<p>I have narrowed down my two choices for colleges to The University of Alabama and the University of Washington, and I was wondering if you could help me with my choice. Currently, I have been accepted to Alabama with full tuition scholarship, but have yet to be accepted to the University of Washington, as their admission notices come quite late, arriving in late March. Here are my thoughts so far:</p>
<p>Alabama: At 'Bama, I would have full tuition, bringing my total expenses to merely room and board, airfare ($ 350 roundtrip) from Tuscaloosa to Seattle (I live in Olympia - about 60 miles from Seattle), and other personal expenses of lesser costs. It is my belief that such a low price, about $10,000 a year, would help me in the financial long run, as I plan to go into pre-law and then law school, which brings me to my next question: Is 'Bama reputable enough for a law school that has a good career turnout?</p>
<p>Washington: At UW, I would most likely receive no aid whatsoever, as I am of a stereotypical middle class family of the cookie cutter variety and they ONLY seem to give out need-based aid. However, considering I plan to go on to law school, it is my belief (tell me if I am wrong) that the UW is more prestigious than 'Bama, and therefore better for Grad-school.</p>
<p>Well, although I have yet to be accepted to UW, I want to make my decision soon because 'Bama has already opened up their housing application, and from what I have seen from the rowdily rude roommates in such movies as Animal House and American Pie, I want to make sure I get to have a say where I stay.</p>
<p>If I were you, I would move this question to the University of Alabama forum. It is quite active at that forum, and I believe that we have a student who posts from your home area who might be able to help.</p>
<p>That being said, info for future plans: Did you know that UA’s Law School is highly ranked and well regarded.</p>
<p>Is 'Bama reputable enough for a law school that has a good career turnout?</p>
<p>Uh yes.</p>
<p>BTW…do you realize that Bama has a Tier 1 law school?</p>
<p>(I wonder why you’d think a law school would be more impressed with Washington over Bama? lol Uh, they won’t. Besides, law schools do NOT care where you went to undergrad. It’s all about LSAT, GPA, and LORs)</p>
<p>Washington: At UW, I would most likely receive no aid whatsoever, as I am of a stereotypical middle class family of the cookie cutter variety and they ONLY seem to give out need-based aid</p>
<p>full pay at UWash vs a lot less at Bama? No brainer.</p>
<p>Go to Alabama. I never saw a school give away so many freebies. I just can’t imagine why anyone would ever want to pay full freight knowing that so many are given full tuition scholarships.</p>
<p>Thanks so much for all of your quick replies!</p>
<p>Robotbldmom: Sadly, I am but a novice when it comes to College Confidential. Is there a special way to repost this in the Alabama section or do I just post it as I did the original?</p>
<p>mom2collegekids: Sorry about my preconceptions regarding UWash’s prestigious superiority over 'Bama. I guess I have been brainwashed by my UWash alumni of a father, who believes UWash is second only to the Ivies in prestige. Thanks for the insight!</p>
<p>I’m going to answer for Robotbldmom, if you don’t mind. From this page, there should be a section on the far left margin near the top that says “Top Forums.” Under that, select “Colleges” then go to the “A” section of the new window under “Alphabetical List of Colleges.” University of Alabama should be near the bottom. Just create a topic the same way you did this one (there is no repost option).</p>
<p>Definitely go to Bama! Law school can be VERY expensive, and with the state of the economy, a lot of lawyers are unemployed. Like others have said, law schools only care about GPA and LSAT for the most part, not where you went to school.</p>
<p>I don’t know what your major will be, but if you’ll be the typical history or poly sci pre-law student, then realize that most schools that also have law schools will be strong in those depts.</p>
<p>However, since law school is what you want, look into New College at Bama. It’s a design your own major dept within Arts and Sciences. If I were pre-law, I think I’d combine some/all of the following: Philosophy (especially Deductive Logic and Ethics), English, History, Poly Sci, Economics, Communications (Speech), Bio, Chem, Accounting, and Math. </p>
<p>If you do go to Bama, do take Deductive Logic (honors or non-honors). That class will help you in life and in whatever career you pursue. That class should be required for EVERY student. Period.</p>
<p>I presume you are in-state at UDub. What’s the difference in total cost-of-attendance including traveling expenses over 4 years? What’s it worth to you to be able to go home once a while during the terms?</p>
<p>
I know for a fact that UDub does provide some full tuition grants (state grants) as part of your financial aids if you can achieve a high GPA (e.g., Dean’s List > 3.50).</p>
<p>Now look a little further. What is the difference between resident and non-resident tuitions for UDub Law? That may be important if you want to practice in the northwest.</p>
<p>I know for a fact that UDub does provide some full tuition grants (state grants) as part of your financial aids if you can achieve a high GPA (e.g., Dean’s List > 3.50).</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>This doesn’t seem right. The state’s grants are need-based. They might also have a GPA req’t, but they have a need req’t. </p>
<p>What you’ve suggested doesn’t seem likely. first of all, it sounds like it’s granted AFTER the student has completed a semester or two and has a certain GPA.</p>
<p>Now look a little further. What is the difference between resident and non-resident tuitions for UDub Law? That may be important if you want to practice in the northwest.</p>
<p>???</p>
<p>What does this have to do with anything? He’s instate for UW law.</p>
I am a big fan of not making a decision until all of the cards are on the table. I’ve been on CC long enough to see some pretty surprising results in March and April. You haven’t heard back yet from UW, including any offers of financial or merit aid, and so I would not rush a decision. mom2collegekids is extremely enthusiastic about Alabama, and no doubt others are equally excited about UW, but they won’t be attending either university – you will be. You’ve presumably visited UW. Have you visited Alabama yet? The two are quite different in terms of academic schedule, breadth of course offerings, location, weather, etc. </p>
<p>If you don’t want to miss out on housing at Alabama, you can deposit and apply for housing; if you change your mind, you can notify them of your decision and matriculate at UW instead if/when you are admitted. This is somewhat frowned upon, but it happens often. You’d lose the $200 admissions deposit and $250 housing deposit, however, so I’m not sure I recommend this route.</p>
<p>You also did not mention any major(s) you are considering (pre-law does not require any specific major or course work). That may also influence the decision, if one or the other school has better-for-you departments in those majors.</p>
<p>Of course, wait until the decision of admission, financial aid, and scholarships comes from Washington before deciding.</p>
<p>Ok: Responded on the Alabama thread and then got to wondering what you had been told here. I’m only reposting to reply to a couple of erroneous statements here.</p>
<p>warblersrule gives good advice, as usual. He is right about going ahead and paying the admissions deposit and housing deposit at Alabama. You should do that right away, if you haven’t. You will, however, get the housing deposit back if you decide not to attend.</p>
<p>mom2collegekids is right on as always as well. I’m not sure where Go Blue is getting his/her info about finances at the UDub. I see they are from Asia (and blue is not a Husky color). We have close family alum and many, many friends that are alum or currently attending. We also have a family member employed by the U. Unless you are very EFC challenged, do not expect $$$, other than qualifying for loans. There are some very limited, very specific scholarships (like pulp and paper, for example), but that’s about it and we have researched this many times. (Check with finaid-they will confirm.) It just gets worse and worse with the state economy, which is why UDub is trolling for OOS students that are full pay (like California). The top stats kids we know have done much better financially at OOS publics and private schools. Those that want to stay in state are going in larger numbers to WSU, etc where there are more merit dollars. You were smart to apply to Alabama.</p>
<p>And no, you will not be at an advantage to get into the UW law school by going to the UW. We know several UW law grads-what matters is being in-state, which you still will be for residency when you apply to law school.</p>
<p>One other thing to consider as a pre-law student is if the undergraduate school prints A+ grades on the transcript. For law school application GPA, A+ is worth more than A, so if you are capable of getting A+ grades in college, actually having those grades on your transcript can help your law school application GPA.</p>