So here's my dilemma, let me know what you guys think: I was accepted to Stanford for the SPILS program a few weeks ago. However, my true first choice was Yale, where I have been waitlisted along with something like 50 other people (I know that many of you are out there, waiting for me to decline...). The lady at the admissions office tells me that last year they didn't even look at the waiting list and she doesn't know what will happen this year. Stanford is really pushing for an answer. Should I wait any longer or is Yale a longshot? Maybe Yale isn't all it's cracked up to be anyway?

Hello,
Well, I was accepted at both and chose Stanford over Yale. I guess your choice should be guided by the area you're interested in. If you're specialized in international law, I understand you'd rather go to Stanford, otherwise there's no real reason.

Both are absolutely outstanding law schools. I really hesitated between both and talked with numerous people (who went to both law schools, Professors in my country and in the US, several US attorneys, judge etc...). They told me that I couldn't go wrong, but, accept two Professors who didn't know Stanford very well, everyone recommended me to go to...Stanford.

According to a US attorney, Yale JD carries a lot of weight in US; however, the situation is different for LLMs, and the importance is more related to the field you want to work in for LLM's rather than just the "brand" (at least according to US attorneys and Professors). Considering the fact that my field is IP, I followed this recommendation and chose the SPILS program over Yale. For many (they may be wrong), Stanford is regarded as the Law School of the 21st century.
In my opinion (but it's only mine once again), their interdisciplinary approach is the one of the future.

Besides, the weather is much better there...

If you want some more info, have a look at:
http://www.top-law-schools.com/stanford-law-school.shtml
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2002/06/16/IN191244.DTL&type=printable

I don't know if it helps, but don't hesitate to write me if I can be of any help.

Oups sorry, international law is Yale of course, not Stanford...

The major difference I found between the SPILS and Yale was that SPILS seem to be focussed more on independent research. But maybe I am wrong here. As Bitsou said both schools are great. Yale is seen as a more academic institution. If you plan to teach in the future, the LLM/SJD combination from Yale would help. Also, if you do get accepted into Yale, they are fairly generous with the financial assistance. (Need based AID rocks). Hope this helped....

for those of you who got into Yale: what is the financial aid like? do they pretty much give it automatically to anyone who is accepted and is in need?

Yale is fairly generous with its aid. They ask for fairly exhaustive financial details and ask how much you (in my case my parents) can act spare. The assistance is divided between a tuition waiver and a conditional grant. The grant converts into a loan unless I take up a teaching most or get into the SJD program. The terms of the loan are'nt too bad and if I do public interest or low paying work it becomes easier. They basically ensure that you can afford to study at Yale if you get in.

No, you're right Vakil. That's indeed a difference. To write a publication in a Law Review is the main goal of the SPILS, though you can and even have to take a few courses (but less than a traditionnal LLM). Otherwise, I guess the difference is indeed that Yale is more academic, that Yale has a much longer history (thus better known at least here in Europe), and most important probably, that they have strenghts in different fields.

I wish you all the best at Yale by the way :)

There's little to add to what my friends Bitsou and Vakil have said, except to confirm that Yale is indeed quite generous with money -- once you're in, they'll help you find a way to pay for it. Also, as to choices (and as cheesy as it may sound), in the end, after doing all the due diligence on strength of schools' programs, reputation, job prospects, etc., in the end it becomes a gut decision. If Yale has always been your dream, by all means take a gamble. At the same time, though, if your gut tells you that the prospect of admission is unlikely, perhaps you should already confirm with Stanford. That way, you're safe either way.

If I could get into Yale, I will not care about the tuition deposit at all. Just say "yes" to Stanford; she is not asking you to marry her anyway. (just kidding~ but my opinion is serious!)

I am in the same boat. I have offers from Oxford, NYU & Columbia (didn't apply to Stanford, not expecting anything from HLS) and am on the Yale waiting list.

If Oxford (which I am leaning towards over NYU & Columbia) start pressing me for an answer, I will accept there.

If by some amazing chance I get into Yale before that then that's terrific but to be honest I think it's too much of a long shot.

Joseph
Congrats on all those admissions.
You need'nt worry about Oxford, I believe they give you three weeks to a month after you hear from the college of your choice before asking you to confirm.

Let me ask you a question: if Yale calls somebody who is placed in the waiting list, when would it be? More: does anyone know when is the deadline for the the first proposed group of students to confirm their interest in studying there?

I had to confirm by the first week of April. I was informed on the 15th of March.

Well, I just wanted to let all of you know that I have made my final decision. I am going to Stanford. Thank you all for the advice. It's a great feeling to finally be done with this horrible application process. For all those of you waiting for NYU, Columbia, Harvard- another spot will be available soon.
Bitsou- I will see you there...