Midwest chances Forum

[Sg017]

I want to first thank all the posters on this site. Tls is a first rate place to get your questions answers, I hope some people will give me some advice.

I was wondering what schools I should apply to if I want tostay in the Midwest but don't have top notch numbers. I have a 2.9 and a 162. Also some decent softs and non urm. Thanks in advance I hope to get some responses!

- S

[Sauer Grapes]

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[Sg017]

Thanks. Don't know much about mizzou, I'm currently in chi but looking at other options besides depaul loyola or Kent

[holydonkey]

a little bit of a reach, but what about University of Cincinnati? Case Western Reserve seems like an appropriate choice too. Maybe Chicago-Kent as well.

[Sg017]

Ite I'm most concerned about job opportunites from t2s in the midwest. What are peoples opinions for the best t2 in the Midwest?

[Sg017]

Also any chance I get into any of these reahes: iub (in state alum) Wisconsin Illinois or Minnesota?

[holydonkey]

Also any chance I get into any of these reahes: iub (in state alum) Wisconsin Illinois or Minnesota?

Wisconsin seems like a maybe.

[LM2014]

Kent does pretty well in Chicago for its ranking. The average salary for people entering private practice is $112k ( http://www.kentlaw.edu/depts/cso/employmentstats.html ). Your gpa falls below the 25th percentile, and your lsat is at the 75th percentile, so I would think you would have a good shot of getting in there. It's a good location also, about 1-2 blocks behind the Sears tower I believe. If you're interested in IP law then it is especially strong. Chicago is such a great city, and I miss it a lot. If you have time and think you can do better on the lsat to the point of getting near 170 that would help you a lot, and maybe it could get you Northwestern, and definitely WUSTL and IL I believe.

[Sg017]

thanks for the response. I have heard mixed things about Kent, some people seem to think it doesn't have the name recognition that loyola or depaul have. I mat admit I didn't know it existed before researching schools. I love Chicago too definitely wouldn't mind working here, just wonder if I could get into a better school that may give more options.

[LM2014]

You're right it doesn't have the same name recognition. That being said I believe Kent's students receive higher salaries than Depaul for sure, and I believe they do better than Loyola also. If you want to stay in Chicago then Kent will probably be the best option of the three, though Loyola may be pretty similar. I admit I didn't know much about them until I started doing research. From this site they state the average starting salary from Loyola is around $95k for private practice ( http://www.top-law-schools.com/loyola-chicago-law.html ) .

And for Depaul they have it at $68k. ( http://www.top-law-schools.com/depaul-law.html )

I would stick to either Loyola or Kent if you are to stay in Chicago.

[Sg017]

Thanks. Does anyone recommend any other t2 or lower t1 that places well in chi that I could get in to besides the 3 chi schools.

[LM2014]

Just thinking of ones to look into:

Marquette, Wisconsin, Ohio State, IU - Indianpolis? , Case Western, maybe St.Louis University. I think most of those would give you a shot in Chicago. Maybe take a shot at U of I and see what happens since they place really well in Chicago.

[sluguy14]

If St. Louis appeals to you, Saint Louis U would be a good bet. The law school is well-regarded around here and they have an incredibly strong alumni network in and around the city. Of course, the school is very regional. If you don't see yourself practicing in St. Louis for the foreseeable future, you should look elsewhere. As someone else mentioned, you might consider retaking the lsat and shooting for ~170. If you can do that, WUSTL would be a good choice.

*current SLU undergrad student, for what its worth

[Sg017]

I'm pretty surprised multiple people have mentioned wisco. I didn't really think I had a shot there but maybe I should send an app. I like their clinical focus, just thought the badgers were out of my league. Madison is fantastic too

[moandersen]

I'm pretty surprised multiple people have mentioned wisco. I didn't really think I had a shot there but maybe I should send an app. I like their clinical focus, just thought the badgers were out of my league. Madison is fantastic too

you have a better shot at wisconsin than illinois with your numbers. also while average starting salary for kent might be higher than depaul's, i believe the depaul name will help you more in securing a job - which should be the primary objective.

[LM2014]

I'm pretty surprised multiple people have mentioned wisco. I didn't really think I had a shot there but maybe I should send an app. I like their clinical focus, just thought the badgers were out of my league. Madison is fantastic too

you have a better shot at wisconsin than illinois with your numbers. also while average starting salary for kent might be higher than depaul's, i believe the depaul name will help you more in securing a job - which should be the primary objective.

I would agree with you if he wants to relocate that Depaul may be a better option. Within Chicago I would think all of the law firms would be quite familiar with each school. The fact that the starting salary is higher implies that firms are familiar with the school and their quality of students, does it not? That is my impression.

Sg017- you should definitely take a shot at wisky. The worst they can do is reject you, and like you said Madison is a really great town.

[Sg017]

I will definitely send an app to the badgers. I haven't seen many acceptances on lsn with my stats but I could be the first. Anyone know if Chicago firms recruit heavily from there after the t14 schools?

[camstant]

KU or Iowa. both are really great college towns with a lot of regional connections, including chicago. Also relatively affordable...

[Sg017]

There is no shortage of quality Midwestern law schools, it just comes down to who will accept me. Any t1 schools want to give me a shot?!