LF t14 Advice: Fall UG class Registration/Early Graduation Forum

[Sloth Hero]

Hello,

If I am applying this September (t14's with particular interest in NYU/Columbia/Chicago/Harvard), will my fall 2012 GPA play a part in my application? The semester doesn't end until December.

I am a Junior double majoring in philosophy/economics.

After this semester (spring) my GPA will be a 3.71. I am registered to take the June LSAT -- PT's are in the 177-180 range.

This summer, after the June LSAT (if 172+), I will take a large course load to bump my GPA up to ~3.73.

If I overload in fall, I could bump my GPA up to a 3.76-3.77 -- but I'll only do this if it will play a large factor in my application.

Also, I'll be able to graduate after fall, which I might do just so I can tutor LSAT/work for Kaplan till LS starts the next fall to make some monies (especially if I end up in NYC :S).

So my main question is: How much will my fall 2012 grades effect my application if I am applying as soon as applications open? And, would it be inadvisable for any reason to graduate early?

Also, other advice/opinions based on my situation would be greatly appreciated.

-Slothie

[toliveNdieNLA]

The projected incremental gains will marginally help you at best.

A 3.71 TO 3.77 is a small gain and is not going to radically help your application. What will, as many poster's have stated time and again, is your LSAT. If you indeed score within your PT range, your looking at a strong shot at most of the T-14 and in the running for some named scholarships at the lower T-14 programs.

As far as graduating early, answer these two questions for me:

1. Will staying an extra semester/quarter or even year, bump your GPA up more than a tenth?

2. Will you incur student loans to finance that extra time in undergrad?

I would just focus on the LSAT first and foremost before you start accounting/planning for GPA gains. If you nail the LSAT, then you will be afforded some flexibility when adcoms. consider your GPA.

[Sloth Hero]

1. Will staying an extra semester/quarter or even year, bump your GPA up more than a tenth?

2. Will you incur student loans to finance that extra time in undergrad?

I would just focus on the LSAT first and foremost before you start accounting/planning for GPA gains. If you nail the LSAT, then you will be afforded some flexibility when adcoms. consider your GPA.

I mean, yeah, even a 171 still puts me in the 85% acceptance range at NYU.. and I'll be submitting the day that apps open...

And to answer your questions:

@1: Assuming I hold a 4.0 still, yes it could.
@2: No, actually I will earn an extra $1,750 if I take at least 9 credit hours (Scholarshipzzz) which comes out to ~$8/hour-hour if I take 9 credit hours.