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I need help deciding on addendum and some guidance on how it is formatted.

I am considering writing something along the lines of the following:

GPA
My adjusted GPA from LSAC is a 3.35; however, this is not a true reflection of my academic potential. I graduated with high honors in the school of engineering. My sophomore year, my GPA took a downturn because of a combination of the fact that I had taken on significantly more responsibility in my family after Hurricane Sandy, which had devastated my uncle's home, and the difficult coursework including Organic Chemistry. After that year, my GPA is a true reflection of my potential.*

LSAT
My first LSAT score of 15X is a product of trying to navigate the admission process alone. After obtaining the correct materials and guidance, my latest score of 16X (waiting on re-take december score, got a 163 in Oct. but I can definitely hit 167-170) is a proper reflection of my abilities.
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*Trying to get median GPA's across my major from the dean
When submitting these addendum, do I use two separate documents, or format it similarly to how I did above on one sheet?

sjp200 wrote:I need help deciding on addendum and some guidance on how it is formatted.

I am considering writing something along the lines of the following:

GPA
My adjusted GPA from LSAC is a 3.35; however, this is not a true reflection of my academic potential. I graduated with high honors in the school of engineering. My sophomore year, my GPA took a downturn because of a combination of the fact that I had taken on significantly more responsibility in my family after Hurricane Sandy, which had devastated my uncle's home, and the difficult coursework including Organic Chemistry. After that year, my GPA is a true reflection of my potential.*

LSAT
My first LSAT score of 15X is a product of trying to navigate the admission process alone. After obtaining the correct materials and guidance, my latest score of 16X (waiting on re-take december score, got a 163 in Oct. but I can definitely hit 167-170) is a proper reflection of my abilities.
--------------
*Trying to get median GPA's across my major from the dean
When submitting these addendum, do I use two separate documents, or format it similarly to how I did above on one sheet?

I would recommend not writing any addenda at all. Adcoms will notice your difficult coursework in your sophomore year and the subsequent trend in your grades. I think the family responsibility would be an issue better addressed in a PS; if not, perhaps a diversity statement. If you feel that you must write an addendum for GPA, focus it on the family responsibilities and keep it brief.

Regarding LSAT addendum, your current discrepancy between scores doesn't warrant an addendum. If you get your December score into the 170's and have a 12+ gap, then it might make sense. I'm in a similar situation to you, so I know the inclination to write an addendum for situations, but it really is best to address them in a different manner.

stig2014 wrote:

sjp200 wrote:I need help deciding on addendum and some guidance on how it is formatted.

I am considering writing something along the lines of the following:

GPA
My adjusted GPA from LSAC is a 3.35; however, this is not a true reflection of my academic potential. I graduated with high honors in the school of engineering. My sophomore year, my GPA took a downturn because of a combination of the fact that I had taken on significantly more responsibility in my family after Hurricane Sandy, which had devastated my uncle's home, and the difficult coursework including Organic Chemistry. After that year, my GPA is a true reflection of my potential.*

LSAT
My first LSAT score of 15X is a product of trying to navigate the admission process alone. After obtaining the correct materials and guidance, my latest score of 16X (waiting on re-take december score, got a 163 in Oct. but I can definitely hit 167-170) is a proper reflection of my abilities.
--------------
*Trying to get median GPA's across my major from the dean
When submitting these addendum, do I use two separate documents, or format it similarly to how I did above on one sheet?

I would recommend not writing any addenda at all. Adcoms will notice your difficult coursework in your sophomore year and the subsequent trend in your grades. I think the family responsibility would be an issue better addressed in a PS; if not, perhaps a diversity statement. If you feel that you must write an addendum for GPA, focus it on the family responsibilities and keep it brief.

Regarding LSAT addendum, your current discrepancy between scores doesn't warrant an addendum. If you get your December score into the 170's and have a 12+ gap, then it might make sense. I'm in a similar situation to you, so I know the inclination to write an addendum for different situations, but it really is best to address them in a different manner.

Thanks for the response. My thing about the lsat addendum is I scored in the low 150's and plan on a score in the high 160's, so there's at least a 15 point differential there. Still no addendum you think?

sjp200 wrote:

stig2014 wrote:

sjp200 wrote:I need help deciding on addendum and some guidance on how it is formatted.

I am considering writing something along the lines of the following:

GPA
My adjusted GPA from LSAC is a 3.35; however, this is not a true reflection of my academic potential. I graduated with high honors in the school of engineering. My sophomore year, my GPA took a downturn because of a combination of the fact that I had taken on significantly more responsibility in my family after Hurricane Sandy, which had devastated my uncle's home, and the difficult coursework including Organic Chemistry. After that year, my GPA is a true reflection of my potential.*

LSAT
My first LSAT score of 15X is a product of trying to navigate the admission process alone. After obtaining the correct materials and guidance, my latest score of 16X (waiting on re-take december score, got a 163 in Oct. but I can definitely hit 167-170) is a proper reflection of my abilities.
--------------
*Trying to get median GPA's across my major from the dean
When submitting these addendum, do I use two separate documents, or format it similarly to how I did above on one sheet?

I would recommend not writing any addenda at all. Adcoms will notice your difficult coursework in your sophomore year and the subsequent trend in your grades. I think the family responsibility would be an issue better addressed in a PS; if not, perhaps a diversity statement. If you feel that you must write an addendum for GPA, focus it on the family responsibilities and keep it brief.

Regarding LSAT addendum, your current discrepancy between scores doesn't warrant an addendum. If you get your December score into the 170's and have a 12+ gap, then it might make sense. I'm in a similar situation to you, so I know the inclination to write an addendum for different situations, but it really is best to address them in a different manner.

Thanks for the response. My thing about the lsat addendum is I scored in the low 150's and plan on a score in the high 160's, so there's at least a 15 point differential there. Still no addendum you think?

Are you going to be applying after the December re-take? If so, and you have a large discrepancy between scores, then I'd probably write one just to be safe.

If you're applying now and then submitting an additional score after your re-take, you're probably best to not attach it for now and then submit it later on with your December score.

T14 will be after, some of the T15-T20ish now. Thanks for the heads up!

T14 will be after, some of the T15-T20ish now. Thanks for the heads up!

Many schools require or strongly suggest that you submit an addendum explaining a large LSAT score discrepancy. Make sure you check for each school you're applying to so that you are following their instructions. Good luck on the December LSAT!