Top Law Schools

I apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere, I performed a search, and didn't see any full answers. I'm current doing an SA at a V60. I'm top 5% at a T2 school. A few questions:

1. When do firms usually make offers for post 3L employment to SAs?
2. Should I be interviewing with firms during 3L OCI?
2 (a). If yes, should I try to conceal the fact that I am interviewing from my current firm?
3. If the answer to (2) is yes, for the reason that an offer from my SA is not 100% guaranteed (more like 95%), how should I respond to the question of "why don't you just stay with your current firm?" During a 3L OCI interview.

1) Last week or two of summer program.
2) If you have reason to believe you won't get an offer, if you'd rather see if you have other options (I did it, got offer, took 3L OCI offer instead).
2a) YES.
3) Come up with a convincing reason (e.g., strength of particular practice/group, breadth or focused nature of practice, interest in something specific about firm, geographic options (be careful with this)). One thing you will definitely be asked at 3L OCI is "Did you receive an offer at your current firm?" Be prepared to emphasize positive reviews, etc., it will help.

When do people usually start applying for 3L OCI/other firms?

3L OCI is starting even earlier this year than last year. I have heard rumors that interviews will begin August 3rd in the NYC market.

Isn't conventional wisdom not to reach out to firms until after you've gotten your full-time offer from your summer firm? Or is that not the case? I was going to wait until after i got my return offer to send things out.

BrooklynLaw that's a very specific date.

Is starting to mail now too early?