I am admitted to both Columbia, Berkeley and Virginia, but only aid from the third one.

I am interested by public policy law, especially issues of sexual and racial discrimination. I then want to go on and work in international organization. Can anyone say me what the best option would be for such an interest? In New York there seems to be lots of chances for work later, but both Berkeley and Virginia seem to have particularly strong programs in social and race law issues.

Plus Columbia has very large class, over 300 LLM students compared to very little in the other ones. What is decisive here?

When did you find about UVA aid?

I'm also curious about your aid award from UVA. When did you receive notification of the amount?

Actually Columbia LL.M. class is around 150/200 max while
Berkeley is around 100.

You have a difficult choice to make because Columbia has higher ranking, better overall reputation and is located in NYC, Berkeley is an awesome university in a wonderful location and UVA has granted you financial aid.
If money is a big issue for you, consider that living in NYC is very expensive (much more than Charlotte or Berkeley-SF) but, on the other side, is a thrilling experience.
Anyway whatever choice you will make you can't be wrong.
T.

Ps personally I would choose CLS...

it really depends on your finacial situation. all schools are great and represent different lifestyles as well. its up to you and what you want to get out of the overall LL.M. exeperience. btw until when do u have to reply to Columbia ?

Yeah, the Columbia class is nowhere near the 300 you say. It is usually around 200 (and it was 220 this year).

I see it as a choice betyween Columbia and Berkeley. That depends on whether you prefer New York to San Fran (weatherwise, very important from end Nov-end March).

If you are looing to work in New York City (and you might need to if you got no financial aid), then I would suggest Columbia - it opens many doors into the corporate world in NYC tha other schools won't.

UCB and Columbia are both great, prestigious schools. So, it really comes down to what your purpose is for doing the LLM. One year of fun in the sun, or trying to set yourself up for a lucrative career? Do you intend to stay in the US and try to work after etc?