Page 1 of 1

GPA Addendum - Thoughts anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:22 pm
by hopehope
PLEASE DONT QUOTE THE ADDENDUM AS I INTEND TO REMOVE IT LATER. NEED SOME GOOD ADVICE PLEASE.


GPA Addendum


***

Re: GPA Addendum - Thoughts anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:25 pm
by Kabuo
Seems more focused on excuses than on taking responsibility, like the addendum guide suggests. Also, subject verb agreement is off in the very first sentence.

Re: GPA Addendum - Thoughts anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:30 pm
by hopehope
How is it focused on excuses? I mean, I think these are pretty legitimate reasons to have a low GPA...the addendum guide said "Also, if you believe that your overall GPA was not as high as it could have been due to financial circumstances, such as the necessity of your full-time employment throughout your college career, an addendum could be useful. "

I would think this would fit that....

Are you saying the overall reasons are excuses or the way I explained them?

Re: GPA Addendum - Thoughts anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:35 pm
by Kabuo
They're perfectly fine reasons, it just comes off excuse-like to me the way you explain it. I have very similar circumstances regarding the employment, but I plan on just telling them I had to have full time employment during undergrad and was too immature to handle it all my first two years. That way I'm accepting responsibility for it, and it makes my upward trend more noticeable. At least, that's what I'm hoping it does.

Re: GPA Addendum - Thoughts anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:37 pm
by northwood
too many excuses/ woe is me. You need to list the facts, and take responsibility.

how big of a gap is it? If you were consistent throughout your UG years, then it will be more difficult to make it sound like anything other than a pity party

Re: GPA Addendum - Thoughts anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:37 pm
by djjf39
OP, the addendum is not good for three reasons.

1. Your writing is not concise, finely-tuned, or grammatical. While this assessment may seem harsh, it is true.
2. The addendum itself presents a litany of excuses with nearly zero accountability on your part.
3. The final sentence must be removed. You will be required to not hold a job during 1L.

You need to rethink the addendum. I would advise you to keep the following points in mind.

Addenda need to be pithy and present your situation as succinctly as possible.
Addenda also serve as an auxiliary writing sample, so mind you Ps and Qs.

Re: GPA Addendum - Thoughts anyone?

Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 4:48 pm
by hopehope
Thanks Guys. Scrapping it all and going back to the drawing board!