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Question: for some reason my school has an intro course where we receive a letter grade, not the normal pass fail, on our transcripts. The course is 2 credits and frankly a load of crap. The curve is so tight as they want kids to be encouraged so even to get an A- is an unusual feat. I got a B+, and it's my only B range score all 1L. My overall gpa now is a 3.888 and not a 3.94 if that score weren't included. How will schools view this? Should
I write an addendum explaining this?

Thanks guys!

Anonymous User wrote:Question: for some reason my school has an intro course where we receive a letter grade, not the normal pass fail, on our transcripts. The course is 2 credits and frankly a load of crap. The curve is so tight as they want kids to be encouraged so even to get an A- is an unusual feat. I got a B+, and it's my only B range score all 1L. My overall gpa now is a 3.888 and not a 3.94 if that score weren't included. How will schools view this? Should
I write an addendum explaining this?

Thanks guys!

No you'll come off as a major douche (don't write addendums to employers, dude). Plus since everyone in the school takes the class, the playing field is level and everyone could write the same addendum.

You didn't do well enough to beat the curve in one class, it happens.

I hear you. Not sure I'd come off as a "dousche". Plus,
No it isn't even playing field as not all schools are given a letter grade.

Geist13 wrote: (don't write addendums to employers, dude).

This is the transfer forum, breh

RodneyRuxin wrote:

Geist13 wrote: (don't write addendums to employers, dude).

This is the transfer forum, breh

My B. disregard everything I said. Have no clue about transferring.

Aright, now that that's settled---

Does anyone know if there is anything appropriate/non-douchey to say for a TRANSFER?

psach44 wrote:Aright, now that that's settled---

Does anyone know if there is anything appropriate/non-douchey to say for a TRANSFER?

How much did this change your rank? Was it a significant drop from fall to spring?

Anonymous User wrote:Question: for some reason my school has an intro course where we receive a letter grade, not the normal pass fail, on our transcripts.

I'm unclear about the above. Does your school not use letter grades at all? Or do you mean that most schools would use pass/fail for an intro course of this kind.

I really don't know how you could write anything that doesn't sound like complaining about the curve. A 3.88 is still a great GPA. I think you would only weaken your application by writing some kind of addendum.

Really?? First of all, it's common for schools actually to grade these courses. Second, it's your only B range grade and you want to write an addendum? That would be for a significant outlier. Getting a B+ along with all A-range grades is not a significant outlier. Writing an addendum will only suggest that it's UNTHINKABLE for you to get a B-range grade, which yes, will make you look like a douche.

1. I believe many kids write addendum addressing these issues. While it might be a reach to call it an "outlier" it is still different. I could understand how it might come off douchey, but I think if it is written properly explaining the object and uniqueness of the class then it might be explainable. In the end, the class's purpose is to introduce the students to legal analysis while awarding grades that are neither too encouraging nor too discouraging.

2. I am not aware of the other schools that don't have just the normal P/F. I might be incorrect though...

In terms of rank, we do not get exact numbers, just percentage. But, numerically, I would go from a 3.888 to a 3.94

I don't know of anyone writing an addendum to explain a B+ or any grade where there isn't an explanation other than "the course is crap and the curve is too tight" - addenda usually explain significant personal circumstances that explain why something is an outlier. You haven't mentioned anything about your life that caused you difficulties in performing more successfully in the class. Therefore, why would you write an addendum?

I actually just spoke with a rep from Harvard admissions and she said that kids do it all the time...

Listen, it's non-essential; I don't have to. Was just wondering...

Whether students do it all the time doesn't answer whether it's a good idea. But you know best what will work for you, so good luck with the transfer.

Thanks, good sir.

If you have a compelling reason, I guess it couldn't hurt. But if you don't and try to bullshit it, it'll probably hurt your application.

For the record, shitty class + tight curve is not a compelling reason. Your brother dying a week before finals + your apartment flooding and losing all yours notes might be a compelling reason.