Addenda for 10 point increase?

[mbrosen100]

Hi All-

Any feedback would be really helpful- do I submit an addendum like the one below for an increase from a 160 to a 170? I believe my resume and personal statement are extremely strong, but I'm concerned in how admissions will look at the 10 point increase.

I took the LSAT in June and September and received a 160 on both of those exams. I took the LSAT again in December and received a 170. The 170 score more accurately reflects my abilities as a student and candidate to law school. There was no magic spell I cast to increase my score, rather it was my own preparation and confidence heading into my “third time’s a charm” exam. The June and September LSATs occurred during major transitions in my life. I was working full-time at a new company between January and May upon which I participated in my university’s commencements activities and then moved back to Massachusetts to begin a new position at the start of June. During the months of January through May my focus was on securing a permanent position in Massachusetts and performing at a high caliber at my current position. I, to my own disappointment in myself, poorly prioritized my LSAT preparation. This is not a true reflection of myself and to prove it to myself I focused completely on the LSAT every night after work and every weekend pushing myself to increase my score. That focus and determination is a major part of who I am and it resulted in my 170. That focus and determination will carry itself to push myself to excel in both Law School and the legal profession if I am given the opportunity as those will be my top priorities beginning in the fall.

[Dave Killoran]

Hi M,

My personal opinion is that you should not submit it. First, 10 points isn't all that unusual for them to see, and they honestly don't care about the lower scores. 10 years ago then yeah, I'd have say submit a statement, but not anymore. Second, you aren't making yourself look good, especially here: "I, to my own disappointment in myself, poorly prioritized my LSAT preparation. This is not a true reflection of myself..." In saying that, you are inviting a question of, "Well, will this student properly prioritize law school then, or it will be the same scenario?"

So, short answer here is there's no need for an explanation, and on that point alone I'd refrain. Then, because your overall reason isn't incredibly compelling—and I'll be blunt here to drive my point home (but please don't take this personally)— and it feels like you are making excuses, even if there was a need for one I'd change this significantly.

I hope my honesty comes off as intended, as helpful. Thanks!

[mbrosen100]

Thanks Dave, that's what my gut was telling me. I was reading on other blogs and forums that for that large a score increase some recommend an addendum, but thanks for being honest that it's not a fit for me! (I tried to compose something in case, but completely agree with your points.)

[Dave Killoran]

Thanks Dave, that's what my gut was telling me. I was reading on other blogs and forums that for that large a score increase some recommend an addendum, but thanks for being honest that it's not a fit for me! (I tried to compose something in case, but completely agree with your points.)

Excellent, glad I could help here!