Hello,

I have been granted full scholarships from 2 sources. One is for US law schools, which I chose to go to Boston U, since they offers me to start in Spring term. This one entails an obligation to work for my sponsor for 3 years (I don't think I would enjoy much). The other one is an obligation-free scholarship from Aus government and I choos to go to Sydney U.

It may seem stupid....but I just need ideas from others' point of view. Some might see that US law schools would be better. However, I incline to choose Sydney U. (about 70% now) since there is no obligation and I might find another scholarship for my second LL.M.

What do you guys think? What would you choose if you were me?

Thanks a lot

Hi, there.

You are lucky! It must be nice to be offered two scholarships and have the luxury to choose between them!

Ordinarily, given a choice between an Australian and an American legal education, I would recommend the US. US law schools tend to offer a much better legal education than Australian law schools because they are better funded and, because there are so many of them, they need to be competitive to attract the students. Look at an any international ranking of unviersities and you will see that they are dominated by US universities.

But in your case, I would go with the University of Sydney. I am sure Boston is a fine law schools, but it is not up there as one of the permiere law schools, such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, NYU, UPenn, etc, etc. Further, Sydney (along with Melbourne) is a great law school and is well regarded internationally. Plus, Sydney is a really interesting and fun place to be, with the Sydney Harbour, the eastern beaches and the warm, pleasant weather. (I hear Boston can get freakishly cold in the winter!)

But, also, I think your gut instinct is right. A scholarship is nice, but it is a constraint on your freedom to have to work for the sponsor after you get your degree. If I were in your shoes, I would want the power to decide my own future!!

Good luck!

xxx Laura

Thank you so much Laura for your idea and opinion. You really helped me a lot with the decision making since I will have to decide within a week. You're a star and thanks again!!

Hello,

I agree with Laura.

I would choose a US LLM over a Australia LLM any day as a general rule. However, given the fact that it is Boston Uni and that there is a horrible bond attached to it (which you seem to dislike very much), I would recommend University of Sydney.

I very much doubt you will regret attending University of Sydney because it is definitely the top 1 - 2 Law Schools in Australia.

Good luck!


Best,
Greg

Thanks a lot Greg!! I think I will go for Sydney U. about 90% now...Anyone visiting this thread is welcome to share your opinion!

Thanks in advance~

Hey,

No worries, just wondering if you are willing to share with me what scholarship/grant system are you on?

Cheers,
Greg

Sydney Univ. great choice- Boston is also good but Sydney - beautiful city and Sydney Univ. has an international reputation for outstanding teaching and research excellence so ...

Th scholarship for US law schools is sponsored by one of the government banks in my country. As for the one for Sydney U. is under the Endeavour Awards granted by the Australian government.

hey guys,

I'm back with more questions. I have talked to the sponsor for my US law schools. It turned out that they still offer me the scholarship...meaning that I can go to Sydney U. first and then I can still take up their offer to go to the US...any law schools of my choice!

Well...but there is still an obligation for 3 years of working at a place that doesn't really help improving my lawyering skills.....If you were me, will you guys opt to do the second LLM with a 3-years constraint?

Thanks

Slow

Hello!

I think you should just proceed straight to the bonded LLM scholarship if you are able to get admitted into a US Ivy League university. If it is a T3 or T4 US University then a LLM from Sydney University would suffice.

That is my personal opinion though - but i think it is practical!


Cheers,
Greg

BU Law would be an excellent choice. It has been ranked consistently in the Top 20, and it is Tier One. Plus, their LLM Programs are among the best in the country, and beats even the Ivy League programs because of their highly personalized approach. If you want to go for an LLM, a US degree is still prized over other LLM degrees obtained anywhere else.

Thanks a lot guys. But it's too late now 'cause I have decided to go to Sydney Law School. But I will do my second LLM in the US for sure...just not sure on which scholarship. I think I will go for top 5 law schools. BU is a really great place I am sure but I only applied then because I wanted to start in Spring Term. Whoever will apply for 2010, we will meet for sure!