law school students, I need your infinite wisdom & guidance!!

[porcupine]

I need help on a decision.  I am a junior at Penn, and I can choose to apply for submatriculation into Penn's law school so that I begin my senior year as a 1L, and thus graduate with a BA/JD in 6 years rather than 7. 

Does this sound like a good idea?  Obviously it will save money, but can you think of negatives?  I have no real idea of what my chances are of being admitted since I'm assuming these are special circumstances, but my GPA is 3.7+ (expected to rise this year), and on practice LSATs I've gotten a 173, 175, and 179.  I also have good extracurriculars.  If I applied, I'd have to take the LSAT in October, which may or may not be better than taking it later.

Penn is basically my second choice law school; first is Harvard.  What do you guys think?

[rapunzel]

If you can get an LSAT score in that range then you will have plenty of law schools to choose from later.  Have your senior year and give yourself a full range of choices.

[porcupine]

Any other opinions?  Come on, guys, you're law students.  I know you've got them.

[Served]

If are majoring in a technical subject or are at Warton, graduate first.  If not, many schools require only 3 years of undergrade work, but a few require an undergrad degree.  If you apply to many schools, you will be disadvantaged by having fewer upper level classes as your peers as far as admission competition goes.

[Melinda]

If you can get an LSAT score in that range then you will have plenty of law schools to choose from later. Have your senior year and give yourself a full range of choices.

I agree.  If you are concernced with finances you have a good chance of getting offered a decent chunk of money from some good schools.  Also I think you spent 3 years making friends, and you would miss an opportunity to enjoy graduation.  Plus, I got a ton of gifts at graduation, and you don't want to miss that big pay day.

I had to choose b/t going straight into law school out of college or taking a year off.  I took the year off, traveled a lot, worked in a law office, had a prestigious summer internship, and for me I am really glad I didn't rush in to LS.  Good luck, you have 2 good options.

[Hotel Yorba]

Just finish up at Penn first, then apply to many schools.  One year really isn't long especially considering a 22-23 year old law student is a young one.  With those numbers you'll abound in opportunity and youu'll have more time to make the choice that's right for you.  Maybe after a visit you might like U of M, or NYU might offer you a full ride, just wait it out and apply to most of the T14 schools and a few safeties.

[Rowgirl]

My senior year was the best year of my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  You'll be missing out on a lot if you don't go through senior year with your friends

[jessesamuel]

I took a meandering route through college from 1995-2004. When I look back on who I was around your age it's like he is a stranger. In the next few years you'll probably learn a lot about yourself and your personal philosophies will start to take firmer shape. I recommend less focus and more experience.

[porcupine]

You guys have all helped mucho.  There are definitely positives and negatives with going a year early, but I think I am leaning towards finishing all four years of undergrad and applying to a variety of law schools.  I think I'd probably have identity issues if I started Penn law while still technically an undergrad taking college classes as well.  Yikes.