<p>How would I be perceived by law schools if i apply during my junior year (intending to graduate in 3 years)? I have heard they are viewed negatively. I would have finished all regs for a B.S in economics degree by this time. </p>
<p>For instance, would I be able to get into Columbia Law School coming from Duke, econ major, 3.76 LSDAS GPA and 173 LSAT applying during my junior year intending to graduate that year? Keep in mind I will be applying later than most, close to the deadline (Feb) because I would need my 1st semester grades.</p>
<p>Did you take the LSAT ?Is that 3.76 your current GPA or after “you get 4.00 during that semester” ?</p>
<p>When you combine an early graduation with a late application, that’s really a pretty severe negative. Combine with the fact that work experience can (1) help pay for law school and (2) help with recruiting during law school, and I strongly recommend working for a year first. Your age will hamper you there, too, but should be less.</p>
<p>With that said, those numbers would stand a moderate chance at Columbia – but a better one if you apply in September instead of February.</p>
<p>Does the same still apply if you apply for law school after 3 years but still in September? Or would work experience still be big in applications for T14?</p>
<p>Graduating early is a negative. Applying late is a separate negative. Work experience is a positive, although usually a fairly mild one.</p>
<p>Bluedevilmike, do you have any reputable sources that say graduating early is a negative? Or is this going off Internet anecdotes, etc?</p>
<p>Admittedly anecdotal. Some pretty dramatic anecdotes, though.</p>
<p>Fortunately it did not affect me at all. Then again, I only applied to one school. Count me in as anecdotal evidence in favor of early graduates.</p>
<p>^^^Are you in a T14 school?</p>