Earlier application or better GPA?

[Derpster00]

Here's the deal:

I'm planning to apply for an MPA program at a university that utilizes rolling admissions. I am a current Undergrad who is going to be finished early next year, which means I will still have somewhere between 6-12 credits to complete when I put in my application. I don't know for sure when applications for Fall 2017 are going to open up, but I'm operating on the assumption that it will be in September or October. That being the case, my current plan is to apply in October with 12 credits in progress. If that's what I do, then I expect my undergrad GPA will end up just short of 3.5 (likely 3.49). My GRE scores are good (166verbal (96%), 152Quant, 318 total), but I am concerned about the GPA.

Anyway, so my question is this: Would I be better off applying early in the rolling admissions period with the 3.49 GPA, or should I wait a few months longer and apply later with a GPA that is above 3.5? Which one would be better in terms of admissions and potentially securing an assistantship? From what I understand, with rolling admissions, you are better off applying early in terms of both admissions and funding/assistantships. Any perspective on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

[charlemagne88]

I'd apply this year. Your GPA probably wont improve that much your last semester anyways, and by applying this year, you will have a shot at getting in next fall 2017 (otherwise you'll have to wait until Fall 2018).  

[sjoh197]

I would apply this year... and if you don't get in, you can always try again next year.