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Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:29 am
by 094320
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Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:34 am
by Tautology
My inclination would be to let it be. Some schools specifically ask if there are reasons you didn't perform as well as you think you otherwise would have in undergrad. If they do, I would consider giving a very minimal explanation, but even then I'm not sure, but writing an addendum that isn't asked for seems inappropriate given that the circumstances were basically ordinary life problems.

Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:35 am
by thecilent
acrossthelake wrote:I asked this question before, but the results were mixed, and I'm still unsure of what to do, so I'll ask again.

In my second semester, I was placed on Academic Warning for failing to complete the required # of courses to stay in good academic standing(Dropped a class, failed organic chem). This is marked on my official transcript.. The next semester I took the maximum course load, did well, and returned to good standing. Variety of reasons (bad course selection, got sick, family probs, just didn't have my stuff together as a freshman, etc.).My GPA is intact because my university doesn't show withdrawals or NC's on our official external transcript and other than the marking of "Academic Warning" on my transcript, law schools have no way of knowing why it is, exactly(did I start with three and fail/drop one, or start with four and fail/drop two?), that I only have two courses displayed that semester.

Should I write an addendum to address this, in case the admissions officers wonder about it and want an explanation, or just let it be? The pre-law advisor at my university said to let it be, but pre-law advisors aren't always right.
Kinda makes me not want to write this bc your pre-law advisor said let it be, but I think you def need an addendum.

For one, you may need to check a "yes" box on some applications (I know some ask if you have been academically warned). In which case, you will clearly need an addendum. But even on the ones that don't ask about being warned, it would probably still be smart to disclose and tell what happened if it actually says "Academic Warning" on your transcript.

That's what I would do. Others feel free to advise differently..

Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:36 am
by Tautology
And it looks like you're in for mixed results again! :lol:

Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:39 am
by 094320
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Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:42 am
by thecilent
acrossthelake wrote:My pre-law advisor doesn't just focus on law, though. She is actually in charge of fellowships. Plus, our pre-law office is always talking about "fit" and that makes me skeptical.

Yeah, I'm not trying to use it in the typical use of "Please excuse me for this." It was my fault. I messed up and my university saved my butt anyway. Just not sure if, as Client21 notes, if they *want* me to give them an explanation.
You're going to have to go on a school-by-school basis. If you're applying to Cornell, for instance, you will have to write an addendum for that warning. When applying to Harvard, you will not *have* to (although I still say you should).

Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:49 am
by 094320
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Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 2:54 am
by thecilent
acrossthelake wrote:
Cilent21 wrote:
acrossthelake wrote:My pre-law advisor doesn't just focus on law, though. She is actually in charge of fellowships. Plus, our pre-law office is always talking about "fit" and that makes me skeptical.

Yeah, I'm not trying to use it in the typical use of "Please excuse me for this." It was my fault. I messed up and my university saved my butt anyway. Just not sure if, as Client21 notes, if they *want* me to give them an explanation.
You're going to have to go on a school-by-school basis. If you're applying to Cornell, for instance, you will have to write an addendum for that warning. When applying to Harvard, you will not *have* to (although I still say you should).
Good point. I forgot that some explicitly require it if you mark "yes" to that question. Applying to YHSCCN, if that's relevant.

Edit: Thanks for your help you two.

Go on LSAC and try to get the applications for these schools. You might have to settle for the transfer apps. I know HCC you don't have to. NYu I think you do. And YS I'm not sure. But take a look at the apps. Where it will get tricky is when it says like "disciplinary action," in which case I don't think you need to check "yes."

Again: writing a 3 sentence addendum to all schools could make this easier.

Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 10:11 am
by kalvano
acrossthelake wrote:I asked this question before, but the results were mixed, and I'm still unsure of what to do, so I'll ask again.

In my second semester, I was placed on Academic Warning for failing to complete the required # of courses to stay in good academic standing(Dropped a class, failed organic chem). This is marked on my official transcript.. The next semester I took the maximum course load, did well, and returned to good standing. Variety of reasons (bad course selection, got sick, family probs, just didn't have my stuff together as a freshman, etc.).My GPA is intact because my university doesn't show withdrawals or NC's on our official external transcript and other than the marking of "Academic Warning" on my transcript, law schools have no way of knowing why it is, exactly(did I start with three and fail/drop one, or start with four and fail/drop two?), that I only have two courses displayed that semester.

Should I write an addendum to address this, in case the admissions officers wonder about it and want an explanation, or just let it be? The pre-law advisor at my university said to let it be, but pre-law advisors aren't always right.

Since it's on your official transcript, I'd say yes. It seems as if you have valid reasons, and writing a quick paragraph won't hurt.

Don't turn it into a big deal. Just a few sentences about it to explain it and move on.

Re: Addendum Q

Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 10:20 pm
by 094320
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