I applied to GULC and NYU for their tax LLM. I've been admitted to GULC but I'm still waiting to hear from NYU. I am now grappling with the worst case scenario: what if I don't get in to NYU?

Here's my dilemma specifically: do I wait and apply to NYU again in a later (less competitive) year or do I just suck it up and go to Georgetown?

Here's why I would consider just going to GULC:
- I am a deferred BigLaw associate (like everyone else this year) and my firm will pay for the LLM and I have a year to kill
- GULC's not so bad is it?
- DC is a cool city

Here's why I would consider waiting and applying later:
- It's the only tax LLM I'll ever get and it'll stay with me for the rest of my life
- my pride / self esteem (don't dismiss this element. it's very important)

So... this is obviously premature because I haven't yet been rejected from NYU, but I like to plan ahead, and writing this post has been helpful at relieving some anxiety.

I think in the worst case scenario, the only thing that would make me turn down the GULC LLM would be if someone convinced me that GULC (as an education and as a credential) is such a waste of time that I'd be better off in a coma next year than going there.

I know I'm being a baby about this.

I agree that you are being slightly unreasonable in your assessment of the situation.

If going to NYU is so important than obviously wait until next year and apply again. With all due respect, though, if you had excellent credentials I would imagine you would already have an NYU acceptance in hand. So perhaps "sucking it up" is the best decision in case next year is just as competitive.

I'm not the authority on the issue, but I doubt graduating from Georgetown will seriously taint your career. I choose the program for scholarship reasons, but I'm confident I'll learn a ton and enjoy the experience.

Best of luck with your decision

I believe you should go to Georgetown this year. From all that I have read on tax programs, it seems that all the top 3 (NYU, GULC and UF) are outstanding opportunities.

Augusto,

I hate to be so direct, but I think you are being a "baby." Forgive my over analysis of your thought process, but it appears to me that you have this belief that this LLM at NYU is going to carry you to unattainable heights. It is a very well respected graduate tax program, but it is the education you should be focused on rather than the diploma hanging from your wall. If your grades were top-notch at your JD law school, the difference between Georgetown and NYU is very minimal. I am sure some minds will differ on this board-

Would your firm that deferred you for a year even allow this possibility of waiting another year for an NYU acceptance? If you have the deferment and guaranteed employment, stick with G-Town.

Do you have any REAL work experience besides internships, externships? Are you over the age of 25 and have you truly lived outside the confines of the classroom bubble? A truly talented tax attorney with real experience is not going to be limited by what LLM tax program he attended, assuming the education is comparable at both- Where do you want to practice? That is another huge question for you to answer in comparing the two schools.

If NYU rejects you, feel confident in your acceptance to G-town.

Buen Suerte Augusto!

Just to make things clear, I wasn't the original poster - to whom I believe these comments were addressed.

Augusto,

I hate to be so direct, but I think you are being a "baby." Forgive my over analysis of your thought process, but it appears to me that you have this belief that this LLM at NYU is going to carry you to unattainable heights. It is a very well respected graduate tax program, but it is the education you should be focused on rather than the diploma hanging from your wall. If your grades were top-notch at your JD law school, the difference between Georgetown and NYU is very minimal. I am sure some minds will differ on this board-

Would your firm that deferred you for a year even allow this possibility of waiting another year for an NYU acceptance? If you have the deferment and guaranteed employment, stick with G-Town.

Do you have any REAL work experience besides internships, externships? Are you over the age of 25 and have you truly lived outside the confines of the classroom bubble? A truly talented tax attorney with real experience is not going to be limited by what LLM tax program he attended, assuming the education is comparable at both- Where do you want to practice? That is another huge question for you to answer in comparing the two schools.

If NYU rejects you, feel confident in your acceptance to G-town.

Buen Suerte Augusto!

Augusto,

I'm sorry you were called a baby on my account. I am definitely the baby to whom he was referring.

Everyone,

Thanks for your responses. Nothing said here was really news to me but it's nice to be reminded of how crazy you sound. I knew coming on here would give me the dose of sassitude I needed.

As I said before, I believe you should attend GULC next fall. Nevertheless, I don't find your question worthless.

If you were presenting the same question, however considering attending a non-top3 tax LL.M. this fall, instead of applying again next year, I would advise you to wait and try again next fall - if possible.

Georgetown has an outstanding tax program, I'm sure you can't go wrong.

Good luck with everything.

I sincerely apologize. Obviously, everyone knew who the recipient should have been with my post. And my "baby" comments were not meant as an insult but as mere motivation towards the original poster asking the question. There is very little disparity between the two schools when comparing objective facts known to this general forum. Obviously, specific facts pertinent to your situation (such as geographical preferences, private practice vs. government jobs, etc.) could play into your decision.

Good luck with your decision, and I truly hope that you hear a favorable decision soon from NYU-