Any questions about BU Law? Forum

[Blindmelon]

Just saw someone posted a questions thread for BC law. I'm a 1L at BU and would be happy to answer any questions if you have any. If you're curious about stats: 164, 3.8 on half scholarship (financial aid at BU is ridiculously good). I had an agonizing choice between BU/BC/GW/WM and am very happy with my decision. Any takers?

[MC Southstar]

Is the campus as bad as they say?

[Cupidity]

I have the same choice, why BU over others? Happy with it?

[dk8]

are you havin a good time? how are you liking classes in the tower? are all the students stressed on account of ITE?

I almost went there this year. Had a good time at the ASW.

[bissey]

how is the weather?

[Blindmelon]

Is the campus as bad as they say?

Its definitely not pretty, but its ridiculously easy to get to by public transport (literally right off the T). It is right next to the student union which has a ton of food options, the grad student cafeteria, the grad student pub, some decent cheap restaurants, and a bar with great trivia that a lot of law students head to at night.

As for the building itself, its an eyesore, but you quickly grow to love it. Everything you could possibly need is right there, and has tons of study rooms, social areas, lockers, and nooks and crannies so you can definitely find a good spot pretty quickly.

Its like having an ugly baby, you and your classmates can make fun of it, but when other people do you take it personally.

[monkey85]

Can you expand on your decision between BU and GW? What were the factors that helped you make your choice: financial aid, location, student body, legal interest, USNWR ranking?

Thx!

[chicoalto0649]

Can you expand on your decision between BU and GW? What were the factors that helped you make your choice: financial aid, location, student body, legal interest, USNWR ranking?

Thx!

And the other schools he mentioned

[Blindmelon]

I have the same choice, why BU over others? Happy with it?

BU and BC gave the most money. National reach was a huge deal for me as I wanted to work in Boston, NYC or DC. In a good economy, BU does extremely well in all three. BU also sends tons of people into the federal government (its really surprising actually) and I want to work for the federal government so that was a huge deal. I liked GW but I think its overpriced, the cost of living is insane, and there are way too many people who go there.

BU faculty are also unbelievable... we have some really big names, and all of them are super accessible and nice. Office hours are plentiful... here is my civ pro professor, hes amazing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS0T_d4DvPA. Unfortunately, he just took a position at UT.

[scribelaw]

Do you think BU will be kind to 164, 3.7+ types this cycle?

[chicoalto0649]

Do you think BU will be kind to 164, 3.7+ types this cycle?

Wat about URM (mexican) w/ a 163/3.3-upward trend/good story

[MC Southstar]

Do you think BU will be kind to 164, 3.7+ types this cycle?

Wat about URM (mexican) w/ a 163/3.3-upward trend/good story

BU tends to be GPA whores as far as I know.

[Blindmelon]

are you havin a good time? how are you liking classes in the tower? are all the students stressed on account of ITE?

I almost went there this year. Had a good time at the ASW.

The students work hard definitely, but nobody is really competitive. Everybody helps each other out even on writing assignments. People have just given me part of their outlines and are always open to answering questions. People also trade around supplements when they're not using theirs.

A lot of people are stressed about the economy, but BU just hired 3 more full time CDO staff just to deal with the economy and researching where the jobs are. They are pushing people to a lot of secondary markets, and honestly a lot of people have jobs... just not a lot of bigfirm going on. I want to work for the government, and BU has really great connections as I've said so no worries for me.

[hellogoodbye1]

how are job prospects for BU grads in CA? thanks!

[MC Southstar]

Since you mentioned federal government, would you mind elaborating on what kind of federal gov't connections and opportunities you have been presented with? I am actually far more interested in government than biglaw too, on that note.

[Blindmelon]

how is the weather?

I grew up in New England so it doesn't bother me. I do like the weather a lot more than DC, and Boston is a really fun city. Contrary to common belief, you do have time for fun in law school.

Do you think BU will be kind to 164, 3.7+ types this cycle?

Wat about URM (mexican) w/ a 163/3.3-upward trend/good story

BU tends to be GPA whores as far as I know.

I have no idea about URMs. I think our medians are 165/3.7. Not sure. BU likes GPA splitters, BC LSAT, so apply to both if you want to be in Boston. Over 30% also has work experience, so I think it helps. I think they're pushing that more nowadays.

[Blindmelon]

how are job prospects for BU grads in CA? thanks!

I never looked into working in CA, but its our 4th biggest market and I hear good things. We usually put at least 10% of the class there. There are a ton of people who went to UCLA/USC here and they are all planning to move to CA after graduation. Our alumni network there is surprisingly strong, and a lot of people summer there. I know at least some people who summered at firms there and 1 who worked at the AG office in LA.

[Blindmelon]

Since you mentioned federal government, would you mind elaborating on what kind of federal gov't connections and opportunities you have been presented with? I am actually far more interested in government than biglaw too, on that note.

Each year, BU puts a good number into a bunch of agencies. I know of at least one person who has an FTC gig lined up, one who is clerking now on the tax court (without an LLM which is awesome), another SEC, one USTR and a few DOJ. BU doesn't beat GW in opportunities for networking with the fed or working there during the year, but we definitely hold our own.

[MC Southstar]

Since you mentioned federal government, would you mind elaborating on what kind of federal gov't connections and opportunities you have been presented with? I am actually far more interested in government than biglaw too, on that note.

Each year, BU puts a good number into a bunch of agencies. I know of at least one person who has an FTC gig lined up, one who is clerking now on the tax court (without an LLM which is awesome), another SEC, one USTR and a few DOJ. BU doesn't beat GW in opportunities for networking with the fed or working there during the year, but we definitely hold our own.

Thanks. That sounds pretty sweet. Makes me feel a lot better that those kinds of opportunities aren't stacked in like the top 6.

[Blindmelon]

Since you mentioned federal government, would you mind elaborating on what kind of federal gov't connections and opportunities you have been presented with? I am actually far more interested in government than biglaw too, on that note.

Each year, BU puts a good number into a bunch of agencies. I know of at least one person who has an FTC gig lined up, one who is clerking now on the tax court (without an LLM which is awesome), another SEC, one USTR and a few DOJ. BU doesn't beat GW in opportunities for networking with the fed or working there during the year, but we definitely hold our own.

Thanks. That sounds pretty sweet. Makes me feel a lot better that those kinds of opportunities aren't stacked in like the top 6.

No matter what people on TLS say, as long as you go to a strong school and work connections etc., T6 isn't automatically ahead for federal work. For biglaw overwhelmingly yes, but for government it matters a lot less.

[04102014]

Hey Blindmelon, I'm also a New Englander (Bostonian in fact), and I'm wondering why you chose to apply to BU and not BC (assuming your profile is accurate). What did you see in BU that was missing from BC?

[Blindmelon]

Hey Blindmelon, I'm also a New Englander (Bostonian in fact), and I'm wondering why you chose to apply to BU and not BC (assuming your profile is accurate). What did you see in BU that was missing from BC?

I got into both. They're both pretty equal in terms of prestige and placement, but BU had more of what I wanted. I preferred the location, I think the professors at BU rival a lot of top schools, and I preferred the feel/social life. I'm also 2 years out of school, and I think BC appeals to more people that are straight from undergrad because from what I hear its a little tighter, but BU just felt better for me at least.

[Blindmelon]

And also... this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS0T_d4DvPA. Maybe you won't find it funny, but seriously professor doing the Super Man dance, how could you not want to go here?

[chicoalto0649]

Hey Blindmelon, I'm also a New Englander (Bostonian in fact), and I'm wondering why you chose to apply to BU and not BC (assuming your profile is accurate). What did you see in BU that was missing from BC?

I got into both. They're both pretty equal in terms of prestige and placement, but BU had more of what I wanted. I preferred the location, I think the professors at BU rival a lot of top schools, and I preferred the feel/social life. I'm also 2 years out of school, and I think BC appeals to more people that are straight from undergrad because from what I hear its a little tighter, but BU just felt better for me at least.

Could you elaborate on that? What do you mean by tight? Would you say that BU has a more professional atmosphere or something along those lines?

[MC Southstar]

As someone who hopes Tom Brady gets his collarbone broken sometime in the next hour, will I feel very bitter in Boston?

Sorry, I already know the answer to that question.

Just out of curiosity, how would one "work the connections"? As in, are you talking about standard protocol via programs and institutions or "off the record" getting to know professors and people and asking around?