<p>Basically...my parents have made a deal with me - if I can get into a relatively cheap Undergrad School, they'll use those 4 years to save up money to send me to a great Grad School for law. Now, I'm hoping I can get a lot of money in merit scholarships because of my ranking, GPA, SATs, and all that, if not, I'll make due. But thats not the point.</p>
<p>My question - where is a good undergrad school to go to that will get the top Law Schools interested? Are there any names (besides Ivys) that really catch the attention of these Grad Schools? I'm afraid that if I go to a cheap-o school none of the good Law Schools will take serious consideration on my application. (Even besides L-SATs, I know grades are a big part of the application process.)</p>
<p>And if anyone knows of any good (not Ivy, but not horrible) Undergraduate School in or around New Jersey, that would be helpful as well. (Maybe Pennsylvania and New York if you don't know any in Jersey.)</p>
<p>Thanks for any information - all of it counts.</p>
<p>My impression is that GPA and test scores will play a lot higher role than reputation of undergrad degree, but i am not an expert on the subject, unlike some members here.</p>
<p>Quote from a pre-law advisor at SMU: "Law schools don't care where you went to school or what you did as far as extracurriculars. They care about your GPA and your LSAT."</p>
<p>Go to a good state school (best you can; like UVA or something) and maintain a good GPA while using your summer to get interns (hopefully paying ones). Study for your LSATs and use your saved money + earned money for law tuition.</p>
<p>Considering schools in the NJ, PA, NY area... I'd say Rutgers (New Brunswick) is a really good bet for undergrad. Living in the NJ area (I do too), the Rutgers name becomes really overplayed sometimes, I know. But it has national recognition and great opportunities as far as internships and leadership positions go. Doing well at Rutgers could certainly get you into a top law school.</p>
<p>As for NY, I was thinking Skidmore and Hamilton. I'm not sure if they give out merit aid, but they're pretty well respected LACs (and not as cutthroat as many of the top ones, which leads me to believe they may give out some money).</p>
<p>PA has quite a few good schools that go unrecognized and give out some money. Allegheny and Muhlenberg come to mind. Franklin and Marshall and Gettysburg are good schools too, but I don't know if they give out any merit aid. I suggest picking up a US News rankings book when it comes out in August--not necessarily for the rankings, but for the comprehensive college index in the back.</p>
<p>Although it's not in NJ, PA, or NY, the University of Delaware may be worth looking into as well. I know a lot of people who go there, and they all have great things to say about it. It's also pretty affordable.</p>