Addenda can be included for a variety of reasons. You may choose to complete an addendum that contextualizes an element of your application or background. You may want to use an addendum to provide an explanation for a semester of lower grades, a complicated transcript, a leave of absence, a large change in your LSAT score, a disciplinary action from your undergraduate institution, a legal infraction and/or a significant gap in your resume.
Pre-Law Advising
Application Addenda
Addendum Tips
- Be factual and brief. For example, if you navigated difficulties during part of your studies, which affected your grades, providing some context about this is fitting for an addendum.
- Only use an addendum if the information you are discussing is not clear in the rest of your application. For example, if you talk about taking a personal leave in your personal statement, you do not need to add an addendum about this.
- Avoid blaming or self-pity. If there is something negative you need to discuss, provide the facts and avoid recriminations or focusing on your own faults.
- Focus on your growth or positive outcomes. If you have a disciplinary action or low grades to explain, provide the information and focus on how you have learned from the experience and how it has potentially made you a better applicant or lawyer.