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Hello all-- So today I received an email from a school that is reviewing my application asking for an explanation as to why there is a large discrepancy in my LSAT scores (161 in October and 169 in December). The reason for me is a little complicated, as it can be attributed to two reasons. First, I was on ADD meds at the time (and had been for about year) of the first test. Soon after the test I decided the adderall was really not doing much for me on a qualitative level and stopped taking it, which I believe is part of the reason I did so much better on the second test. Also, I kindof studied myself to death before the first test which i think threw me off my game, while for the second test I took it easy and trusted my abilities.

Im not sure how to answer. Everything seems like an excuse, I wish they would just take my scores for what they are and go with it lol. Any advice on how I should attack this addendum? Thanks so much guys!

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balanz wrote:Hello all-- So today I received an email from a school that is reviewing my application asking for an explanation as to why there is a large discrepancy in my LSAT scores (161 in October and 169 in December). The reason for me is a little complicated, as it can be attributed to two reasons. First, I was on ADD meds at the time (and had been for about year) of the first test. Soon after the test I decided the adderall was really not doing much for me on a qualitative level and stopped taking it, which I believe is part of the reason I did so much better on the second test. Also, I kindof studied myself to death before the first test which i think threw me off my game, while for the second test I took it easy and trusted my abilities.

Im not sure how to answer. Everything seems like an excuse, I wish they would just take my scores for what they are and go with it lol. Any advice on how I should attack this addendum? Thanks so much guys!

Simply control C and V in your Addendum You already explained everything the school wants to hear

Or just say you studied harder and the higher one is a better reflection of your abilities? I dunno.

lol your only other post says
"168 on lsat--no retakes or cancels"

In the event that this new post is completely true, it is odd they asked for an addendum, at least it shows they care about your application. If it's true, go with the health issue thing. The two big things are 1. That there was a real issue and 2. This issue has been solved in a way that this second score is a true reflection of how you will do in the future. Do not lie, but the more out of your control the original issue was, the better. We are people, problems come up that are out of our control, it would be harsh to forever have a scarlet letter for something that you did not cause.

I went from a 149 to a 167, had to learn a little about addendum to say the least.

lol yes its because i was SO SURE my oct would be in the 168 range, I had literally been scoring that for months. Yes this one is actually true, I guess thats what I get for preemptively guessing my score! Thanks for all the help everyone!

First of all, the fact that they asked you for an addendum is probably a good thing. It means that they want to put more weight on one score, and you have an opportunity to convince them to put it on the higher score. Your excuse is legitimate.

acrossthelake wrote:You could just say that you switched treatment for a health condition and keep it vague at that.

This. Explain that changing treatments (i.e. discontinuing a medication known to affect cognition) allowed you to perform to your abilities.

acrossthelake wrote:You could just say that you switched treatment for a health condition and keep it vague at that.

This right here. Don't over explain, just keep your response simple.
Good luck.

Genki wrote:

acrossthelake wrote:You could just say that you switched treatment for a health condition and keep it vague at that.

This right here. Don't over explain, just keep your response simple.
Good luck.

This is the best advice, they are looking for a reason to admit you. Don't tell them about medications that affect cognition. It isn't necessary and you are entitled to privacy for health matters if you don't want to disclose it. For all they need to know, you could have had the flu on the first test, you really can just leave it at medical condition.

I wouldn't even bother responding. Most likely it won't matter. What possible difference could your explanation make? Like what in the world are they expecting? Seems like they are trying to make themselves seem more important than they are. Could you really envision them now rejecting you? You could write "My score improved by 8 points" and leave it at that.

sunynp wrote:

Genki wrote:

acrossthelake wrote:You could just say that you switched treatment for a health condition and keep it vague at that.

This right here. Don't over explain, just keep your response simple.
Good luck.

This is the best advice, they are looking for a reason to admit you. Don't tell them about medications that affect cognition. It isn't necessary and you are entitled to privacy for health matters if you don't want to disclose it. For all they need to know, you could have had the flu on the first test, you really can just leave it at medical condition.

Another +1. A change in medication is a legitimate reason for a jump in LSAT scores. It also suggests that you've now ironed out whatever the problem was.