How competitive is Hofstra University?

Hofstra Law or University at Buffalo?

• I am applying to begin law school in August. So far, I was accepted to the University at Buffalo and Hofstra University. During the application process, Buffalo was my top choice. After an open house and guided tour, I could tell it was the environment and atmosphere I need to be successful. A week after my acceptance, I received a full tuition scholarship to Hofstra. I am going to visit Hofstra for the first time in February. Does anyone have any specific comparisons between the schools or personal experience with either law school? Thanks for your advice!

• Answer:

  Hofstra and Buffalo seem to have more or less the same job prospects. Generally, I'd say go with the full-tuition scholarship when you're looking at two law schools of more or less the same quality. Word of warning, though: if the scholarship has strings, like maintaining a certain GPA or class rank, be cautious. Look up the school's curve. The GPA may seem low, like a 3.0, but if the school curves to a 2.5, then you have to do much better than you think in order to keep it. Always try to negotiate for those stipulations to be removed or amended to something more favorable. Some of these law schools give out more scholarships than they can afford to keep, counting on that many of you will lose them. In fact, the stipulations are set up in such a way that many of you WILL lose them. If the scholarship just says "good standing," then you only need to not flunk out to maintain it. Also, don't be afraid to ask Buffalo to match the scholarship. You only need to say that Buffalo is your top choice for x, y, and z reasons, but that a full-tuition scholarship would help keep your overall debt very low. A scholarship at Buffalo would make your decision much easier, etc., etc. I know this seems crass, but I know people who got scholarships doing this.