Should I scrap my PS and focus on ADD? Forum

[Duramax80]

I have ADD and I did not receive any kind of compensation from my undergrad school. My first few semesters I had a 2.2 GPA, but after being diagnosed and prescribed medication, I had a GPA of 3.7. My overall LSADS GPA is a 2.68, with a 2.87 undergrad GPA. I am disappointed in my law school prospects, and I am limited to looking at TTT and TTTT schools (LSAT 159, 160). Please dont tell me to retake the LSAT, I know it would be a good idea, but there are some personal factors I would not like to go into that will keep me from taking the LSAT again. Also, I have the money to pay for law school and will not come out with any debt. I would appreciate it if you could focus on the options before you.

Here are the options I am considering:

1.) Focus on how the medication helped me perform in school in my PS.

2.) Write an addendum describing my ADD and how the medication helped me overcome it, and focus on upward trend.

3.) Ignore the fact that ADD played a role in my academic performance because ADD is not that serious of a condition, and dont mention it in an addendum or PS, because it may raise a red flag to the adcoms.

Ideas?

[ben4847]

Oh I'd mention it. It shows that your earlier grades are not indicative of your current abilities while receiving proper treatment.

[Duramax80]

Oh I'd mention it. It shows that your earlier grades are not indicative of your current abilities while receiving proper treatment.

where should I mention it? Addendum or PS?

[iowalum]

Addendum. Do you really want that to define you? I'm sure there are other experiences in your life that would make a better PS

[Duramax80]

Addendum. Do you really want that to define you? I'm sure there are other experiences in your life that would make a better PS

Roger that. Thanks.

[JasonR]

Definite no to #1. Just refine the one you already have and get it turned in.

Would you incorporate ADD into the addendum you already drafted (mono, death of friends, etc.)? Don't do anything more than that. For some people it would be better not to mention it at all, but you're in a tight spot with your overall GPA. Whatever you can do (succinctly) to show that the 3.7 average of your final semesters is more representative of your ability/potential than the 2.2 average of your earlier semesters can't hurt you. It may not help you that much, but it won't hurt.

[Duramax80]

Yeah, I will be incorporating ADD into my current addendum, heres a rough draft.

In 2008, I suffered from depression upon the death of two very close friends, which severely impacted my academic performance. The following semester, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis, and had to medically withdraw from all of my classes. Medical documentation of the illness and treatment can be provided upon request. In the spring of 2010, I was diagnosed with ADD, and began taking medication, and documentation of this illness and treatment can also be provided upon request. After correcting my ADD, my academic performance improved exponentially. I find it important to note that after receiving proper treatment, I was enrolled in the highest-level courses offered by my institution, where I earned a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and Dean’s List Honors. I believe that my overall GPA does not reflect my intellectual capabilities, and the semesters following Spring 2010 better demonstrate my academic potential.

[iowalum]

I think this is actually pretty good. Succinct and not sounding like you're complaining about your situation. Now get your apps in!!

[JasonR]

Yeah, I will be incorporating ADD into my current addendum, heres a rough draft.

In 2008, I suffered from depression upon the death of two very close friends, which severely impacted my academic performance. The following semester, I was diagnosed with mononucleosis, and had to medically withdraw from all of my classes. Medical documentation of the illness and treatment can be provided upon request. In the spring of 2010, I was diagnosed with ADD, and began taking medication, and documentation of this illness condition and treatment can also be provided upon request. After correcting my ADD, my academic performance improved exponentially. I find it important to note that After receiving proper treatment, I was enrolled in the highest-level courses offered by my institution, where I earned a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and Dean’s List Honors. I believe that my overall GPA does not reflect my intellectual capabilities, and the semesters following Spring 2010 better demonstrate my academic potential.

It's almost ready. You're still making it longer than necessary. The part I've crossed out really adds nothing. It's obvious both from your transcript and from the subsequent sentence that your performance improved. (And I hate the use of "exponentially" when you really just mean "dramatically.")

Also, the transition from "In 2008" to "the following semester" is awkward. You should specify which semester(s) you're talking about in the beginning (spring, fall, or both?). As in, "In the spring and fall semesters of 2008..."