GPA Addendum for diagnosed depression? Forum

[o2bnlv]

Hello,

I had a 2.4ish for my first 4.5 years of UG. In my final semester, I sought counseling for serious depression. I took 30 hours and carried a 4.0. Does a note from my physician help my chances at a t14? LSAT is 170.

[NZA]

Hello,

I had a 2.4ish for my first 4.5 years of UG. In my final semester, I sought counseling for serious depression. I took 30 hours and carried a 4.0. Does a note from my physician help my chances at a t14? LSAT is 170.

Maybe. Did being depressed actually relate to your poor performance?

Not to sound like a dick (seriously, I don't know you OP or your situation, but just saying), but there are a lot of people who have struggled through previously undiagnosed mental illnesses and still managed a higher GPA.

So...it depends. But I think, yeah, if your mental illness actually did affect your academic performance then you should write an addendum. The thing I would focus on, though, is the fact that the steps you've taken to manage your depression have helped you to become a better student.

EDIT: I don't think the note from your physician would be necessary, however.

[JCougar]

Hello,

I had a 2.4ish for my first 4.5 years of UG. In my final semester, I sought counseling for serious depression. I took 30 hours and carried a 4.0. Does a note from my physician help my chances at a t14? LSAT is 170.

You won't be able to get into a T14 with that GPA, but try WUSTL, Illinois, Minnesota, etc. They all bite on high LSATs even if you have a miserable GPA. I'd definitely write the addendum, but addendums don't really make a ton of difference either way. All they do is reassure schools that are inclined to admit you anyway.

Do you have any accomplishments since then that demonstrate consistent performance? If so, that could help.

Also, keep in mind that mental challenges are not ignored when it comes to passing the C&F section of the Bar Exam. I doubt depression will prevent you from passing, especially if you have long-term evidence to prove that you are over it. If you were depressed for that long and it took you 4.5 years to seek help, the bar may ask you some questions about that. Keep it in mind, though, that you're going to have to show the bar that you can manage your mental state before they let you represent clients. Use it as motivation to do well in law school and never look back.

[ItsMyTimeBoston]

Hello,

I had a 2.4ish for my first 4.5 years of UG. In my final semester, I sought counseling for serious depression. I took 30 hours and carried a 4.0. Does a note from my physician help my chances at a t14? LSAT is 170.

You might have a chance applying ED to Northwestern next year. Serious depression is worth an addendum and you can build a strong application around overcoming it.