo for absolutely free or Fordham for $120k over 3 years. I'm torn. Would appreciate ANY advice you could give me!"
Dave Killoran: "Hi Amy, Thanks for the message! It's funny how the Fordham vs Cardozo decision has come up quite a bit in the past, but you can see why since it's a tough one. If you compare the two schools, the overall employment numbers are similar (see https://www.lstreports.com/schools/card ... s/fordham/), but inside those numbers is where the difference appears. As you noted, Fordham places better in large firms and clerkships whereas Cardozo send more grads to smaller firms (which are often perceived as less desirable) and public service. As for whether you are interested in biglaw, I think you made the correct point that doesn't matter because you want options, and "better" law schools tend to generate better job choices.
When we start talking about schools, it's easy for the money to get abstracted. that is, $120K doesn't feel like anything significant because it's just numbers on paper right now. So, the best thing I can think of for you is to look at the monthly costs and fees associated with that debt level, and for there make the determination if the extra opportunities at biglaw/clerkships is worth it. Imperfect but at least it gives you a definite sense of the money involved. Try these two:
Michigan Law Debt Wiz Calculator: https://www.law.umich.edu/financialaid/ ... lator.aspx
Washington Post Student Loan Debt Calculator: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/sp ... alculator/
I know it's conflicting but perhaps that will tip you one way or the other. Good luck!!"