What Is An Academic Addendum?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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An addendum is

usually written to address an aspect of your application that you feel warrants attention or might raise a red flag

. If you have a “C”, “D”, or “F” in a class but are generally a good student, you may want to explain the circumstances surrounding the grade with an addendum. …

What is an addendum in college?

An addendum is

a brief optional additional document that can be used to explain weaknesses within your application

. An addendum is not for everyone and most students will have no need for one.

How do you write an academic addendum?

  1. Explain, do NOT excuse. Whether a DUI, MIP, or academic setback – take full responsibility for your actions. …
  2. Include all key details. For example, say when the event occurred, what happened, and why. …
  3. Make it uplifting. …
  4. Keep it simple and objective. …
  5. Only write an addendum if necessary!

What is a GPA addendum?

Prospective law students should consider submitting an addendum to address disciplinary issues or a low GPA or LSAT score. … The purpose of the addendum is twofold:

to acknowledge the irregularity and to account for the context in which the situation arose

.

Should I write an addendum about my undergraduate GPA?

I

would not recommend submitting an addendum

in order to convey information that is readily available on your transcript (and/or on your Academic Summary Report). Addendum essays should be reserved for important information that admissions officers can’t readily find elsewhere in your application.

What is an addendum example?

An example of an addendum being used would be

if the parties wanted to add something to the original document

. For instance, an individual who is purchasing a house may not want to purchase all of the furniture that is being left behind. However, after thinking about it further, he changes his mind.

How do you start an addendum?

  1. Use the same font, margins, and style used in the original contract.
  2. Reference the original contract by name and date, with a title that makes it clear that this new document is an addendum.
  3. Name the parties to the contract.

How long should a GPA addendum be?

The addendum should be

one page or less

. Being concise is hard work. Revise, revise, revise! On occasion, an applicant has an issue that needs more than one page to explain, but most of the time, keep it to one page.

How long is law addendum GPA?

An addendum should be a short, concise document—in most cases,

one to three paragraphs will

suffice. It’s rare that you’ll need to write more than one double-spaced page.

How do you write LSAT score addendum?

Like GPA, an LSAT score addendum should have something

to point to as evidence you’re more than your score

. If you don’t have a good reason for a low LSAT score, don’t write an addendum. Try to highlight your other strengths (high GPA, strong softs, URM status, etc.) in your PS/DS and let them speak for themselves.

What is a graduate addendum?

An addendum is usually

written to address an aspect of your application that you feel warrants attention or might raise a red flag

. If you have a “C”, “D”, or “F” in a class but are generally a good student, you may want to explain the circumstances surrounding the grade with an addendum. …

How do you write a character and fitness addendum?

  1. Say what happened. …
  2. Take responsibility for your actions and say what you learned. …
  3. Make sure you know the facts. …
  4. State the circumstances in their entirety. …
  5. State the disposition of the charge. …
  6. Own your transgression and say what you learned.

When should you write an LSAT addendum?

You may write an addendum to

explain a drop in your grades

, a leave of absence, a light course load, an aberration on your resume (working a job for only six months, for example), a lack of extracurriculars, or—rarely—a low LSAT score. In other words, you can describe extenuating circumstances.

How do you explain low GPA example?

Another way to explain your low GPA in the personal statement can be related to financial problems. For example,

you had to study and work at the same time to make ends meet

. In trying to do so, you were not able to entirely focus on your studies, and this would go in your favor.

What if I do worse on my second LSAT?

Even if you do worse on a retake,

law schools still have the ability and the incentive

just to consider your higher score. That said, law schools generally don’t view a 1 or 2 point score bump as a significant improvement. For one thing, these scores are within the margin of error.

Do law schools care about upward trend in GPA?

An

upward grade trend can offset a mediocre or poor GPA

, as can a strong LSAT score. Similarly, consistently outstanding academic performance and a strong GPA can offset a less competitive LSAT score. Remember that although law schools use these as predictors of success in law school, they are not the only predictors.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.