Hi,



I have been accepted into LLM courses at both LSE and Georgetown, and I have no clue which to pick as both offer different advantages and disadvantages.



Georgetown would allow me a different student experience and access to many exciting courses (studying in the US as my undergraduate degree is from King’s College London) and the Washington location would give me the opportunity to make many great professional connections (as I am interested in a career in international law). Furthermore, there is the opportunity to take an externship for credit as part of the program, which would allow me to build up my professional experience. Also, I would be able to diversify my education, holding 1 degree from the UK and 1 from the US.



However, the fees for Georgetown are very high (approximately $71k), and even with the merit scholarship which I have been offered, the tuition costs are still quite high and when combined with indirect costs such as rent and food will quickly add up. Also, Georgetown ranks #18 globally, whereas LSE ranks #6, only behind Oxbridge and Ivy League.



Whilst LSE would still give me access to many great opportunities and experiences, I am not sure whether I can build connections equally relevant to my professional goals in international law as I would be able to in Georgetown (as I am aware LSE has quite a strong academic focus on corporate law). Also, given that I already studied in London at undergraduate level, The experience of LSE doesn’t appear as ‘exciting’ as ‘trying something new’ at Georgetown.



However, LSE ranks higher than Georgetown, and the personal tuition costs would total up to roughly £17k compared to the ~$71k for Georgetown.



I think mostly what it comes down to is does Georgetown hold enough benefits in allowing me to achieve my professional goals than LSE to justify the significantly higher cost? Or is LSE equally good, not only for study but also for professional prospects, and therefore the better option?



I’m feeling quite lost as to what to choose at the minute and would really appreciate some advice as to what you would think would be the better choice.



Thank you very much in advance!

It's a dilemma. I think it's worth thinking about your future career goals, and which degree / network would help you most. 

One thing, though:

Also, Georgetown ranks #18 globally, whereas LSE ranks #6, only behind Oxbridge and Ivy League.