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GPA addendum advice/critique?
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 1:58 pm
by okfine
Is any heading more specific than 'ADDENDUM--GPA' necessary? And should it really be all-caps?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ADDENDUM--GPA
From 1996 to 1999, I attended XXXX, compiling a 2.35 GPA. Realizing that my immaturity was creating an academic record that would deny me opportunities, I decided to withdraw. After working full time for four years, I began again, first at XXXX for one semester in the fall of 2003, where I carried a 3.81 while working full time. Then I attended XXXX for seven semesters, where I graduated cum laude with a BA in Computer Science. I finished at XXXX with a 3.76 GPA, also while working full time.
My academic performance from 2003 to 2007 is more reflective of my current potential than my performance from 1996 to 1999.
Re: GPA addendum advice/critique?
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 2:00 pm
by Knock
okfine wrote:Is any heading more specific than 'ADDENDUM--GPA' necessary? And should it really be all-caps?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ADDENDUM--GPA
From 1996 to 1999, I attended XXXX, compiling a 2.35 GPA. Realizing that my immaturity was creating an academic record that would deny me opportunities, I decided to withdraw. After working full time for four years, I began again, first at XXXX for one semester in the fall of 2003, where I carried a 3.81 while working full time. Then I attended XXXX for seven semesters, where I graduated cum laude with a BA in Computer Science. I finished at XXXX with a 3.76 GPA, also while working full time.
My academic performance from 2003 to 2007 is more reflective of my current potential than my performance from 1996 to 1999.
I wouldn't include this addendum. Immaturity is not really a good reason for writing an addendum. Good reasons for GPA addendum include working an intense schedule on top of school, medical issue(s), family issue(s), etc. Adcomms will be able to see your improvement, but in the end this addendum won't help you, it will just come down to your LSDAS GPA. Adcomms have seen similar scenarios many, many times.
Re: GPA addendum advice/critique?
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 2:04 pm
by saltoftheearth
Knockglock wrote:
I wouldn't include this addendum. Immaturity is not really a good reason for writing an addendum. Good reasons for GPA addendum include working an intense schedule on top of school, medical issue(s), family issue(s), etc. Adcomms will be able to see your improvement, but in the end this addendum won't help you, it will just come down to your LSDAS GPA. Adcomms have seen similar scenarios many, many times.
Re: GPA addendum advice/critique?
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 2:04 pm
by bk1
@Knockglock: I disagree. Considering the OP has to at least write an addendum explaining dropping out I feel that mentioning immaturity there is fine and it really doesn't hurt to say that you feel the newer GPA is more representative. If there was no withdrawal then I could understand your point but the dropping out kind of forces OP's hand here.
@OP: I think it is a little long and you could be more brief. You don't really need to mention your original GPA and you don't really need to mention the first college you went to in 2003 and its GPA. Consider something like:
I attended XXXX from 1996-1999. Realizing I was not ready for school I dropped out and worked full time for four years. I returned to school in 2003 while still working full time. I feel that graduating cum laude and achieving a 3.76 at YYYY is more representative of my abilities as a student than my prior academic record.
Re: GPA addendum advice/critique?
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 2:05 pm
by djjf39
okfine wrote:Is any heading more specific than 'ADDENDUM--GPA' necessary? And should it really be all-caps?
I do not think so, but OP I would check with the individual school you end up applying to.
What you wrote looks good. I would maybe think about changing the amount of commas in your addendum. I do not think any of them are splices, but over punctuated sentences can usually be paired down some. Just my two cents
Knockglock could be right about schools not really caring, but so long as what you wrote is well-written more info shouldn't hurt you (at least that is what one adcomm told me).
Goodluck
Re: GPA addendum advice/critique?
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 5:58 pm
by letsgetitstarted
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Re: GPA addendum advice/critique?
Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 9:15 pm
by capitalacq
okfine wrote:Is any heading more specific than 'ADDENDUM--GPA' necessary? And should it really be all-caps?
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
ADDENDUM--GPA
From 1996 to 1999, I attended XXXX, compiling a 2.35 GPA. Realizing that my immaturity was creating an academic record that would deny me opportunities, I decided to withdraw. After working full time for four years, I began again, first at XXXX for one semester in the fall of 2003, where I carried a 3.81 while working full time. Then I attended XXXX for seven semesters, where I graduated cum laude with a BA in Computer Science. I finished at XXXX with a 3.76 GPA, also while working full time.
My academic performance from 2003 to 2007 is more reflective of my current potential than my performance from 1996 to 1999.
you don't need the caps. "Addendum - GPA" should be fine. I'd ordinarly say not to send one, but you'll need to explain the gap in your school years anyway so you might as well highlight the changes in GPA. I'd say this is fine. good luck!