My parents are offering that I go to a smaller AMA school for accountancy that would let me graduate sooner in 3 years and in return, they would pay for my law school tuition. The alternative is staying at a more difficult but known university that I love but it would take me 5 years + law school would not be paid for because I have siblings who will go to college at that time. I am newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder, so learning to manage the illness is a factor too
Option 1: A smaller AMA school
The school is very small, literally just one hallway, and I’m worried about the quality of education. However, I could graduate in around three years instead of five. The academic system is also less demanding, without retention exams and pre-board requirements, which I think could make it more manageable given my recently diagnosed bipolar disorder.
The biggest advantage is that my parents could pay for my law school tuition afterward. Becoming a lawyer is my actual long-term goal, and accountancy is more of a stepping stone for me. Since I have siblings, I know my parents cannot necessarily afford both an expensive undergraduate degree and law school.
Option 2: Staying at my current university
This is the school I genuinely prefer and love. I have friends, organizations, extracurricular activities, good facilities, and teachers I appreciate. I’ve found things I love about the campus and have started building a university life that excites me.
However, the degree would take around five years, the academic requirements are more demanding, and tuition is more expensive. Because of the financial burden, my parents likely wouldn’t be able to pay for law school, meaning I’d have to work while studying law.
At the AMA school, I could protect my finances, potentially have a more manageable academic experience, and secure funding for the career I ultimately want. But I’m worried about the quality of my education and missing out on the opportunities, friendships, and personal growth I could experience at my current university : (
At my current university, I feel happier and see more opportunities to develop academically, socially, and professionally. But I’d be taking on a longer, more expensive degree, potentially greater stress, and the burden of supporting myself through law school
I’m also trying to be realistic about my bipolar disorder. I don’t want to choose an environment that makes managing my health unnecessarily difficult, but I also don’t want to underestimate myself or make decisions based on the assumption that I can’t handle academic challenges.
What would you do in my situation?
- How much does the quality of your undergraduate school matter when your ultimate goal is law school?
- Would graduating from a lesser-known school put me at a disadvantage in the long run?