GPA - 1 bad semester Should i explain in addendum Forum

[npchristian1985]

In my first year of undergrad (Summer 2005- Spring 2006). I had no goals or aspirations for college. If I completed two classes a semester (completely free [military tuition]) I was awarded significant points toward promotion and that is the only reason I went to school. My only incentive the entire time was to maintain a better than C average in order to keep getting the military scholarship. In Fall of 2007 I realized the importance of my GPA and began considering law school. I started applying myself immediately to my academics. As a result:

GPA between first class and Fall 2007: 3.26 (15 classes, 7 at 4.0 [A], 5 at 3.75 , and 3 at 2.0 (C).

GPA between fall 2007 and graduation: 3.96 (with a total of 23 classes, 21 classes at 4.0 [A] and 2 classes at 3.75)

GPA upon graduation: 3.65

Should I include an addendum explaining that I was young and immature and my only reason for going to school was to earn points toward a military promotion and I do not feel this GPA accurately represents my academic potential?

I realize that all T-14 schools are going to consider 3.65 as my GPA for admissions purposes but will they at least consider the HUGE upward trend?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[Paul Campos]

Speaking as an occasional member of law school admissions committees, few things are more irritating than reading 73 addendums that are almost all some variation on "at first I didn't take grades seriously, then I did."

[ymmv]

Speaking as an occasional member of law school admissions committees, few things are more irritating than reading 73 addendums that are almost all some variation on "at first I didn't take grades seriously, then I did."

+1. Your transcript will speak for itself, OP. Don't draw attention to your early lack of effort by making excuses for it. Assuming you rock the LSAT a 3.65 will not be a massive barrier to acceptance at good schools.

[stephcurry]

In my first year of undergrad (Summer 2005- Spring 2006). I had no goals or aspirations for college. If I completed two classes a semester (completely free [military tuition]) I was awarded significant points toward promotion and that is the only reason I went to school. My only incentive the entire time was to maintain a better than C average in order to keep getting the military scholarship. In Fall of 2007 I realized the importance of my GPA and began considering law school. I started applying myself immediately to my academics. As a result:

GPA between first class and Fall 2007: 3.26 (15 classes, 7 at 4.0 [A], 5 at 3.75 , and 3 at 2.0 (C).

GPA between fall 2007 and graduation: 3.96 (with a total of 23 classes, 21 classes at 4.0 [A] and 2 classes at 3.75)

GPA upon graduation: 3.65

Should I include an addendum explaining that I was young and immature and my only reason for going to school was to earn points toward a military promotion and I do not feel this GPA accurately represents my academic potential?

I realize that all T-14 schools are going to consider 3.65 as my GPA for admissions purposes but will they at least consider the HUGE upward trend?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Have you tried using this: http://www.lawschoolpredictor.com/wp-co ... ulator.htm

Maybe I'm misinterpreting something but I hope you're not calculating your B as worth a 3.75 when trying to find your LSAC GPA.

[03152016]

assuming it's just a typo
grades seem right for the gpa he listed

[TheSpanishMain]

3.65 is just fine for most of the T14 with a solid LSAT. I got into multiple T14 schools with a 3.3. I think military service is what gave me a boost, and it sounds like it'll be the same for you. Don't obsess about your GPA addendum. Focus on the LSAT.