Question on GPA and LSAT addenda

[All19]

Hello,

I'll keep it short and ask: would I need an addendum for an LSAT increase and a bad school year in undergrad?

1. My LSAT went up by 2 points (165 to 167). I was disappointed with my 165; I was PT-ing in the 167-171 range before the exam. There were no unusual circumstances. I underperformed. I'm not sure if an addendum is needed for this.

2. GPA-wise, I've been a nearly straight A student for all of undergrad, but my sophomore year was rough (got a bunch of B's and a C). I stopped going to class b/c of constant anxiety being in class and working with other students, and I started drinking. I took a semester/summer to get help. I turned things around: I stopped drinking, got a job and kept straight A's in my junior/senior classes. I went from a 3.3 sophomore year to a 3.7 senior year. Would I need an addendum? I feel like it looks bad to talk about this– it might raise questions about how I'll do in law school. Should I just let the transcript speak for itself?

Thank you all!

[Dave Killoran]

Hello,

I'll keep it short and ask: would I need an addendum for an LSAT increase and a bad school year in undergrad?

1. My LSAT went up by 2 points (165 to 167). I was disappointed with my 165; I was PT-ing in the 167-171 range before the exam. There were no unusual circumstances. I underperformed. I'm not sure if an addendum is needed for this.

2. GPA-wise, I've been a nearly straight A student for all of undergrad, but my sophomore year was rough (got a bunch of B's and a C). I stopped going to class b/c of constant anxiety being in class and working with other students, and I started drinking. I took a semester/summer to get help. I turned things around: I stopped drinking, got a job and kept straight A's in my junior/senior classes. I went from a 3.3 sophomore year to a 3.7 senior year. Would I need an addendum? I feel like it looks bad to talk about this– it might raise questions about how I'll do in law school. Should I just let the transcript speak for itself?

Thank you all!

Hi All,

Some thoughts for you:

1. Definitely do NOT write an addendum here. There's honestly nothing to say, and you'd hurt yourself by simply saying you performed slightly lower than your PTs. Sad fact is, they don't care :/

2. This is tougher, and as stated I wouldn't write it. however, you don't have to be as specifics, especially if you sought medical help. You could simply note that you had some personal and medical issues, which you sought attention for, they were fixed, and thereafter the problem was resolved. I'd flesh that story out of course, but this is one where a bad presentation could hurt you but a good presentation could help you This is the kind of thing we tell students to work with a professional admission consultant on, since bad execution could be so damaging but at the same time it is indeed something you want to explain if possible.

Thanks!