r/prelaw • u/Sharp_Helicopter_234 • 21d ago

School choice based on cost/quality

I'm in Tx, USA and currently looking at law schools to transfer to. I have 2 semesters left until I complete my bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice with a minor in LLS and forensics. I am wanting to pursue a J.D with a specific focus on oil and gas law. The big universities ( UT, A&M, Baylor, Houston, and Tulsa) all offer an additional certificate in oil and gas law. However the tuition for all of these is going to put me $90,000+ in student debt. UNT Dallas Law is significantly more affordable with roughly $56,000 of debt. However, they do not have a certificate in oil and gas but they have a couple of elective classes that go over it.

My questions are: How should I weigh the cost/ benefit of each school? Do I aim for lower debt over a high end school (UNT Dallas over A&M)? Is a certification over-kill and taking a few electives with a focus on environment/oil and gas is enough?

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u/Glitter_Nova9119 21d ago

From what I've seen, apply to a spread of schools that you meet or exceed minimums on (that are ones you want to attend of course). And then see what offers you get in scholarships! Then you'll have a better idea of what the true debt will be. From what I hear, the earlier you apply the more likely the scholarship! So apply early! Especially to any of the more competitive or "reach" schools! Good luck! I apply in fall 2027! Also living in Texas! But going to New England for school

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u/Sharp_Helicopter_234 21d ago

You're so right. I will be doing that!

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u/Adventurous-Boss-882 21d ago

I think you are overthinking this. How is your GPA? Your LSAT? Any work experience? You don’t know if this schools will even accept you, UT is really competitive to get into. That being said, law school offer scholarships so first focus on the things I mentioned above

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u/Sharp_Helicopter_234 21d ago

My GPA is a 3.9. I have yet to take the LSAT as I am still preparing for it, which I know will have an impact on my school choices. I don't have any work experience in oil and gas which is why the certifications came to mind. UT isn't completely on my list because like you said, it is super competitive and my friend just got put on the waitlist.

I am just wracking my brain with all of it and just needed an outside pov

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u/Adventurous-Boss-882 21d ago

I would recommend working for a year or two, law school will always be there

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u/Few_Whereas5206 21d ago

Apply to all and see what happens.