probably a no-brainer...

Okay, I’m just super debt-averse, hence the wavering on what would normally be a no-brainer, I think. So I’m mainly just looking for some strong affirmation that the expensive choice is the right one here:

UC Berkeley-- in-state sticker
Loyola (LA)-- $87,000 scholarship (about 70% tuition), contingent on being in top 30%
dead-set on PI law

It was a miracle I made it into Berkeley and it’s my dream school. However, no scholly money for sure. I’ll be at the bottom of the class and I’ll have to work my ass off. I also live in the LA-area and have social connections in LA, none in Berkeley (but nothing really tying me down here). That’s it, those are my only arguments pro-Loyola.

It’s Berkeley for sure, right?

Loyola is solid school. I love it here…


However, Berkeley is the right choice. Why don’t you have any options in the middle on the table? (USC/UCLA/UCD/UCH?)

what the…
ucb… shouldn’t even be considering loyola. Loyola didn’t even give you a full ride.

I did get into Hastings (sticker, I’m betting), waiting on Davis and USC.

My numbers are less than impressive (3.66/163, white as can be) so my other schools pale in comparison. I just threw an app at Berkeley on a whim, hoping for a miracle. NEVER thought they’d take me! I was about 95% sure about Loyola, so now this sudden news is throwing me all off-balance… have lost rational thinking capabilities…

Being “super debt-averse” is stupid.

Almost everything good that has ever come out of the world ever has been financed. Life’s full of risks. The key is knowing the difference between winning deals and losing deals.

How..? Cure cancer?

No kidding. Very impressive catch with those numbers. Congrats on what must have been an amazing application!

I lived in a Bangkok slum for 5 years working with a community development non-profit. Fluent in a second language, strong LORs/personal statement. But yeah-- still pretty incredible. I am well aware that I don’t deserve it!!

I would daresay the opposite. Impressive softs, FTW!

QFHOLYCRAP

I would like to change my response from “Berkeley is the right choice” to “Send your deposit NOW, before the school / whatever god(s) you pray to changes its mind.”

WOW congrats!!! I cant believe you got in with those numbers! but you do have impressive softs. I think this may show Berkeley really does care about softs (maybe more then any other T14 lol).

You should send your deposit to Berkeley and never even think about this decision again. Loyola isnt even on the same playing field as Berkeley.

Congrats again!

Almost all good PhDs are funded with a stipend, usually 30k+.

Financing things without adequate revenue stream/cash flow for debt service is stupid.

But I still vote Boalt.

Go to whittier! :open_mouth: :laughing:

Got to Berkley. No, RUN to Berkley…

Thanks, guys! Yes, I’m definitely at Berkeley next year. I’d be an idiot to go anywhere else. Now that the shock has worn off, I can’t believe I was even considering any alternatives. This is my dream school.

Good luck on the rest of your cycles!