GPA Addendum or no?

[robthenavigator]

Hi,

I was wondering whether I should submit a GPA addendum, and have received different answers from my guidance counselors and various advising sites. I'm a student with a 3.4 and a high 170's LSAT score (not being more specific to preserve anonymity). I wrote a GPA addendum about being employed in college and how after experiencing extreme poverty that required a strong dedication to work in high school, I struggled to develop a healthy work/school balance. I then worked on this a lot, and aside from a blip the semester I switched from being a part-time to being a full-time student, saw significant GPA improvement each semester, starting with a 3.0 and ending with a 3.9.

I plan to apply to a number of T14 schools

I understand that based on what you've written about unique addenda, it's unlikely that this will help me significantly. That said, I was wondering if the circumstances are significant enough that it will do more help than harm. Is this addendum likely to hurt me anywhere? Is there any shot it will help?

Thank you for your time!

[Dave Killoran]

Hi,

I was wondering whether I should submit a GPA addendum, and have received different answers from my guidance counselors and various advising sites. I'm a student with a 3.4 and a high 170's LSAT score (not being more specific to preserve anonymity). I wrote a GPA addendum about being employed in college and how after experiencing extreme poverty that required a strong dedication to work in high school, I struggled to develop a healthy work/school balance. I then worked on this a lot, and aside from a blip the semester I switched from being a part-time to being a full-time student, saw significant GPA improvement each semester, starting with a 3.0 and ending with a 3.9.

I plan to apply to a number of T14 schools

I understand that based on what you've written about unique addenda, it's unlikely that this will help me significantly. That said, I was wondering if the circumstances are significant enough that it will do more help than harm. Is this addendum likely to hurt me anywhere? Is there any shot it will help?

Thank you for your time!

Hi Rob,

I'd write it and submit it. I'm all for addenda that add something new to your profile, but far too many people just want to explain things that doesn't need to be explained. In this case, it sounds like you have a compelling reason for the slow start, and equally importantly, you improved from there on out (which helps support your main point that you had to adjust to a new environment). That adds depth and context to your GPA, which is helpful.

The only exception would be if your personal statement covers the same ground; then I'd skip it.

Thanks!

[robthenavigator]

Thank you so much for your reply! That's good to hear, I have now written one. I was also wondering: My Personal Statement spends a good bit of time discussing my poverty. My GPA Addendum mentions it as well. Is there any benefit in still submitting a diversity statement?

[Dave Killoran]

Thank you so much for your reply! That's good to hear, I have now written one. I was also wondering: My Personal Statement spends a good bit of time discussing my poverty. My GPA Addendum mentions it as well. Is there any benefit in still submitting a diversity statement?

Three essays referencing the same topic (and in some detail) is overkill! So, unless you can take a different Diversity angle, I'd pass on it and let them draw their own conclusion about it (which they will).

Thanks!

[robthenavigator]

Thanks again for your response! This whole web of applications is daunting to try to figure out; thank you for the guidance.

Happy Early New Year!

[robthenavigator]

Thank you so much for your reply! That's good to hear, I have now written one. I was also wondering: My Personal Statement spends a good bit of time discussing my poverty. My GPA Addendum mentions it as well. Is there any benefit in still submitting a diversity statement?

Three essays referencing the same topic (and in some detail) is overkill! So, unless you can take a different Diversity angle, I'd pass on it and let them draw their own conclusion about it (which they will).

Thanks!

Hi, sorry to bother you again. I just realized I may have misinterpreted your comment. At the end, when you say "which they will", are you implying that they will draw a conclusion that I don't have more to contribute re: diversity, or that they will consider my personal statement when considering what diversity I bring to the school? I originally assumed the latter, but I realize now that that can be interpreted as the former instead.

[Dave Killoran]

I mean: They will draw the conclusion about your diversity from your other statements, so they won't need another retelling of that in a separate Diversity statement

Thanks!