Columbia/Berkeley/NW(with $$$)

60 51

Posted Mar 17, 2020 16:05

Hey guys,

I need to decide between the three stated law schools. (Columbia full tuition, Berkeley matching decision still awaiting and Northwestern 50k scholarship - money is a criteria, though not the main criteria).
I will definitely go back to my home country, so I am not seeking after LLM employment in the US.

I am looking for a great academic program and a great environment to spend the year. I have a great interest in business law, arbitration and technology.
For Columbia I am a little worried that all other LLMs will be a lot older than me (24) and that it is more focussed on people with a lot of work experience.

I would love to hear your opinions - Thank you!

quote

poohbear

5 3

Posted Mar 17, 2020 17:05

I can't speak to all of your questions, but I have the same concern that the other Columbia LLMs will be older. I am 26. I am going anyway - depending what happens with COVID-19.

I don't think they would have accepted us if they didn't think we would do well and be able to bond with the other students. Plus classes are usually with JD students, from what I have heard. :)

[Edited by poohbear on Mar 17, 2020]

quote

JRMC

65 31

Posted Mar 17, 2020 18:36

Hey guys,

I need to decide between the three stated law schools. (Columbia full tuition, Berkeley matching decision still awaiting and Northwestern 50k scholarship - money is a criteria, though not the main criteria).
I will definitely go back to my home country, so I am not seeking after LLM employment in the US.

I am looking for a great academic program and a great environment to spend the year. I have a great interest in business law, arbitration and technology.
For Columbia I am a little worried that all other LLMs will be a lot older than me (24) and that it is more focussed on people with a lot of work experience.

I would love to hear your opinions - Thank you!

Regarding your interests, it seems to be that Columbia would suit you just right. Don't worry because of your age. I'm 26 and probably will accept Columbia's offer —just waiting for the Financial Aid decision—. I'm sure it won't affect you in any way.

Best!

quote

ProfGuide

15 18

Posted Mar 22, 2020 16:09

Hey guys,

I need to decide between the three stated law schools. (Columbia full tuition, Berkeley matching decision still awaiting and Northwestern 50k scholarship - money is a criteria, though not the main criteria).
I will definitely go back to my home country, so I am not seeking after LLM employment in the US.

I am looking for a great academic program and a great environment to spend the year. I have a great interest in business law, arbitration and technology.
For Columbia I am a little worried that all other LLMs will be a lot older than me (24) and that it is more focussed on people with a lot of work experience.

I would love to hear your opinions - Thank you!

Hey, were you offered any scholarship by Duke?

quote

usallm123

10 12

Posted Mar 22, 2020 16:49

full tuition from Columbia and still hesitant? None of the other schools compare with Columbia. I would say go for it regardless of the age concern. You will find people/ friends in your age range in JD program if not in LLM program.

quote

InDubioPro...

60 51

Posted Mar 22, 2020 17:46

full tuition from Columbia and still hesitant? None of the other schools compare with Columbia. I would say go for it regardless of the age concern. You will find people/ friends in your age range in JD program if not in LLM program.

No sorry for not being clear. It would be the full tuition for me at Columbia, so no scholarship.

I have the feeling that Berkeley would be a nicer environment and a little more personal (little town compared to NYC)

Do you think the difference in reputation of the law schools (outside the US) is very big between Columbia and Berkeley?

Thank you for your help!

[quote]full tuition from Columbia and still hesitant? None of the other schools compare with Columbia. I would say go for it regardless of the age concern. You will find people/ friends in your age range in JD program if not in LLM program. [/quote]

No sorry for not being clear. It would be the full tuition for me at Columbia, so no scholarship.

I have the feeling that Berkeley would be a nicer environment and a little more personal (little town compared to NYC)

Do you think the difference in reputation of the law schools (outside the US) is very big between Columbia and Berkeley?

Thank you for your help!

quote

usallm123

10 12

Posted Mar 22, 2020 18:15

full tuition from Columbia and still hesitant? None of the other schools compare with Columbia. I would say go for it regardless of the age concern. You will find people/ friends in your age range in JD program if not in LLM program.

No sorry for not being clear. It would be the full tuition for me at Columbia, so no scholarship.

I have the feeling that Berkeley would be a nicer environment and a little more personal (little town compared to NYC)

Do you think the difference in reputation of the law schools (outside the US) is very big between Columbia and Berkeley?

Thank you for your help!

Oh thanks for clarifying. I am sorry I misunderstood the full tuition part. I personally do not care much about the school reputation outside the US. So I cannot comment on that. But what is clear is they are some of the top schools in the US. NW ranking just went up - check the new ranking report. Also let your transcripts and good grades speak to your future employers.

50K scholarship is just too good to say no to. NW is located in an excellent city walking distance from many elite law firms such as Sidley Austin, Kirkland, etc etc. NW also has good library, nice location, lots of resources. Once the matching decision is made, you can think about it. As far as technology law is concerned, I would assume Berkeley is in a better spot.

just adding one more note - weather in Northern California is really nice while Chicago is known for the windy and unpredcitable weather. So it all depends. If you really want to be focused in technology, then Bay Area would be best. But in general, NW seems a good option.

[Edited by usallm123 on Mar 22, 2020]

[quote][quote]full tuition from Columbia and still hesitant? None of the other schools compare with Columbia. I would say go for it regardless of the age concern. You will find people/ friends in your age range in JD program if not in LLM program. [/quote]

No sorry for not being clear. It would be the full tuition for me at Columbia, so no scholarship.

I have the feeling that Berkeley would be a nicer environment and a little more personal (little town compared to NYC)

Do you think the difference in reputation of the law schools (outside the US) is very big between Columbia and Berkeley?

Thank you for your help![/quote]

Oh thanks for clarifying. I am sorry I misunderstood the full tuition part. I personally do not care much about the school reputation outside the US. So I cannot comment on that. But what is clear is they are some of the top schools in the US. NW ranking just went up - check the new ranking report. Also let your transcripts and good grades speak to your future employers.

50K scholarship is just too good to say no to. NW is located in an excellent city walking distance from many elite law firms such as Sidley Austin, Kirkland, etc etc. NW also has good library, nice location, lots of resources. Once the matching decision is made, you can think about it. As far as technology law is concerned, I would assume Berkeley is in a better spot.

just adding one more note - weather in Northern California is really nice while Chicago is known for the windy and unpredcitable weather. So it all depends. If you really want to be focused in technology, then Bay Area would be best. But in general, NW seems a good option.

quote

Sophie121

0 1

Posted Mar 30, 2020 12:46

Hey guys,

I need to decide between the three stated law schools. (Columbia full tuition, Berkeley matching decision still awaiting and Northwestern 50k scholarship - money is a criteria, though not the main criteria).
I will definitely go back to my home country, so I am not seeking after LLM employment in the US.

I am looking for a great academic program and a great environment to spend the year. I have a great interest in business law, arbitration and technology.
For Columbia I am a little worried that all other LLMs will be a lot older than me (24) and that it is more focussed on people with a lot of work experience.

I would love to hear your opinions - Thank you!

Hi!

I'm actually facing the same decision, as I've been accepted by Columbia (no scholarship) and Berkeley (with a 15k scholarship). (I've been accepted by some other universities as well, like NYU and Penn, and even still awaiting one decision, but I'm mostly doubting between these two).

I can truly relate to your question, since I've already spent one semester at Berkeley as an exchange student, and it was paradise. It was really one of a kind. The atmosphere, the campus, the bay area, the kindness of both staff and students, the beautiful surroundings: just before breakfast I was able to make stunning hikes and my room was looking out on the golden gate bridge. It made me both extremely healthy and happy. Also I loved the classes, which were more aimed at participation, putting things in practice, as opposed to reading a crazy amount of pages and being harshly interrogated during classes. Even though professors and students were passionately and brilliant, I never had to spend any nights reading in the library. The community was really tight-knit, I'm still close with students and professors I met over there. Also, if you're interested in tech like you wrote, Berkeley clearly is a superb place to go. Most LLM students were between 25-30, I would say.

But of course, rankings and friends tell me to go to Columbia. I have a few friends who went to Columbia Law and they truly loved the Columbia experience as well. Also I think the classes Columbia offers are super interesting. And of course, New York is a very interesting place/platform to live in for a year, also as a life experience.

Curious what you will do! I hope I provided you with some relevant information, basically confirming your statement Berkeley could be a really nice place to be. Good luck with your decision.

[Edited by Sophie121 on Mar 30, 2020]

[quote]Hey guys,

I need to decide between the three stated law schools. (Columbia full tuition, Berkeley matching decision still awaiting and Northwestern 50k scholarship - money is a criteria, though not the main criteria).
I will definitely go back to my home country, so I am not seeking after LLM employment in the US.

I am looking for a great academic program and a great environment to spend the year. I have a great interest in business law, arbitration and technology.
For Columbia I am a little worried that all other LLMs will be a lot older than me (24) and that it is more focussed on people with a lot of work experience.

I would love to hear your opinions - Thank you![/quote]

Hi!

I'm actually facing the same decision, as I've been accepted by Columbia (no scholarship) and Berkeley (with a 15k scholarship). (I've been accepted by some other universities as well, like NYU and Penn, and even still awaiting one decision, but I'm mostly doubting between these two).

I can truly relate to your question, since I've already spent one semester at Berkeley as an exchange student, and it was paradise. It was really one of a kind. The atmosphere, the campus, the bay area, the kindness of both staff and students, the beautiful surroundings: just before breakfast I was able to make stunning hikes and my room was looking out on the golden gate bridge. It made me both extremely healthy and happy. Also I loved the classes, which were more aimed at participation, putting things in practice, as opposed to reading a crazy amount of pages and being harshly interrogated during classes. Even though professors and students were passionately and brilliant, I never had to spend any nights reading in the library. The community was really tight-knit, I'm still close with students and professors I met over there. Also, if you're interested in tech like you wrote, Berkeley clearly is a superb place to go. Most LLM students were between 25-30, I would say.

But of course, rankings and friends tell me to go to Columbia. I have a few friends who went to Columbia Law and they truly loved the Columbia experience as well. Also I think the classes Columbia offers are super interesting. And of course, New York is a very interesting place/platform to live in for a year, also as a life experience.

Curious what you will do! I hope I provided you with some relevant information, basically confirming your statement Berkeley could be a really nice place to be. Good luck with your decision.

quote

InDubioPro...

60 51

Posted Mar 30, 2020 14:50

Hey guys,

I need to decide between the three stated law schools. (Columbia full tuition, Berkeley matching decision still awaiting and Northwestern 50k scholarship - money is a criteria, though not the main criteria).
I will definitely go back to my home country, so I am not seeking after LLM employment in the US.

I am looking for a great academic program and a great environment to spend the year. I have a great interest in business law, arbitration and technology.
For Columbia I am a little worried that all other LLMs will be a lot older than me (24) and that it is more focussed on people with a lot of work experience.

I would love to hear your opinions - Thank you!

Hi!

I'm actually facing the same decision, as I've been accepted by Columbia (no scholarship) and Berkeley (with a 15k scholarship). (I've been accepted by some other universities as well, like NYU and Penn, and even still awaiting one decision, but I'm mostly doubting between these two).

I can truly relate to your question, since I've already spent one semester at Berkeley as an exchange student, and it was paradise. It was really one of a kind. The atmosphere, the campus, the bay area, the kindness of both staff and students, the beautiful surroundings: just before breakfast I was able to make stunning hikes and my room was looking out on the golden gate bridge. It made me both extremely healthy and happy. Also I loved the classes, which were more aimed at participation, putting things in practice, as opposed to reading a crazy amount of pages and being harshly interrogated during classes. Even though professors and students were passionately and brilliant, I never had to spend any nights reading in the library. The community was really tight-knit, I'm still close with students and professors I met over there. Also, if you're interested in tech like you wrote, Berkeley clearly is a superb place to go. Most LLM students were between 25-30, I would say.

But of course, rankings and friends tell me to go to Columbia. I have a few friends who went to Columbia Law and they truly loved the Columbia experience as well. Also I think the classes Columbia offers are super interesting. And of course, New York is a very interesting place/platform to live in for a year, also as a life experience.

Curious what you will do! I hope I provided you with some relevant information, basically confirming your statement Berkeley could be a really nice place to be. Good luck with your decision.

Thank you so much for your very kind reply! That is wonderful to hear!
I feel like I have made the right choice.

I also got the Berkeley scholarship. I was already leaning towards Berkeley, but now with the scholarship, for me personally it's a clear choice pro Berkeley.

Berkeley has a great name in Europe and I am not seeking employment in the US, so ranking is not the most important factor to me.
The class size (Berkeley: 220 vs Columbia: 300) is another factor and, as you said, life in the Bay Area is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks again for sharing your impressions!

[quote][quote]Hey guys,

I need to decide between the three stated law schools. (Columbia full tuition, Berkeley matching decision still awaiting and Northwestern 50k scholarship - money is a criteria, though not the main criteria).
I will definitely go back to my home country, so I am not seeking after LLM employment in the US.

I am looking for a great academic program and a great environment to spend the year. I have a great interest in business law, arbitration and technology.
For Columbia I am a little worried that all other LLMs will be a lot older than me (24) and that it is more focussed on people with a lot of work experience.

I would love to hear your opinions - Thank you![/quote]

Hi!

I'm actually facing the same decision, as I've been accepted by Columbia (no scholarship) and Berkeley (with a 15k scholarship). (I've been accepted by some other universities as well, like NYU and Penn, and even still awaiting one decision, but I'm mostly doubting between these two).

I can truly relate to your question, since I've already spent one semester at Berkeley as an exchange student, and it was paradise. It was really one of a kind. The atmosphere, the campus, the bay area, the kindness of both staff and students, the beautiful surroundings: just before breakfast I was able to make stunning hikes and my room was looking out on the golden gate bridge. It made me both extremely healthy and happy. Also I loved the classes, which were more aimed at participation, putting things in practice, as opposed to reading a crazy amount of pages and being harshly interrogated during classes. Even though professors and students were passionately and brilliant, I never had to spend any nights reading in the library. The community was really tight-knit, I'm still close with students and professors I met over there. Also, if you're interested in tech like you wrote, Berkeley clearly is a superb place to go. Most LLM students were between 25-30, I would say.

But of course, rankings and friends tell me to go to Columbia. I have a few friends who went to Columbia Law and they truly loved the Columbia experience as well. Also I think the classes Columbia offers are super interesting. And of course, New York is a very interesting place/platform to live in for a year, also as a life experience.

Curious what you will do! I hope I provided you with some relevant information, basically confirming your statement Berkeley could be a really nice place to be. Good luck with your decision. [/quote]

Thank you so much for your very kind reply! That is wonderful to hear!
I feel like I have made the right choice.

I also got the Berkeley scholarship. I was already leaning towards Berkeley, but now with the scholarship, for me personally it's a clear choice pro Berkeley.

Berkeley has a great name in Europe and I am not seeking employment in the US, so ranking is not the most important factor to me.
The class size (Berkeley: 220 vs Columbia: 300) is another factor and, as you said, life in the Bay Area is definitely a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks again for sharing your impressions!

quote