Should you always write a GPA addendum for upwards trends? Forum

[ivankasta]

My gpa's per year were 3.1, 3.8, 3.7, 4.1

I took more units per quarter after freshman year, so my total gpa is a 3.75. I am aiming for an admission at HLS, and this gpa puts me just below their 25th.

I am tempted to write an addendum pointing out that if my freshman year grades were excluded, my gpa would be a 3.9, but I am hesitant because I don't have any good reason for the lower GPA freshman year. I just didn't have very good study habits and I skipped class a lot. Should I still write an addendum pointing out my GPA trend even though it was just a result of being a lazy freshman?

[cavalier1138]

No. You should almost never write a GPA addendum for upward trends.

The only good reasons for a GPA addendum are medical issues and family emergencies. Everything else falls into the category of, "I partied too hard, but then I figured out college."

[Mr. Archer]

No. Unless you decided to be dishonest, you would just be telling information about yourself that would hurt you.

[Rigo]

It's very common for people to have a weak freshman year.