Staying another year a good decision or not?

[jwmoon]

Hi, I'm currently a fourth year at University of Toronto. Because I did not do too well in my first year, my GPA is considerably lower than my other 3 years (about 3.10). If I finish this year and graduate, my cumulative GPA will be around 3.53, which I'm not too satisfied with. Should I stay in for another year to raise my GPA or should I just graduate? Do law schools vies an extra year of university negatively?
Thanks.

[wunder]

I second that.  If you aren't an Engineering major, you'll probably have some explaining to do.  But, pick up a second major and that would probably work...

[judicialreview]

YES.  I would think you'd need a decent explanation, but honestly, it doesn't really matter.  Sure, if you are an engineer, where the standard seems to be 5 years, than it won't be much cause for alarm.  But these days, many students are taking 5 years, even for social science degrees and such.

I would pick up a double major or at least a minor, if not to cover your ass than just to have that on your resume later or whatever.

I would definitely find a way to stay another year, if that means raising your gpa.  When it comes time for auto admit/ dings, law schools are too busy and frankly don't give a *&^% enough to see if your 3.5 was a product of 4 or 5 years.

[queencruella]

I'm going to go against the grain here and say that you'd be better served getting a year or two of interesting work experience instead of staying in school an extra year in hopes of bringing your GPA up.

[SCgrad]

Have you applied yet or are you applying next cycle?  If you are applying next cycle, your grades next year are not so important.  You are better off applying early than waiting for your fall grades to come around.  Your spring grades will not matter.  Given that, I would say unless you are applying the year after next, it would not be worth it to stick around.  All that tuition money and whatnot.  Get a interesting job and take a year off from school (if you are not applying this year).  Just my opinion.

[ScreamingInfidelities]

I'd have to say that you shouldn't waste the money on an extra year if you already have a decent GPA. 3.5 isn't bad.. and the year could be spent making money, doing some great volunteer work, or something else that could aid you in admissions more than .05 or something on your GPA.

[jwmoon]

So...I assume that picking up another major is good enough as an explanation? Coincidentally, I actually was thinking of picking up an extra major in economics (currently in Commerce specialist).
Oh, and it is very normal to stay in for another year in my school. Canadian schools, especially University of Toronto, is quite tough on grades...they want you to fail!! 
Anyways, thanks guys.