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The addenda is necessary. I would explain fully with all details why your score improvedkenwash wrote:I increased my LSAT score 15 points (154 to 159 to 169). I attribute my improvement to studying differently...I took a course instead of studying on my own. For schools that require an addendum for large increases, what's the best way to explain my improvement? How will my "studying differently" explanation be viewed? For schools that do not require an addendum, should I provide one anyways?
Definitely do not do this.pin_s wrote:If I were in your position (a great one to be, btw), I would tie the point increase to some greater personal change that you experienced in between your initial and current scores. Discuss a lack of commitment due to your reservations about attending law school, and then explain how over time you developed an authentic interest which allowed you to study more effectively and take the lsat a bit more seriously. I always think statements revealing some sort of positive transformation are compelling, allowing you to remedy potential blemishes while showcasing current strengths. If you feel like your addendum is strong/well written, I would send it to all the schools that you apply to.
No, it isn't.johngreen wrote:The addenda is necessary.
wtrc wrote:What Campos said. Always what Campos says.
Not arguing the point but man that was kind of harsh, eh?Paul Campos wrote: You're not getting into Yale
Would recommend writing one?Clearly wrote:I didn't write one at all with a twelve point increase. Would recommend.
For the love of god, don't do this. It will make you look crazy.pin_s wrote:If I were in your position (a great one to be, btw), I would tie the point increase to some greater personal change that you experienced in between your initial and current scores. Discuss a lack of commitment due to your reservations about attending law school, and then explain how over time you developed an authentic interest which allowed you to study more effectively and take the lsat a bit more seriously. I always think statements revealing some sort of positive transformation are compelling, allowing you to remedy potential blemishes while showcasing current strengths. If you feel like your addendum is strong/well written, I would send it to all the schools that you apply to.
I meant would recommend not writing, sorry for ambiguity. This is a case where I don't think it really makes a difference either way. The point of an addendum is ultimately to try to stop them from assuming the worst about a negative part of the app. From an lsat perspective,the worst assumption they can make about a score jump is they didn't take it as serious as they should, or they went about studying wrong. In this case, the explanation presented is basically the same as the worst they could assume. If the reason was more unexpected, I'd say write it, but here I don't think it matters.altoid99 wrote:Would recommend writing one?Clearly wrote:I didn't write one at all with a twelve point increase. Would recommend.
Paul Campos wrote:This is an all-purpose reply, for lots of questions that get asked on this forum.
Law schools are desperate for well-qualified applicants right now. This to some greater or lesser extent includes every school south of Harvard.
The italicized sentence essentially answers the following questions, and many many more:
(1) "How should I explain the increase in my LSAT score?"
(2) "Should I have an interests section on my resume?"
(3) "Is it OK to have a rec letter from X as opposed to Y?"
(4) "How should I explain why I withdrew after being accepted at a school that I'm applying to again?"
(5) "Will schools care that I got a MIP when I was 19?"
(6) "Does taking the LSAT in December hurt my chances?"
Etc etc etc
The answer to all such questions is, it doesn't matter*
*Above does not necessarily apply to Yale#
#You're not getting into Yale