I have a 50% scholarship to BU/BC, and I’ve been accepted into NYU. Because of the lack of scholarship and additional factors, this will increase my already hefty student loan debt by about $100,000. I have an IP background, and it looks like my chances of getting a big law job from BU/BC are very good. So, my question is, if I’m going to get a big law job either way (though obviously NYU is a more assured chance) should I pay so much extra for NYU? NYU obviously has benefits such as clerkships, and the slim possibility of academia, but are there concrete (financial) benefits to getting a big law job from NYU versus getting one from BU/BC?
Note: I don’t particularly want to end up in NY. I’d prefer Boston (BU/BC obviously places fine here) or DC (NYU places much better).
I wouldn’t transfer and I agree with the above. If you are at BC/BU and want Boston and are top of your class you will do great. There’s no reason to waste $ and there are downsides to transferring (ex. Every single interviewer asking you so why did you leave?)
OP here. Is there any difference working in Big Law from NYU? Is it easier to make partner etc? Or is it all just firm performance, and the effect of NYU is negligible or non-existent?
As long as your data is good for you being able to get biglaw from BU/BC, I’d stay. Your school will have (practically) no direct affect on whether or not you make partner. But it may influence the relationships you develop at the firm (alumni), which in turn may affect partnership chances. Don’t base your decision on this, though.
Keep in mind that the “safer” decision would be to transfer, clean up at OCI, and take on more debt. You would basically be guaranteed biglaw, but it would come with an extra price tag (all that debt).