How to Address Application Weaknesses With an Addendum

No application is perfect, but what makes a good application is that it can talk about its weaknesses. As a law school application consultant I’ve guided countless applicants through this process over the years. One of the most powerful tools to address application challenges is the addendum. By strategically including this brief, focused explanation in your application, you can turn a potential liability into an opportunity.

The addendum is meant to help explain inconsistencies or weaknesses in the application without seeming defensive. It provides you with the opportunity to incorporate context and address any red flags, giving admissions committees a more complete picture of who you are.

What is an Addendum, and When Should You Use It?

An addendum is a short, factual explanation included in your law school application to address specific weaknesses or inconsistencies. Although not required with each application, an addendum may prove to be an important ingredient in explaining otherwise problematic issues to the admissions committees. Throughout my years of law school application consulting, I’ve witnessed the powerful impact a well-crafted addendum can have.

Examples of Common Weaknesses:

• A semester or year of low grades.
• A below-average LSAT score compared to the school’s median.
• A disciplinary record or personal challenges that affected academic performance.

For example, if a family emergency impacted your GPA during a specific term, an addendum allows you to explain the circumstances briefly and factually. Similarly, if your LSAT score doesn’t reflect your academic potential due to external factors, an addendum can highlight your strengths beyond the test.

As someone specializing in law school application help, I recommend crafting an addendum only when it adds genuine value to your application.

Important Note: Not every issue requires an addendum. If the weakness is minor or adequately addressed elsewhere in your application, it may not be necessary. The decision to include an addendum should be made strategically, with the goal of adding value to your overall application. This is where my experience with law school application help can guide you.

Mandatory Addendum Topics

Academic Probation

For most schools, academic probation means having a GPA at or under 2.0 for one or more terms. You would have been notified of this status and later placed back in good standing once you improved your performance. This is often noted on your transcript and can be explained alongside other GPA-related issues to avoid submitting multiple documents.

Example:

“I was placed on academic probation after the fall semester of my sophomore year. During that semester, I took both organic chemistry and calculus, hoping to complete my pre-med requirements on an expedited basis. However, I struggled in the coursework and decided to change career paths. The following semester, I focused on history and philosophy and earned a 3.6 GPA. Based on this, I was placed back in good standing with the university. I decided to change my major and during my junior and senior years, my GPA was always above a 3.75.”

School Interruption

Many schools ask whether you took time off during your educational career. If you withdrew, took a leave of absence, or chose not to attend for a period, explain the reason clearly. Include dates, the reason for the gap, and account for what you did while not enrolled. Highlight how you improved upon returning, if applicable.

Example:

“I withdrew from school in the fall of 2021 semester due to a severe illness. I took a leave of absence in the spring of 2022 while I recovered. When I returned to school in the summer of 2022, I attended classes consistently until my graduation in summer 2023.”

Character and Fitness

Law schools often inquire about criminal records. This can include arrests, charges, or convictions. Common issues include Driving Under the Influence (DUI), using a fake ID, minor in possession citations, or shoplifting. The more serious and the more recent an offense, the greater its impact might be on your application.

To craft a persuasive explanation:

• Focus on whether it was a one-time incident or part of a pattern.
• Highlight how much time has passed and what you’ve done to demonstrate responsibility since then.

Important Note: Candor is critical. It’s better to report issues truthfully than risk being found untruthful later, which could impact your ability to practice law.

Example:

“In 2018, I was cited for underage possession of alcohol. This was a one-time incident during my first year of college, and I deeply regret my actions. I have, therefore, been on a clean record, working toward academic and professional objectives while taking part in community service projects promoting responsibility and accountability.”

As a law school application consultant, I make a point to counsel clients on the subjects of honesty and professionalism while representing these matters. For even more insights and guidance on addressing academic probation, check out my book.

How to Structure an Addendum

The key to an effective addendum is simplicity and clarity. Admissions committees review thousands of applications, so it’s important to be concise and focused.

Guidelines for Structuring Your Addendum:

1. State the Issue: Begin by identifying the specific weakness or inconsistency. For example: “During the spring semester of my junior year, my GPA dropped from 3.8 to 3.0.”
2. Explain the Reason: Provide a brief and factual explanation of the circumstances. This should be brief and factual. Do not sound defensive or overly descriptive. For instance: “This was because of a family crisis that required much attention and time from her.”
3. End with a Note of Resolution: Conclude by highlighting what you learned or how you’ve addressed the issue. For example: “Since then, I have maintained a consistent GPA of 3.8, demonstrating my ability to manage challenges effectively.”

As a law school application consultant, I guide applicants on structuring addenda to effectively showcase their growth and accountability.

Sample Structure:

• Opening: State the specific issue.
• Middle: Provide the context in a concise and factual manner.
• Closing: Highlight your growth or resolution.

Example of a Strong Addendum:

• Opening: “My LSAT score of 152 does not reflect my academic abilities.”
• Middle: “During the testing period, I was recovering from a medical condition that impacted my ability to perform at my best. My academic record, including a 3.9 GPA, demonstrates my capacity for rigorous coursework.”
• Closing: “I am confident that my academic history reflects my potential to excel in law school.”

This is where law school application consulting can ensure your addendum is effective and professional.

Tip: Avoid lengthy explanations. Keep your addendum under one page and focus only on the necessary details.

How an Addendum Can Help Address Weaknesses

When used appropriately, an addendum can be a powerful addition to your application. It provides an opportunity to:

• Demonstrate Accountability: Admissions committees value applicants who take responsibility for their actions and circumstances.
• Provide Context: Sometimes personal or external factors influence academic performance. An addendum allows you to explain these factors without making excuses.
• Highlight Growth: Use the addendum to show how you’ve grown from the experience and how it has prepared you for the challenges of law school.

While providing many students with law school application help, I’ve seen how a well-written addendum can positively influence an applicant’s chances. This is why law school application consulting is an invaluable resource for applicants.

Important Note: Admissions committees appreciate honesty, but they also value brevity. Stay factual and avoid unnecessary emotional appeals.