LSAT/GPA Addedum (diversity reasons), Critque appreciated Forum

[Anonymous User]

LSAT: Grew up in China, I first arrived in an English speaking country at the age of 14 by myself with only the knowledge of the English alphabet. Struggling to adapt at a young age I only found strength to be serious about language learning when I was 16. Despite my progress, I believe English being my second language had a negative impact on my final LSAT score.

GPA: Having only began serious learning of English at age of 16, I sincerely believe my first year of GPA for my political science major was negatively impacted as I struggled with essay writing at university level. Despite my progress of my second year political science major GPA, the death of a close relative and the immediate lawsuit had greatly impacted my overall GPA in all subjects last year of my three-year degree. Although I still managed to obtain an overall second highest GPA category "above average" by CRS foreign transcript service, I believe language obstacle, family tragedy, and having to work near full time (20-30 hours a week) had prevented me from obtaining the highest foreign GPA category "superior".

[dingbat]

I'm afraid that these addendums might not help that much. What are your scores and what schools are you applying to?

[Anonymous User]

163 LSAT, blanketed 20-55 (pretty much). Hoping to do every little thing to get into the best school possible out of the ones I blanketed.

I could be totally wrong on this, shouldn't the second language "excuse/reason" would help with any LSAT score that isn't a perfect 180? Even with a 179 the addendum could be saying that if not for language I may have scored 180? Please let me know if I'm like totally seeing it wrong here.

If it doesn't help, would it help at least a little tiny bit? Like a 0.5 score perception increase would be nice, every little bit helps. If these would backfire please let me know =/

[dingbat]

163 LSAT, blanketed 20-55 (pretty much). Hoping to do every little thing to get into the best school possible out of the ones I blanketed.

I could be totally wrong on this, shouldn't the second language "excuse/reason" would help with any LSAT score that isn't a perfect 180? Even with a 179 the addendum could be saying that if not for language I may have scored 180? Please let me know if I'm like totally seeing it wrong here.

If it doesn't help, would it help at least a little tiny bit? Like a 0.5 score perception increase would be nice, every little bit helps.

In terms of your grades, above average is a good enough evaluation for those schools.

A 179/180 is incredibly rare, so don't even think that way. The problem with the second language excuse/reason is that you will be studying in english, taking exams in english, and ultimately practicing in english. You're actually highlighting a weakness rather than a strength. That being said, you do get a slight boost for being foreign, and for speaking mandarin. I expect you'll get in at most schools from 35-55. I think your chance of getting in to GW, ND, WUSTL, BU, BC, Fordham, Georgia are low, but not too low. Everywhere else is a maybe.

Do put all that information into a diversity statement. It's a compelling story, and you should use it as such: not an excuse for being a weak candidate, but as a reason for them to want to have you attend their school.

[Anonymous User]

Really appreciate your reply Dingbat.

I do completely understand the points you raised and points taken. On top of "above average" I was also marked as having completed the equivalent of highest level postsecondary work in the US or something like that. What schools would you think that'd need a "superior" level GPA or better?

My biggest concern is whether or not to summit these addendum at all. I did write a PS which stated that I went to New Zealand when I was 14, started English learning when I was 16, and the story revolved around the relative that died during my third year at university, which I helped handling of an inheritance lawsuit. So what said in these addendum was pretty much all implied but not "explicitly stated" in my PS. Of course for the reasons you mentioned about exposing a weakness, I wonder if I should submit at all.

If I should, any big flaws you spotted in these addendum? Really appreciate your time.

[dingbat]

Really appreciate your reply Dingbat.

I do completely understand the points you raised and points taken. On top of "above average" I was also marked as having completed the equivalent of highest level postsecondary work in the US or something like that. What schools would you think that'd need a "superior" level GPA or better?

My biggest concern is whether or not to summit these addendum at all. I did write a PS which stated that I went to New Zealand when I was 14, started English learning when I was 16, and the story revolved around the relative that died during my third year at university, which I helped handling of an inheritance lawsuit. So what said in these addendum was pretty much all implied but not "explicitly stated" in my PS. Of course for the reasons you mentioned about exposing a weakness, I wonder if I should submit at all.

If I should, any big flaws you spotted in these addendum? Really appreciate your time.

The first big flaw I spotted is you say you moved to an english speaking country at 14, but only began learning english at 16, which is a bit odd

I'll give the rest a review when I'm more awake, but to answer your other question, the top 6 schools, to my knowledge, require a superior evaluation, and the rest of the top 14 would probably want it, but may make exceptions.

[TripTrip]

No addendum for LSAT... you don't want to emphasize the fact that english is not your strong suit like that. The PS/DS with that in it is fine.

[crazyrobin]

The first big flaw I spotted is you say you moved to an english speaking country at 14, but only began learning english at 16, which is a bit odd

I'll give the rest a review when I'm more awake, but to answer your other question, the top 6 schools, to my knowledge, require a superior evaluation, and the rest of the top 14 would probably want it, but may make exceptions.

I knew one Chinese girl was admitted to Harvard with a superior and 173 LSAT.
International students from China are rare in T6. So basically that's a black box to me, or at least in some extend.

A quick question for Dingbat, what will be threshold for international students to get into a T14? Any numbers?

Thank you for your time sir

[dingbat]

I knew one Chinese girl was admitted to Harvard with a superior and 173 LSAT.
International students from China are rare in T6. So basically that's a black box to me, or at least in some extend.

A quick question for Dingbat, what will be threshold for international students to get into a T14? Any numbers?

Thank you for your time sir

Depends on the school. Assuming you don't have stellar work experience, if your LSAT is below the 25th percentile, you probably won't get in, but if your LSAT is above the 75th percentile, you probably will.
Note that this assumes at least an "above average" rating, though some schools might reject anyone with lower than "Superior".

Note that there are exceptions and if the rest of your application is strong (work experience and/or graduate school) you might want to take a gamble

[Anonymous User]

The forum has convinced me to scrap the addendum for LSAT.

I'm on the ropes for GPA, especially on some applications ask you outright if there were factors affecting your grade. I'm leaning towards saying a combination of factors prevented me for having the best GPA rating. Will it be perceived as excuses or at least will help a little bit? =/

[dingbat]

The forum has convinced me to scrap the addendum for LSAT.

I'm on the ropes for GPA, especially on some applications ask you outright if there were factors affecting your grade. I'm leaning towards saying a combination of factors prevented me for having the best GPA rating. Will it be perceived as excuses or at least will help a little bit? =/

Explaining when asked makes sense. Putting something into your PS makes sense. creating an extra statement whining about how your GPA isn't as high as it should be (because that is how it will come off, no matter how hard you try), is not good