<p>I can potentially graduate in 3 years, or I can work another half year or full year in an attempt to further increase my GPA (although there is, of course, no guarantee that it will increase). What would you recommend? Does graduating a year early look outstanding to employers / law schools, versus a possible slightly higher GPA?</p>
<p>how much higher do you think your gpa will be?</p>
<p>Small (if any). Probably no more than a .15 difference if lucky. Chances are, more around a .05 to .1 increase.</p>
<p>Don't graduate early is all I gotta say.</p>
<p>Btw, I should have specified that I'm not only talking about law, but also non-law related careers. E.g. economics (major)</p>
<p>I have a similar question. I came into college with a year of credit, which essentially fulfilled my distribution requirements. As a history and politics double major, I intend to go to graduate school for history, specializing in the emerging field of world history. To graduate a year early puts no extra pressure on me, since taking the standard credit amount each semester will allow me to graduate early. Also, it would take a major financial burden off of both myself and my parents.</p>
<p>However, being able to take an extra year of coursework would give me that much more research time, the possibility of doing honors work, and perhaps give me more professors whom I can ask for recommendations. I'm unsure what option to go with.</p>
<p>I would take the extra year to perhaps specialize (or specialize further) with classes targeted to exactly what you want to do. Failing that I'd see about taking something that'd look good on a resume. I would NOT graduate in three years unless money is a huge factor.</p>
<p>It comes down to what you want to do after graduating. If you are planning on getting an economics-related job, having an internship or summer work experience under your belt is highly desirable, especially in finding a good first job and establishing connections with potential employers. That, in an of itself, is more important than a small increase in GPA. If you have the experience, and can secure a job that fits your needs, by all means go for it. However, you may find it problematic to graduate early without the necessary experience and have a hard time finding good employment. If law school is your target, GPA is more of a factor (obviously the higher the better) but it depends also on where you stand now (the difference between lets say a 3.4 and 3.6 is significant, between a 3.8 and 3.9 less so) and also on experience. I am more of a science person, but I assume that law schools will need to consider your extracurricular activities and commitments outside of formal coursework so having an additional year of such activities might be beneficial. On the other hand, if you have pursued these activities in depth since freshman year, you are probably fine. In short, decide on where you stand with experience and GPA range, and most importantly whether you seek employment or law school, before making this decision.</p>
<p>One year is absolutely NOTHING. Can you tell the physical/mental/emotional difference between a 21 year old and a 22 year old? I can't.</p>
<p>Much less 31 and 32, etc.</p>
<p>...But at the same time staying longer and taking stupid/easy class to boost your number would be kinda idiotic.</p>
<p>graduating early would be a mistake, IMO... don't rush through college. Go, and get your degree on time, but don't rush it. You will meet great people and build great relationships.</p>
<p>It depends on if you plan to continue studying after you graduate. If you're trying to get a head start on grad school, I say it's not a bad idea. Otherwise, unless the tuition is a problem, I say just stay the extra year and enjoy your time in college. Most often college is the last step before you have to fully confront responsibilities outside the scope of that which is expected of a full time student. The fact that you can also use the time to raise your GPA is an added plus. Meet more people, make connections, explore your campus, and be active in your community while you can.</p>
<p>You could always apply to law schools this year and if you don't get in somewhere you want, stick around for the last half/full year of school.</p>