Does anyone have some advises? I'm confused and depressed on these days because I don't know which one is better. Although I cleary know these two schools are great, I just don't want to give up any of them. How to make a decision for now? I really need your opinion. Thanks!

You've got to give people more detail. What do you want to do with your LL.M? Your answer will proably depend on that. American would be better at getting you interships in the field of international law.

I just want to study bussiness law. Although I took several international law courses in university before, I still don't know I'm interested in that or not. And I also think about career after graduation. After all, I want to find a job in USA for a year. But I don't know about job opportunaties in DC or LA.

USC has a strong alumni and its ranking is in top 20. American University is famous in international law, especially international bussiness and human rights. I just wonder whether I should choose a school for reputation or specialization. This question bothers me for two weeks. Unfortunately, my friends also confuse about this. Therefore, I want to know others' opinion. Thanks!!

I'm in the middle of the same predicament, but in regards with choosing between NWU and GWU. Admittedly, it's not an easy task to live with.

I currently attend American's LLM Law & Government Program. American is truly a wonderful, vibrant, intellectual community. It is strongest in international law and human rights. It also has one of the best clinical programs in the US.

Having said this, I would suggest that you think about why you applied to these schools in the first place. You must have had in mind what attracted you to apply and how your interest/background matched the institution's focus. Only you can really answer that question. Hopefully, the answer will guide you in the right direction.

Best regards.

Hey dcllm,

I was recently admitted into American's ILSP program and plan on studying human rights. What neighborhoods are good for finding relatively affordable housing? Do people ever commute from Maryland? If so what Maryland neighborhoods are good in terms of price and is there metro access. Sorry to bombard you with questions but I am very curious about this. Thanks.

Regarding the original post. You should go for the school that has the most interesting classes to you and the most professors you would like to study under. Look at the past year's course schedules and draw up a study plan for each and compare. Good luck and congratulations.

according to usnews ranking, USC is in top20.

Also, you ought not overlook the fact that in accordance with this very US News Report, American University's Program in International Law is ranked #5, very close to Georgetown's, Yale's, Columbia's and NYU's.

I just wonder that which one is more important?

Overall ranking or specific law ranking?
Coz many third or forth tier law school get very high rank in specific law.

That may be a deciding factor when considering a 3rd or 4th tier school. However, I think it is less important when you are considering two schools in the 1st tier. When choosing in the 1st tier, I would think that the specialization would be a critical factor.

actually, i think the big factor when considering schools in the first-tier is whether those schools are in the top 20.

at least if it's future career prospects you're concerned about

very few national/regional medium-sized firms (let alone biglaw, large, and/or int'l firms) will recruit (at least not routinely) from anything outside the top 20.

hence, there appears to be a tier within a tier, effectively meaning top 20 schools are first-tier, and the other 20-50 are more or less second tier.

this is especially true if you are an international/foreign law grad who wants to work for an int'l and/or US firm back in asia, europe etc after the llm.

my advice would be to not settle for anything less than an llm at a top 20 school. my school where i did my llm was in the lower 20s at the time (1999) (i think it's now in the early 30s), and even after transfering and completing the full JD, with a very good UK LLB from a solid UK university behind me, i couldn't even get one interview with a US or large UK firm for positions in either the US or UK (or the EU for that matter - i have languages too)

so don't be blinded by this first-tier business. if you can get into a top 20 law school's llm and do well (at least top 25%), then i think you have a good shot at landing some interviews, at least with big firms or US firms back in your home country if nothing else (and provided you are already a qualified lawyer back home of course)

but, if it's just for the fun of legal learning, then i guess none of this matters

Thanks to underemployedLawyer's opinion. You just clear something for me. On these days, I keep thinking about my future, especially career. Because I'm the only child in the family, I have to raise my family and my parents want me to make their dream which can come true. Therefore, I'm so confused.

There's still one question. If the ranking changes this year, that means USC not in top 20. Do I still consider about this school? Or just chooes another one?

not to be rude, but really, waht has your family and their dream got to do with it? if sounds like you are from asia or somewhere. if you are mature and enlightened enough to consider studying law in the US, then you really need to get rid of that mentality. you'll be a lot happier, and a lot more successful.

Itu,

I understand your concern, but you seem to be too focused on rankings. You should really focus on your strengths and interests and match that with what a particular LLM program can offer you. I believe if you do that you will make the best choice, and you will get the result you want.

I know that there are really 2 tiers within the 1st tier. Having said that, I personally would not choose a higher-rated tier 1 school just for the sake of it. If a lower-rated tier 1 school had the program I wanted -- best match of my strengths and interests -- I would go with that school.

Thanks for your reply. Another reason I choose USC is my two professors recommend me to choose this school. They think this would be better. But I still have to wait other schools. So I will pay the deposit soon and wait others. Maybe I won't go to USC, but who knows. I just don't want to pay more deposit because it's too expensive, and I think I should prepare something now. Anywhere, Thanks your opinions.

Thanks for your reply. Another reason I choose USC is my two professors recommend me to choose this school. They think this would be better. But I still have to wait other schools. So I will pay the deposit soon and wait others. Maybe I won't go to USC, but who knows. I just don't want to pay more deposit because it's too expensive, and I think I should prepare something now. Anywhere, Thanks your opinions.

Really? Maybe we can be classmates in the future. But I want to know where are you from? I'm from Taiwan.

I'm from Thailand. Nice to see you.