Hi all,

I am debating whether to accept Columbia (no grant) or NYU ($ 25,000 grant). I intend to study corporate/securities markets law. As far as I have understood, Columbia might have the upper hand when it comes to reputation within corporate law, network and the possibilities of getting a job afterwards (although at this moment, I plan to return to my home country after my studies).

Anyone in the same situation who would like to share their thoughts? Would be much appreciated!

Hi all,

I am debating whether to accept Columbia (no grant) or NYU ($ 25,000 grant). I intend to study corporate/securities markets law. As far as I have understood, Columbia might have the upper hand when it comes to reputation within corporate law, network and the possibilities of getting a job afterwards (although at this moment, I plan to return to my home country after my studies).

Anyone in the same situation who would like to share their thoughts? Would be much appreciated!

[Edited by InvisibleRenaissance on Mar 26, 2021]

Hi all,

I am debating whether to accept Columbia (no grant) or NYU ($ 25,000 grant). I intend to study corporate/securities markets law. As far as I have understood, Columbia might have the upper hand when it comes to reputation within corporate law, network and the possibilities of getting a job afterwards (although at this moment, I plan to return to my home country after my studies).

Anyone in the same situation who would like to share their thoughts? Would be much appreciated!

Hi jhg, a few thoughts:

1. In terms of corporate law, I think there are not much differences between CLS and NYU - they are no.1 and no.2 law schools in this particular area and share the similar advantages, i.e. star faculty members, strong alumni connections in big laws, and unparalleled job prospects in NY - the only two LLM job fairs are held annually in these two law schools which explains everything.

2. You may have your own gut feeling in the application process - for me, as compared to other T7 law schools, NYU Law is the most thoughtful one in the whole process in terms of regular communications with the applicants via email, more responsive email correspondences, more information provided via the admitted students website (they provided so many core courses for admitted students to attend online since March). In one word, such thoughtfulness reflects the fact that they care about the LLM program. CLS did equally well in many of the similar aspects such as releasing the decisions on time (gosh, you know how it feels when you are desperately waiting for the decisions from law schools), well-organized admitted students program, etc.

3. NYU Law offers generous scholarships this year, even in such a pandemic - I believe the class of 2022 would attract more students with great credentials. The LLM Honors Seminars as mentioned in the brochure are interesting - you can see their endeavors to make the scholarships as a honor and a long-lasting connection with the law school community, and after all, $25,000 is not a small amount that T7 law schools usually offer.

4. Lots of people have focus on the aura of Ivy League. If you have it as well, Columbia is the best located Ivy League university and could never be a bad choice. The reputation you enjoy in the long run could offset the $25,000 that you give up.

To sum up, I think you should follow your gut feeling when you find it hard to make a decision - it is because they are so close that each of the choices is equally great. If the difference is so obvious, you will not hesitate from the beginning.