Addendum Question Forum

[Penny07]

Hello,

I'm hoping to apply to law school next year, with William and Mary being my top choice. Unfortuntly my grades from college took a sharp nosedive my senior year. I was consistently making A's and B's until family problems got in the way. My graduating GPA was a 3.14.

I failed one class and retook it and made a C. The reason for this is because during this time my brother revealed to the family that he had contracted AIDS. This really caused a lot of problems within my family and unfortunatly the stress of it did effect my grades. Would this be something I could write an addendum about? Would including it be too personal?

Thank you for your help.

[Rigo]

It's worthy of an addendum because it involves factors outside of your control. Point to what your gpa was before your senior year. It may behoove you to be a little more specific in the addendum about the problems it caused you and why you were unable to focus on your academics.
As for if it's too personal or not, that's for you to decide. Maybe talk to your family about it if it will make you feel more comfortable.

[Penny07]

As for if it's too personal or not, that's for you to decide. Maybe talk to your family about it if it will make you feel more comfortable.

I have no problem writing about it. However, it is a touchy subject and I was worried that it might weird out the admission board. Would this make them too uncomfortable and possible negatively affect my chances of getting in?

[Rigo]

As for if it's too personal or not, that's for you to decide. Maybe talk to your family about it if it will make you feel more comfortable.

I have no problem writing about it. However, it is a touchy subject and I was worried that it might weird out the admission board. Would this make them too uncomfortable and possible negatively affect my chances of getting in?

Not at all. Law school apps are filled with sensitive subjects.