Currently a lawyer from South America applying to universities this year and really want to make the best choice! Of course, I don't know yet what my choices are (waiting for results) but I just want to plan ahead and ask what people think would be the best place to go to or if there are any tips?

I am from Argentina, working now in big law after my Georgetown LLM. I have to say, I might be a little biased but Georgetown Law is by far the best place to study law in the US.

Georgetown is definitely better than NYU and Fordham because of its campus, location, faculty, facilities, and very broad network. A lot of the people who go to Georgetown are focused on big law but also international relations and development, geopolitics, and national security. This brings a variety of experience and network from each batch of students. But don't get me wrong, NYU is also very good and the city life is amazing! That's why I chose to work in NYC after. As for Fordham, this is also a good school but not at par with the others.

Columbia is a great school! You will really be required to study hard with a big focus on a lot of general subjects. I have no issues with Columbia except for the fact that from the people I have met, Columbia/NYU students tend to really go for big law and if that's what you're looking for then maybe those will be the schools for you. It has been a long running discussion that rankings might push you in that direction but rankings are skewed based on factors not as relevant for the profession and careers of the students (based on the experience I have with my colleagues).

Also, just additional, when you say you're from Georgetown Law in the US, people know you mean business. Hope this helps.

Georgetown is one of my top choices if not my very first choice! Were you able to send before the November deadline? Someone opened a thread for discussion of results maybe you can respond there as well. Results will be out soon. Good luck to everyone!