Question about GPA & Graduation Forum

[freakazo1d]

So, I got a 169 on my LSATs (December), but my GPA right now isn't great (3.55 LSDAS). My plan was to take a gap year and take the LSATs again in June, because I was scoring 174s fairly consistently on my practice tests. During my December two fire alarms went off and I think that had a lot to do with my concentration. Anyway my plan was to graduate in May, take the LSATs in June, and apply as soon as applications opened up. I have all my recs lined up and all my essays written.

However, today I realized that I could delay my graduation, take Summer classes and potentially Fall classes to raise my GPA as much as possible. I really could care less about when I graduate, even though I have all my requirements in order. In terms of paying for school, I go to a state school, so it isn't too expensive. I'm hoping state aid and pell grants will cover me, as scholarships no longer apply after four years. I really am looking at top 5 schools (with Harvard then Columbia being my first two choices) and I think my GPA is the real stain on my application. My extracurriculars/work experience is pretty solid and probably the strongest part of my application. I did apply to two schools this year, pretty much as test runs, and I got wait-listed at both (Georgetown-preferred & Upenn). I did apply really late in the cycle, so that may also be a reason for me being wait-listed.

Do you guys think I should just stick with my current GPA (it might go up to a 3.58-3.59 after Spring classes) or should I take Summer and Fall classes? And do schools care that you graduate in October or January or does it not matter? Please give me your reasoning along with your opinion. Thanks in advance!

[Tiago Splitter]

Sounds like a great plan. With a little higher LSAT and a little higher GPA you'll be in a strong position next year.