I was admitted to the three universities mentioned above and I would really appreciate any help on making my decision. No fin. aid.

I have three years of working experience in an international law firm in my home country and I would like to work abroad after earning my LL.M. degree (e.g. USA, Australia, UK, Singapore or Hong Kong). As regards the current crisis, I know it will be really difficult. However, in the worst case scenario, I can still return to my home country. I was already awarded a scholarship which covers 50% of the anticipated costs of my LL.M. studies.

NYU would be great as it is a rather alternative university and has great professors. On the other hand, the programme is extremely big (about 500 LL.M.) which is, in my eyes, not the best atmosphere for doing an LL.M. The bad thing about NYU is, for my part, New York. I love New York but with money and not as a student without much money. Rooms etc. are extremely expensive and I will probably spend about USD 10,000 more when studying in NYU as compared to California.

UCLA is also a great university and has a beautiful campus. Due to its location in Westwood, it would be possible to live in Venice and combine beach and university. The entertainment law specialization is also quite interesting for me. I have to add that I really love warm weather and beaches and for me this is a main factor in making my decision. On the other hand, UCLA is the lowest ranked university and I have heard that the programme is not so challenging and well organised and the academic quality is also not on the top. A further plus is that living costs are rather moderate in LA compared to NY.

Finally, Berkeley is a great university and worldwide known for its academic quality and diversity and has a beautiful campus. The courses offered by Berkeley are very interesting particularly for people like me who would like to attend courses in different areas, e.g. environmental law, human rights, public international law, antitrust. Please note that I am already quite specialized (Master, doctoral thesis, working experience) and I would really like to learn more on different subjects. Berkeley is a great city for me as I like a more liberal and alternative environment. Also San Francisco is really close. Living costs are ok. However, I would miss the sunny LA weather and beaches.

Further I'd like to note that probably it is not so bad to study at a west coast university as one can participate on both, the New York job fair and the new west cost job fair.

Any comments are appreciated!

Thanks

Nora

Berkeley for its setting and overall university quality. NYU for its top ranking in international law. UCLA for living and partying (although NYC and SF are not that bad either)...

I would say Berkeley or NYU... as u said, UCLA is not ranked as well as the others... and if it for the beaches and warm weather.. well.. this is only one year of your life, you will have other chances to live in a place like that... that's only my personal opinion anyway..

Congratulations Nora.
If you were hesitating between NYU and UCB, it would almost be more difficult to counsel you.

But since you're putting UCLA in the balance too then the choice is clear: UCB. You get the best of both. California's weather and idyllic setting with a reputation and prestige that's close if not above NYU :)

Berkeley!

It has the same prestige that NYU, but it has a better location and campus, and is so much cheaper!

Thanks a lot to all of you. I think that I will choose Berkeley for its academic quality and its location in sunny California.

I'm in a similar situation.

I got admissions from NYU, Berkeley, Umich and Northwestern. I have almost decided to choose Berkeley since I think it is the best option for both my family and me.

Congrats,
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