Public/Private college if going to law school?

<p>So right now, I'm stuck between 2 basic options. I know I want to go to law school after ungrad. But I'm a senior in high school (last day of school was yesterday). Do I go the more expensive route, or the less expensive route...?</p>

<p>That sounds a bit off. I live in Kentucky, and the best college in the state is probably Centre college. After all costs considered; however, it's around 40k+ a year...</p>

<p>That's ALOT of money. My UNWEIGHTED GPA is probably around 3.86. I took 4 AP classes this year (US, Chem, Bio, Language), and I'm taking 4 or 5 next year (Stats, Calc, Spanish, Lit). I'll take Physics B if there's a chance I could be salutatorian, but I don't think so... But when they decide, they do weighted grades.</p>

<p>I only have 5 classes next year, because I'll be co-oping at a lab at one of our factories nearby (Dow Corning). So I should be able to get all A's next year with no problem. So my final GPA for high school should be 3.89 unweighted, but 3.86 for after my junior year.</p>

<p>I'm thinking about majoring in psychology or philosophy, because they both seem really interesting to me personally, and I want to be able to keep a high GPA for entering law school. </p>

<p>My ACT score is 27 right now, but I'm signed up for June, and will be taking it EVERY time until December so I can get a 30.</p>

<p>So with my GPA, my classes, and my ACT score... I'm trying to still decide on the school. We had honors day yesterday, where we have an assembly recognizing which school people are going to, and how much scholarships they got. </p>

<p>So it made me think... If I'm going to post grad law, then my undergrad will be less important... If I were to stop at 4 yr. education, I'd go for the better school (centre). But this is where I need your guys's help. </p>

<p>UK (University of Kentucky) is usually noted as the best public university academically. If I went there, the costs would be under 20k a year. I know it's more difficult getting scholarships at public universitys rather than private colleges...</p>

<p>Basically, I'm unsure of wanting a huge debt from a private college rather than not much at a public university. Could I get scholarships with my criteria I listed above at a public school? EC wise, I'm running for student council (VP) and National Honor Society (VP). I'll be in a few things next year too, just trying to get stuff to put down. I'm going to try and start a few volunteer things, hopefully with one of those positions I get.</p>

<p>So, sorry that was a huge story or whatever. But what are your thoughts? ONE last thing I was thinking about... This kid in our school got a free ride to UK, which was about 80k in scholarships, and his parents bought him a new camaro. I know my parents would do the same thing if I got a full ride somewhere. </p>

<p>Just something to keep in mind lol. (I'm a huge car person)</p>

<p>Most law schools are said to base admissions on LSAT and GPA with little or no regard for undergraduate school or course difficulty or grade inflation.</p>

<p>Since law school is expensive, having a lot of undergraduate debt going to law school is not a great thing (and not a great thing if you major in something without good bachelor’s job prospects if you do not go to law school).</p>

<p>UC Berk is the best public school.</p>

<p>I know it’s more difficult getting scholarships at public universitys rather than private colleges</p>

<p>This isn’t necessarily true.</p>

<p>Why are you only taking the ACT. If you need merit scholarships then you need to take both the ACT …AND…the SAT!!! Many kids do better on one than the other…and…merit scholarships are often based on only the Math and CR sections of the SAT…so easier to study for. </p>

<p>Do not take on much debt for undergrad…especially if you want to go to law school…that will cost enough. Newish lawyers do not make a lot of money…so avoid debt as much as you can.</p>

<p>If you can get an ACT 30 or the equivalent SAT (about a 1320 Math + CR), then there are schools (both public and private) that will give you good merit scholarships.</p>

<p>What is your budget? How much will your parents pay?</p>