How much will graduating early hurt me? Forum

[heywatchitbuddy]

Hey guys just wondering about the downsides to graduating early. I just finished my first year and will only need to take around 14 credit hours per semester to graduate a year early, and obviously school is expensive so I don't really have a good reason not to. The only thing I'm worried about is that I'll only have 5 semesters worth of grades (I think around 95 graded credits when I submit my application), and will be pretty skim on ec's (only some research, a little volunteering, greek life, an internship, and that's about it). So do you think these deficiencies will result in any significant underperformance?

[moonman157]

As long as your GPA is fine, then no. The only potential downside is if you miss out on taking very easy classes that could bump up your GPA, but again this isn't relevant if your GPA is fine otherwise.

[Nova]

Im unsure about your time line. IIUC, you will be graduating after the fall 2013... is that right? I dont see how graduating early could be a bad thing. You still have plenty of time to puff up your softs. When are you taking the LSAT? Like next June?

[heywatchitbuddy]

I'll be graduating two years from now, so May 2014. I was thinking of studying for the LSAT from June to September this summer and taking it in October, does this sound good?

[admisionquestion]

Use the year for W/E it iwll help you

[Robbin Blue]

I'll be graduating two years from now, so May 2014. I was thinking of studying for the LSAT from June to September this summer and taking it in October, does this sound good?

There's no hurry to take the LSAT if you're not applying until next fall. Taking it in October is good if you're ready for it, but if you have any doubt about your performance, put it off.
Graduating early will not hurt you, although it would be beneficial to take some time after graduation (a year or two) to get a job and some work experience. Since you seem concerned about money, this could also be a good way to reduce your loans. You have plenty of time to think about it, so don't worry. Just focus on getting good grades and you'll be fine.

[howlery]

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[alawstudentsometime]

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[howlery]

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[Nova]

I'll be graduating two years from now, so May 2014. I was thinking of studying for the LSAT from June to September this summer and taking it in October, does this sound good?

Taking the LSAT during the October of your Junior year is really early. Next June would be best. Start learning the material now though. Read the AR/LR PSBs, Get familiar with the content of the test, take a few practice tests a month. Then, 3 months out, start studying like its your job.

[bigeast03]

I graduated early from undergrad as well, but I took a year off to work in a law-related position. I actually just turned 21 a couple months ago so I am particularly young, but I honestly didn't see my cycle going any differently than my numbers alone would predict. However, I would definitely recommend taking a year off for work experience to anyone, regardless of whether they took a year off and especially so if they did.

[blurbz]

Graduated a year early and went straight through. Admissions were almost exactly as expected. OCI was almost exactly as expected.

[Andrews989]

I graduated undergrad in 3 years. Took the LSAT in June after my second year. It didn't seem to hurt my application process at all as I got in everywhere I thought I would and got more money than I expected at most schools.

Application wise, yes, I could of probably had more/better extra circular involvement if I stayed for the normal 4 years, but there's no way that was worth the extra 20k in tuition. You can also use graduating early as a positive talking point in your personal statement.

[seahawk32]

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[1776]

It didn't hurt me and it saved me some money.

[cutecarmel]

I graduated early and it didn't hurt me at all. Don't worry about it.