Addendum on a specific grade Forum

[xmking07]

Back in the beginning of my sophomore year, i attempted to drop an intro class, yet the request didn't go through (I did so electronically and i wasn't aware that my request didn't get from point A to point B.) So, having thought I dropped the class I never went again and didn't receive a notice of my failing grade until after the withdrawal period. I didn't appeal the grade at the time because I was unaware it would appear on my transcript (my university has full grade forgiveness for the first retake, and I recieved an A in it once I actually took the class so the initial class does not harm my UGPA.) I was wondering if I should write an addendum on my applications to explain this since it is the only failing grade I have and will harm my LSAC GPA by about .14 points. I know addenda are usually frowned upon by admissions, but a clarification on the issue could have significant benefits in acceptances and scholarship offers. Should i write one or no?

[gobuffs10]

Back in the beginning of my sophomore year, i attempted to drop an intro class, yet the request didn't go through (I did so electronically and i wasn't aware that my request didn't get from point A to point B.) So, having thought I dropped the class I never went again and didn't receive a notice of my failing grade until after the withdrawal period. I didn't appeal the grade at the time because I was unaware it would appear on my transcript (my university has full grade forgiveness for the first retake, and I recieved an A in it once I actually took the class so the initial class does not harm my UGPA.) I was wondering if I should write an addendum on my applications to explain this since it is the only failing grade I have and will harm my LSAC GPA by about .14 points. I know addenda are usually frowned upon by admissions, but a clarification on the issue could have significant benefits in acceptances and scholarship offers. Should i write one or no?

I would, but I'd make sure to word it carefully. Don't bash the school that screwed up; perhaps acknowledge that you should have followed up to make sure that you were withdrawn, but failed to do so. Basically, just say, "This happened because of event X, I mistakenly assumed I had withdrawn and dropped the issue, but I was wrong."