<p>I just graduated from Furman University (actually, last night), and am trying to decide, by Tuesday May 7th, between two offers for law school: William and Mary or Wake Forest. I'm not sure what law programs I'd like to get into exactly (I'd like to keep my options open), so what I'm really looking for is a strong education that can be applied in a lot of different potential areas. Name recognition of the school, not just in North Carolina or Virginia, is also important to me.
The financial aid packages that have been offered are somewhat comparable (Wake Forest would be cheaper by about $4,000 or $5,000, which is close enough for me to leave it up for debate), but affordability is not my highest priority for law school. What I really want is a fantastic, prestigious legal education and preparation for the "real world." Is there one that has better networking opportunities, generally? Would you say that one is a more "regional" school? I'm also thinking about study abroad opportunities--it seems like Wake is stronger in that category with trips to D.C., London, Venice and Vienna (whereas W&M has a trip to Madrid and then affiliate programs). I also heard complaints about Wake Forest facilities. If you could, I'd really also like to know about the quality of the professors, how down-to-earth or student-friendly they are, etc. Also, I'd like a non-competitive atmosphere, where we work together rather than against each other.
I know this is a lot, but what would you all advise? I'm honestly leaning towards W&M at this time, but I just want to make the right decision. Thanks!</p>
<p>p.s. I didn't mention this, and it may not be important, but I'm also waiting to hear back from Emory and UNC Chapel Hill, both of which have also waitlisted me. Additionally, I've also been accepted to SMU--is SMU a contender with William and Mary and Wake Forest?</p>
<p>Wake and W&M are both regional schools. If you want to practice law in NC, go to Wake. If you want to practice law in VA (and this does not include DC), go to W&M. You’ll have a hard time getting jobs outside the respective region for either school.</p>
<p>William and Mary is ranked a little higher than Wake. There are many more W&M grads in D.C. than Wake grads so I think Wake is even more regional in its appeal. No law school prepares you for the real world so don’t try to make that a factor.</p>
<p>I’m curious why study abroad is part of your calculation. If you go abroad during the summer, you are missing a crucial opportunity to build up your resume by working in a law related job. Can you really go abroad for a whole semester (out of a three year program) and still have the requisite credentials to prepare for the bar and a good job upon graduation? Maybe someone on here can tell me what I’m missing. My cousin did a summer law school course in Europe, but that was basically because he couldn’t land a summer internship. Perhaps the programs you have mentioned are for January term or very short in duration. Still, my impression is that study abroad would not play much of a role in most people’s decision about where to attend.</p>
<p>I’m shocked people would say that W&M and Wake are ONLY regional law schools. </p>
<p>Just b/c these are both smaller schools doesnt’ mean they are not known by people across the country …and ESP. by people in the LAW PROFESSION (those to whom it matters).</p>
<p>Both are outstanding undergrad schools and have good law programs. W&M is known throughout the country. ANY TOP 30-ish law school will be easily known by law professionals. …Doesn’t matter the size or region. If you’re good, you’re known. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t worry about the “regional-ness” of either school, as both are good programs. But W&M is clearly the more reputable - not to say Wake is not good…just that WM is better and more well known for law. </p>
<p>I don’t know enough about the specifics of each school or your own life goals, etc. to comment further, but just wanted to say that the regional factor shouldn’t be an issue when you’re dealing with top law schools. That’s b/c everyone in the industry will know and those who are not probably won’t matter (assuming you go into law). </p>
<p>It’s like saying Univ. of Pittsburgh is only a regional school and therefore someone shouldn’t choose it for a philosophy Ph.D…and instead attend like…UT-Austin instead (a good program, but NOT on the level of Pitt)…When, in fact, UPitt has been a top 5 program for probably two decades or more in philosophy. People in the industry will know. </p>
<p>“the regional factor shouldn’t be an issue when you’re dealing with top law schools.”</p>
<p>I don’t agree. Regionality should be a huge consideration for students looking outside the T14. The fact that partners in California have heard of your law school and know that it is Tier 1 does not mean they will hire you. T1 regional schools have relationships with local employers, and that is where most of their graduates will find job opportunities. If you want to work in Chicago, you might be better off going to Loyola or Kent rather than the more highly ranked Wake Forest.</p>
<p>W&M has a considerable name-recognition advantage nationally. I strongly agree that study abroad should not be a factor. This is not something legal employers look for, and any time you spend abroad, you cannot spend networking, volunteering, or clerking in the US that may lead to a full-time job.</p>
<p>Right, but Andrew, those rankings are for UNDERGRADUATE programs in philosophy. </p>
<p>U.S. News, if memory serves me correct, does not rank graduate/Ph.D. programs in philosophy. </p>
<p>For those who labor in the field, it’s been known for decades that UPitt has had a top notch philosophy program (if not the absolute best in the U.S.) for a long time. It’s fluctuated in rankings between around 6th place and 1st place in philosophy over the years, but the program is well-known as a top Ph.D. program in the nation. </p>
<p>This thread is old, but I will reinforce what the previous poster said - quoting USNews rankings of philosophy programs is like quoting gourman report rankings of law programs: no one cares. It’s all in the Philosophical Gourmet Report - to my philosophy professors, that report is the bible.</p>
<p>All that having been said, I don’t find this to be very relevant. WM and Wake Forest are still relatively regional schools. If you want a significant degree of geographical flexibility, it’s supposedly wise to go to a T14 school. Between the two, William and Mary will give you more flexibility, or at least it seems to be the case based upon where their graduates go.</p>
<p>Of course, you’ve probably already deposited at one of these two ;)</p>