Dear all,

I got accepted into both Columbia and UCL, but my problem is that even with a tuition waiver from Columbia and a Fulbright scholarship, I will still need to spend a substantial amount to study at Columbia. On the other hand, I got into UCL with a Chevening scholarship, which will cover all costs. I'm planning to specialize in public international law, particularly international criminal law/ international humanitarian law/ human rights. I would like to eventually work at an international tribunal such as the ICC. I'd like to hear your thoughts on what decision I should make. Thanks!

Columbia without a doubt!

UCL's LLM is not in the same league as Columbia. You will get much more from Columbia as the teaching will be better, the facilities will be better, the support will be better and the LLM will be worth more.

I totally agree with Lord Denning.
I chose Columbia over Cambridge all the more reason you should drop UCL...

I concur with Lord Denning in toto.. and would go even as far as stating that both the institutions are incomparable, Columbia taking the lead in this case. However UCL is also a fine instution.

I disagree. In international law, UCL has Phillippe Sands, who is a renowned expert, Ralph Wilde, also renowned, and others. Maybe UCL is not so well known in the USA as it should be, but it is a world class school. UCL is equal to Columbia in all respects, not least in terms of academic excellence.

Certainly Columbia for public international law and human rights and many other areas. Hands down. Just check out the website of both Columbia and UCL. And compare and contrast the faculty, courses, extra-curricular activities, the "prestige factor", etc. The evidence should be pretty clear.

But whether it is 'worth' incurring the debt as a result of choosing Columbia is a separate and tougher issue which only you who are in possession of all the facts can decide. But if i were you, and if after careful calculation, I would be able to pay back the debt without unduely sacrificing important career goals and other significant aspects of personal well-being, i would choose Columbia.

invictus: did Columbia provide any financial assistance? I understand they offer help in the form of partial or full tuition waivers; one would think they'd like to attract a Fulbright scholar. did they admit you to the LLM, but at the same time decline to offer any financial assistance?

siggy,

Yes, Columbia did indeed offer a substantial partial tuition waiver, but despite this waiver and a Fulbright scholarship, I will still have to spend quite a lot to cover living expenses.

Thanks for all your comments, guys.