Dear all,

At the moment I have two offers from Duke Law School and from NYU Law School. Although I am on the wait list of Pennsylvania Law School, (frankly speaking) I do not rely on this last 'choice'. So I should decide between two law schools and I should do it quickly.

Being from Moscow (the Russian Federation), I don't possess enough information about universities in the USA (USNews ratings and general information seem to be insufficient).

Could you comment in any way on these two options: Duke Law School and NYU Law School? Which university/LL.M program is better? I don't care two much about living conditions and cost of living: I understand that NYC is much more expensive and vibrant city and (on the contrary) Durham is supposed to be a calm, placatory and beautiful place. But I DO care about reputation (e.g. can anybody comment on the reputation of NYU? why this law school is now on a list among top 5 schools?), education level (especially in international law), outstanding specialists and career perspectives after graduation.

Thank you in advance! I will appreciate any help!!

Serge Litvintseff

I've got the same problem (DUke vs Penn vs Northwestern).

I've leaning towards Penn, but Northwestern's program structure is brilliant because its structured just like the practice groups of a law firm. Duke has an increadible rep in the US. My roommate is a Southern Yank and tells me the alumni of Duke is tops because of the whole elite Southerner thing. I got into NYU, but definitely wont go because: 1) the campus sucks; 2) it has little tradition compared to the IVYs; 3) the program is too large; 4) NYU is not all that exclusive; 5) NYC is expensive and living there as a student would suck (I've been. NYC is paradise for rich folks, not for poor student); 6) NYU US rank is a farse. Columbia/Chicago/Penn is easily better; 7) ..... can't go on forever....

Come to think of it.... why did I ever apply??? Weird.