Addenda critique please! GPA and DWI Forum

[Bearcat]

GPA Addendum

I was placed on academic probation in my freshmen year because of a low GPA my first semester. Unfortunately college was a difficult transition for me and for the first few years I continuously switched between majors in a struggle to find my passion. I came off academic probation after my second semester and there has been an upward trend in my GPA since, as well as a higher major GPA of 3.1. In junior year, I dealt with the deaths of my grandfather and a good friend, both of which negatively impacted my grades. I feel that my overall GPA is not a good example of my academic potential. I hope that my mitigating circumstances as well as my LSAT score will show that I will be more successful in my academic endeavors in the future.

DWI Addendum

I wish to address the disciplinary probation indicated on my application. In October of 2007, I was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. I was passing through a sobriety checkpoint while driving a friend home, and was subsequently given a field sobriety test. I pleaded not guilty, and accepted a plea bargain, reducing the charge to a minor traffic violation. I completed an alcohol awareness classes and a victim impact panel. This was an isolated incident and an aberration to my normal pattern of behavior. I have never had problems with alcohol prior to this incident, and have had no similar incidents in the two years since the DWI charge. I sincerely regret my actions and I have not driven under the influence of alcohol since the incident. Although I am not proud of my mistake, I am grateful to have learned a valuable lesson and that no one was hurt as a result of my mistake.

Starting to lose faith that I'm going to get in anywhere. Very late in the cycle, applying to Santa Clara today (deadline is today!!).

[daizee]

I sincerely regret my actions and I have not driven under the influence of alcohol since the incident. Although I am not proud of my mistake, I am grateful to have learned a valuable lesson and that no one was hurt as a result of my mistake.

Makes me think you're still drinking and haven't learned...probably better to eliminate any second guessing and just go with "Although..."

Just a thought...