Degree GPA/LSAC GPA discrepancy- addendum?

[pirates15]

Hello, thank you in advance for your guidance!

I am wondering if I should craft a GPA addendum to address discrepancy between my degree GPA and LSAC GPA. And, if I should, how to most effectively make my case.

My LSAT score is competitive at higher-ranked schools (at/above median, and at the 75% in some cases).
I graduated cum laude from my undergraduate university in 2015 with a 3.73 GPA.
My LSAC GPA is a 3.65, factoring community college scores. That is below median at my dream schools (generally 3.7+).

Here is my situation regarding the community college courses:
At the end of my freshman year in college, I opted to change my major to a credit intensive degree that did not have much overlap from my original major. In order to graduate on time, I needed to take courses at my local community college during summer sessions. During all summer sessions, I worked full-time to pay for these classes and in a field related to my new degree. They were B's, and I have one non-punitive W from work scheduling issues. (Oh, and one C from a dual credit class I took when I was 16...)

I know we've all heard the "work/gpa" story. During semesters at my university, I maintained my 3.73 GPA, and in later semesters trending higher than that. During my final two years in school, I held a part-time job at a non-profit organization and successfully kept a high GPA. In my final semesters, I worked half and full-time as a student teacher. I believe I have shown growth in my ability to excel academically while working.

Do I have a case for a GPA addendum for the discrepancy between my degree GPA and LSAC GPA?

Thank you again for your time and consideration in responding,
Emma

[Dave Killoran]

Hello, thank you in advance for your guidance!

I am wondering if I should craft a GPA addendum to address discrepancy between my degree GPA and LSAC GPA. And, if I should, how to most effectively make my case.

My LSAT score is competitive at higher-ranked schools (at/above median, and at the 75% in some cases).
I graduated cum laude from my undergraduate university in 2015 with a 3.73 GPA.
My LSAC GPA is a 3.65, factoring community college scores. That is below median at my dream schools (generally 3.7+).

Here is my situation regarding the community college courses:
At the end of my freshman year in college, I opted to change my major to a credit intensive degree that did not have much overlap from my original major. In order to graduate on time, I needed to take courses at my local community college during summer sessions. During all summer sessions, I worked full-time to pay for these classes and in a field related to my new degree. They were B's, and I have one non-punitive W from work scheduling issues. (Oh, and one C from a dual credit class I took when I was 16...)

I know we've all heard the "work/gpa" story. During semesters at my university, I maintained my 3.73 GPA, and in later semesters trending higher than that. During my final two years in school, I held a part-time job at a non-profit organization and successfully kept a high GPA. In my final semesters, I worked half and full-time as a student teacher. I believe I have shown growth in my ability to excel academically while working.

Do I have a case for a GPA addendum for the discrepancy between my degree GPA and LSAC GPA?

Thank you again for your time and consideration in responding,
Emma

Hi Emma,

Thanks for the message! The difference here is so small as to not require explanation—law schools are quite familiar with how LSAC alters GPAs, and they see differences all the time. Plus, and I hate to say this, they don't really care about the differences since they use the LSAC GPA for reporting purposes, and thus they are institutionally tied to that number. If there's a big discrepancy it's good for them to know why, but with as small as yours, it gets mostly ignored.

On top of that, your explanation won't move the needle on their perception here since it's a very common story. I'd say it would not help you to write an addendum (and could harm you slightly) so I'd avoid it in this case.

The good news is that is less work for you to do now