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I'm wondering if I should write a GPA addendum for UT. Their application states
"If your academic performance for one or more semesters was markedly different from that of other semesters, please explain."
I have a 3.55 LSAC GPA which isn't great but isn't exactly terrible either. My first year was entirely different and hence brought my LSAC GPA down, but I have no excuse other than it was my first year of college and I took all my hard sciences that year.
UT is a hail mary for me so I'm wondering if it would hurt or help

Depends on what you plan on putting in that addendum.

I'm looking to just disclose the facts

They can see the facts from your transcript. The reason to write an addendum is to prove that its an aberration and you will be very successful, notwithstanding whatever happened to lead you to have bad grades.

If your only explanation is that you were just kind of a dumb freshman in college taking hard classes but not working hard enough at them, I'm 50/50 on whether an addendum stating that really helps you.

Thanks mcmand for your response. Thats exactly what it was I was, I was dumb and didn't try. I don't see how that could look good to the admissions office. I am just mainly worried because the Texas app did ask for an explanation, but that could just pertain to students with circumstances.

BTW Sorry in my original post I asked the question wether it would hurt or help, I want to clarify I know it would not help.I was asking more about how much would it hurt

If something isn't going to help, then it's not worth the risk. Neutral means it wasnt worth your time, and bad means it's hurting your chances. I vote not to do it.

Thanks for your input mcmand