Addendum Help?
Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 5:16 pm
Hi all,
I've been a long-time lurker on these boards, and recently (ie: yesterday) decided to finally register. I was hoping for some help on my addendum. I know it's only supposed to be a paragraph at most, and I'm having some trouble whittling it down. It's basically meant to address my (eek!) suspension, as well as my poor grades during my first year. Since that time, I've improved my GPA significantly, as well as taken on several leadership roles in various extracurriculars/internships. Any and all edits would be greatly appreciated! Seriously, have at it:
"I would like to take this opportunity to briefly address the weaknesses in my application to X Law School. I admittedly struggled a great deal during my first year as an undergraduate. During my first fall term, I learned of the extent of my father’s drug and alcohol addiction. As the oldest of three children, I found being away from my mother and siblings during this time to be extremely difficult. I sought relief from this anxiety by engaging in behaviors that were detrimental to my personal well-being and academic success. In the late fall of 2007, I was suspended from (Name) University for using marijuana on campus. I returned home during this two-term suspension, where I sought counseling and maintained a part-time job.
I am deeply regretful and ashamed of my actions; I now realize how greatly they may have jeopardized my education and future success. It may sound strange, but I am quite grateful for the time I spent away from school, as it was then that I realized how much I truly value my education and the opportunities it could afford me. After returning to school in the summer of 2008, I sought out various activities and mentors who could further help foster my strengths, especially when times were difficult at home. For example, I am the first (Name) University student with a disciplinary sanction to have applied for (and received) a position as a Conduct Board member with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and have even been invited to speak to the incoming freshmen classes on the student conduct process.
Though I understand you must consider the weaknesses in my first-year academic and disciplinary record, it is my hope that they will not be viewed as indicative of my true character and capabilities. I hope you will also consider the academic improvements I have worked hard to achieve and the positive contributions I have made for myself, my peers and the University community. It is my sincere aspiration to continue to make such positive contributions at X Law School."
Much thanks, everyone!
I've been a long-time lurker on these boards, and recently (ie: yesterday) decided to finally register. I was hoping for some help on my addendum. I know it's only supposed to be a paragraph at most, and I'm having some trouble whittling it down. It's basically meant to address my (eek!) suspension, as well as my poor grades during my first year. Since that time, I've improved my GPA significantly, as well as taken on several leadership roles in various extracurriculars/internships. Any and all edits would be greatly appreciated! Seriously, have at it:
"I would like to take this opportunity to briefly address the weaknesses in my application to X Law School. I admittedly struggled a great deal during my first year as an undergraduate. During my first fall term, I learned of the extent of my father’s drug and alcohol addiction. As the oldest of three children, I found being away from my mother and siblings during this time to be extremely difficult. I sought relief from this anxiety by engaging in behaviors that were detrimental to my personal well-being and academic success. In the late fall of 2007, I was suspended from (Name) University for using marijuana on campus. I returned home during this two-term suspension, where I sought counseling and maintained a part-time job.
I am deeply regretful and ashamed of my actions; I now realize how greatly they may have jeopardized my education and future success. It may sound strange, but I am quite grateful for the time I spent away from school, as it was then that I realized how much I truly value my education and the opportunities it could afford me. After returning to school in the summer of 2008, I sought out various activities and mentors who could further help foster my strengths, especially when times were difficult at home. For example, I am the first (Name) University student with a disciplinary sanction to have applied for (and received) a position as a Conduct Board member with the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and have even been invited to speak to the incoming freshmen classes on the student conduct process.
Though I understand you must consider the weaknesses in my first-year academic and disciplinary record, it is my hope that they will not be viewed as indicative of my true character and capabilities. I hope you will also consider the academic improvements I have worked hard to achieve and the positive contributions I have made for myself, my peers and the University community. It is my sincere aspiration to continue to make such positive contributions at X Law School."
Much thanks, everyone!