Addendum Needed?

[mandychristine]

GPA Explanation: Upward Trend

In September 2012, a short time after starting college, I received a phone call from home; my dad was no longer able to help pay my tuition. There I was ordering my books for class and texting him about a hold on my account, never considering this might be the extent to my time at William & Mary. That same day I sat for hours with my laptop, paper and a pen, determined to find a way to stay. For a while, I intended to graduate in three years; I took on full course loads and worked two jobs at school and another at home. But during a winter seminar through W&M in D.C., I was reacquainted with my interest in law and reconsidered my plan. The next semester I took time off work and made use of my student loans offerings, enabling me to declare a double major in English and solidify my prelaw track. My challenging financial situation is the reason for my low 3.28 GPA average in my first three semesters and as a result, my 3.82 GPA average in my most recent four semesters is more representative of my true ability than my 3.59 GPA overall. I was mature enough to make the decision that was best for me and my weaker early performance has since translated into a significant upward trend that I am confident will continue to graduation and if given the opportunity, at Vanderbilt Law School next year.

[Nikki Siclunov]

In September 2012, a short time after starting college, I received a phone call from home; my dad was no longer able to help pay my tuition. There I was ordering my books for class and texting him about a hold on my account, never considering this might be the extent to my time at William & Mary. That same day I sat for hours with my laptop, paper and a pen, determined to find a way to stay. For a while, I intended to graduate in three years; I took on full course loads and worked two jobs at school and another at home. But during a winter seminar through W&M in D.C., I was reacquainted with my interest in law and reconsidered my plan. The next semester I took time off work and made use of my student loans offerings, enabling me to declare a double major in English and solidify my prelaw track. My challenging financial situation is the reason for my low 3.28 GPA average in my first three semesters and as a result, my 3.82 GPA average in my most recent four semesters is more representative of my true ability than my 3.59 GPA overall. I was mature enough to make the decision that was best for me and my weaker early performance has since translated into a significant upward trend that I am confident will continue to graduation and if given the opportunity, at Vanderbilt Law School next year.

Hi mandychristine,

Thanks for sharing your GPA addendum with us. Overall, you did a great job explaining the difficult financial circumstances that caused you to struggle with your schoolwork, but I think you can tie the pieces together a bit better. You need to tell a simple cause-and-effect story; yours was a bit disjointed and I thought it could benefit from a simple revision

Consider this version instead:

In September 2012, a short time after starting college, I received a phone call from home; my dad was no longer able to help pay my tuition. There I was ordering my books for class and texting him about a hold on my account, never considering this might be the extent of my time at William & Mary. That same day, I sat for hours with my laptop, paper and a pen, determined to find a way to stay. For a while, I intended to graduate in three years; I took on a full course load and worked two jobs at school and another at home. My GPA of 3.28 in the first three semesters of school is largely a reflection of the challenging financial situation in which I had suddenly found myself.

But during a winter seminar [WHEN?], I was reacquainted with my interest in law and reconsidered my plan. The next semester, I took out student loans to cover my tuition and living expenses, which allowed me to reduce the number of hours I worked part-time and declare a double major in English. This decision also solidified my prelaw track. As a result, my GPA climbed to 3.82 in the four most recent semesters at school, which I believe to be far more representative of my academic potential than my overall GPA of 3.59 GPA. I urge the Admissions Committee to take this upward trend into account when reviewing my application.

Look it over for any inconsistencies and let me know what you think!

[mandychristine]

Thanks for your feedback! My advisor suggested it wasn't necessary to include at all; what are your thoughts? I'm very torn, but felt like the GPA difference was significant and wanted schools to know I paid my own tuition...

[Nikki Siclunov]

Oh, I would absolutely include it, especially since the difference is so pronounced, as you said. If you don't highlight the upward trend, they will automatically take your average GPA and not think twice about it. They can still do that, of course, but an addendum will bump up the odds in your favor. You have everything to gain, and nothing to lose, by including the addendum.

[mandychristine]

Oh wow, okay, thank you so much! I'll include on new apps and do you think it's worthwhile to update places I've already applied to with it as well?

[Nikki Siclunov]

It certainly wouldn't hurt, as it's not uncommon for applicants to update their file with each school. This is usually done because the new information wasn't available earlier (e.g. new grades, new LSAT score, etc.), but I cannot imagine why they would look upon an addendum update unfavorably.

[mandychristine]

Okay, I think I will because I initially really wanted to include it...last question, this update isn't via LSAC like a score or transcript update, right? Would I just email Admission the doc?

[Nikki Siclunov]

To update your application, you generally need to email your updated information to the admissions offices directly. However, if you are sending an updated transcript or an additional letter of recommendation, you must send them through CAS. After your online status checker indicates that your application is "complete", you may no longer submit any additional materials for your file unless (1) the Admissions Committee requests additional materials, (2) your update pertains to the Character and Fitness sections of the application, or (3) your update is necessary to ensure that the information you have provided in your application remains truthful and complete.

[mandychristine]

Oh okay, thank you for the information! Appreciate it!