Law School Addendum: Writing Tips and Samples
Explore a clear, expert-crafted law school addendum example and tips to address GPA, LSAT, or conduct issues and strengthen your application.
Posted August 18, 2025
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If you’re preparing your law school application, you might be wondering whether to include a law school addendum or, in some cases, multiple addenda. While it’s not required for every applicant, in the right circumstances, it can be a powerful tool to help admissions officers understand your academic or legal background and view your application in its best light.
A well-written addendum can clarify gaps, anomalies, or red flags, demonstrating accountability and professionalism. A poorly written one, however, can hurt your chances. This guide covers everything from when to write a law school addendum to the exact structure, tone, and examples. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether to write one and how to do it so it strengthens your candidacy for top law schools.
What Is a Law School Addendum?
A law school addendum is a short, factual document included in your law school application to clarify irregularities such as low grades, a low LSAT score, multiple LSAT attempts, academic misconduct, disciplinary action, criminal record, or significant resume gaps. It provides an honest explanation without excuses, helping the admissions committee fairly evaluate your candidacy
Common reasons to write a law school addendum:
- Low GPA or a semester of poor grades due to extenuating circumstances like a family emergency, mental health issues, or a learning disability.
- Low LSAT score or taking the LSAT multiple times because of testing difficulties or illness.
- Academic misconduct, academic probation, or other disciplinary action.
- Criminal record or other character and fitness issues, such as traffic violations or minor infractions.
- Significant resume gaps caused by community service, caregiving, or other personal difficulties.
Note: An addendum is not a place for excuses. It is an opportunity to provide an honest, factual explanation that demonstrates accountability.
Checklist: Do You Need an Addendum?
Before you start drafting, run through this list:
- The issue is clear and documented in my record (grades, test scores, conduct).
- It could raise concerns if left unexplained.
- I can provide an appropriate explanation with facts, not excuses.
- I can keep it to one page.
- I can end on a positive note, showing growth or stability.
- I’m not writing it just to address a minor concern (slight GPA dip, small LSAT variation).
If you check all the items above, you likely need to write an addendum.
When to Write a Law School Addendum (With In-Depth Scenarios & Expert Guidance)
Not every irregularity in your record requires an addendum. But when a significant academic, testing, character, or professional anomaly could raise questions in the admissions committee’s mind, you should address it directly. A well-crafted explanation can neutralize potential concerns and show that you handle challenges with maturity and accountability.
1. Low GPA or Noticeable Drop in Academic Performance
When it matters: If you experienced a significant semester or year-long drop in grades, particularly if the rest of your transcript reflects strong academic performance, an addendum can clarify the cause. This is especially important if the issue appears in your LSAC report and could cause admissions officers to wonder whether it’s indicative of your long-term abilities.
How to approach it: Be factual about the cause (e.g., family emergency, health issues, learning disability, personal difficulties).
- Highlight the period as an isolated incident.
- Show concrete improvement afterward.
Example Addendum:
“During my sophomore and freshman years, my GPA dropped to 2.4 due to a serious family emergency that required me to travel home weekly. Since then, I have maintained a 3.85 GPA, reflecting consistent high performance under normal circumstances.”
Expert insight: Former law school admissions officers note that they’re not looking for sympathy; they’re looking for evidence that you’ve identified the cause, taken corrective steps, and maintained stability since.
2. Low LSAT Score or Multiple LSAT Attempts
When it matters: If your LSAT score is substantially lower than the median for your target schools or you have a large jump between attempts, the addendum allows you to provide context so your best score is given full weight.
How to approach it: Only write if there was a legitimate cause—testing difficulties, illness, mental health issues, or a major disruption.
- Keep the focus on the improvement and why the higher score reflects your abilities.
- Avoid overexplaining; two to three sentences are enough.
Example Addendum:
“I scored a 150 on my first LSAT due to testing difficulties caused by illness. After implementing a structured preparation plan, I earned a 165, an increase that better reflects my true aptitude.”
3. Academic Misconduct, Academic Probation, or Disciplinary Action
When it matters: If you’ve been placed on academic probation, cited for academic misconduct, or faced other disciplinary action, you must address it directly. Schools will see it on your record, and omitting an explanation could suggest avoidance or a lack of accountability.
How to approach it:
- Be direct: name the issue and the year it occurred.
- Take full responsibility, even if circumstances contributed.
- Describe what you learned and how you’ve prevented recurrence.
Example Addendum:
“In my sophomore year, I was placed on academic probation after missing final exams due to untreated mental health issues. I sought treatment, retook the courses, and graduated with honors.”
4. Criminal Record or Traffic Violations
When it matters: Any criminal record, even seemingly minor issues like traffic violations, should be addressed if it will appear in your character and fitness evaluation.
How to approach it:
- State the incident and year plainly.
- Note the resolution (fines paid, courses completed, charges dismissed).
- Emphasize a clean record since the incident.
Example Addendum:
“In 2020, I received two traffic violations. I paid all fines promptly, completed a defensive driving course, and have had no further incidents.”
5. Resume Gaps or Nontraditional Career Paths
When it matters: Significant resume gaps or unconventional career moves can raise questions if unexplained, especially for law school candidates coming from nontraditional backgrounds.
How to approach it:
- Provide a concise timeline.
- Explain the reason (caregiving, community service, professional training).
- Connect it to your readiness for law school.
Example Addendum:
“Between 2021 and 2022, I paused my career to provide full-time care for a family member. This period reinforced my commitment to public service and influenced my decision to pursue a legal career.”
Pro tip from former admissions officers: “When we read addenda, we’re scanning for clarity and closure. If you leave doubt, overjustify, or appear evasive, the addendum can hurt more than help. A good one answers three questions quickly: What happened? Why? And why won’t it happen again?”
When Not to Write a Law School Addendum
Knowing when to hold back is just as important as knowing when to explain. An unnecessary addendum can inadvertently highlight a flaw that the admissions committee might otherwise overlook. If the concern is already thoroughly addressed in your personal statement or diversity statement, there’s no need to repeat it. The same goes for small anomalies, such as a single bad semester early in college or an LSAT score difference of only one or two points, especially if your record shows consistent improvement. You should also skip it if you lack valid reasons or can only offer explanations that come across as defensive or overly emotional.
Rule of thumb from former law school admissions officers: If they wouldn’t notice the issue without you pointing it out, you’re better off not writing about it. Your silence can work in your favor; let the strength of your overall application carry the narrative instead of drawing attention to minor imperfections.
How to Write a Law School Addendum (Proven Formula + Expert Tips)
A strong law school addendum is short, factual, and strategic. Think of it as answering a judge’s question on the stand where you’re giving the facts, not a dramatic backstory, and your tone conveys responsibility and credibility. Follow this proven three-step process used by successful applicants to top programs.
Step 1: Follow the Three-Part Structure
The Incident – What happened?
Open with a clear, one-sentence statement identifying the specific issue you’re addressing. Avoid hedging or vague language — the reader should understand the exact nature of the problem immediately.
Example: “During the spring semester of my junior year, my GPA fell to 2.0 due to a family emergency.”
Pro Tip: Name the semester/year and the measurable impact (e.g., GPA drop, LSAT score) so it’s anchored in fact. Avoid subjective phrases like “I had a really tough time” or “things got complicated.”
The Explanation – Why did it happen?
Provide an objective, factual context for the incident. Stick to the cause-and-effect link between the event and its impact on your record. This is not a place for persuasion but a place for clarity.
Example: “I traveled home frequently to support my critically ill parent, which significantly reduced my available study time and affected my academic focus.”
Pro Tip: Keep the timeline clear and avoid editorializing. If multiple factors contributed, identify the primary one to prevent the explanation from feeling scattered or defensive.
The Growth / Positive Note – Why won’t it happen again?
Conclude by showing resolution, stability, and growth. Demonstrate that the concern is in the past and that you have both the resilience and the systems in place to prevent recurrence.
Example: “Since that semester, I have maintained a 3.8 GPA and developed more effective time management strategies, balancing academic and personal responsibilities successfully.”
Pro Tip: Tie your growth to traits that matter in law school: discipline, organization, and stress management, so the admissions committee sees a direct link to your readiness as a law student.
Step 2: Keep It Concise
Aim for no more than one page, ideally two to three short paragraphs. Admissions officers review hundreds of files; a concise, well-organized addendum signals respect for their time and confidence in your explanation.
Why brevity matters: A long-winded addendum can look like overcompensation. The strongest ones state the facts, show growth, and stop. Let the rest of your law school application speak for itself.
Step 3: Maintain a Professional, Neutral Tone
Your tone should be the written equivalent of a calm, prepared testimony: no defensiveness, blame-shifting, or overly emotional appeals. Acknowledge the incident, take ownership, and move forward.
Language to Avoid:
- “It wasn’t my fault…”
- “I had no choice but…”
- “I want the committee to feel sorry for me because…”
Language to Use:
- “I take full responsibility for…”
- “This was an isolated incident due to…”
- “Since then, I have consistently…”
Law School Addendum Master Template
[Your Name]
[LSAC Account Number or Applicant ID]
[Date]
Law School Addendum
During [semester/year], my [specific record: GPA fell to X, LSAT score was Y, disciplinary action occurred, etc.] due to [brief, factual cause].
This was the result of [concise explanation: e.g., a family emergency, illness, learning disability, testing difficulties, etc.]. This circumstance [describe the impact briefly — “limited my available study time,” “affected my academic focus,” “required significant time away from campus”].
Since that time, I have [actions you took: improved time management, sought treatment, completed additional coursework, retook the LSAT], and I have consistently [positive results: maintained GPA of X, achieved higher LSAT score, avoided further incidents, developed stronger study habits]. I am confident that [incident] will not affect my performance as a law student.
Signature (optional for electronic submission):
[Your Name]
Essential Dos and Don’ts from Admissions Experts
To simplify the process, here are some clear dos and don’ts to keep in mind when drafting your addendum:
| Do | Why It Matters | Don’t | Why It Hurts Your Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep it brief and to the point | Admissions officers read hundreds of files — concise writing signals focus, judgment, and respect for their time. | Provide unnecessary or lengthy explanations | Overexplaining can seem like you’re making excuses or hiding the core issue. |
| Use clear, professional language | A neutral, polished tone reflects maturity and professionalism — qualities critical for a future attorney. | Use overly emotional or dramatic language | Emotional appeals undermine credibility and can appear manipulative. |
| Keep it to one page | One page forces you to prioritize essential facts and avoid filler. | Write multiple pages or long paragraphs | Lengthy addenda signal poor judgment and lack of editing discipline. |
| Follow a three-paragraph structure | A clear format helps the admissions committee quickly grasp the issue, the cause, and your growth. | Ramble or make it disorganized | Disorganization makes it harder for readers to understand your point and can make you look unprepared. |
| Take responsibility for the issue | Owning your past mistakes shows accountability — a key character trait in law. | Shift blame to others or external factors | Blame-shifting suggests you might avoid accountability in future professional settings. |
| Show how you’ve grown or improved | Demonstrating progress reassures the committee that the problem won’t recur. | Only focus on the problem without a resolution | Without evidence of change, the committee may assume the issue is ongoing. |
| Demonstrate that it’s not reflective of who you are now | Reinforces that the incident was isolated and not a pattern. | Try to seek sympathy or pity | Adds emotional weight without building confidence in your readiness. |
| Edit carefully for grammar and clarity | Flawless writing reflects the attention to detail expected in law school and legal practice. | Submit without reviewing for errors | Typos or unclear writing can suggest carelessness or rushed work. |
Law School Addendum Examples
The following examples use the proven three-part structure: Incident, Explanation, Growth, so they communicate the key facts clearly, take responsibility, and reassure the admissions committee that the issue is resolved.
Example 1: Low GPA Addendum
Situation: Family emergency significantly affected academic performance.
Incident: During the spring semester of 2021, my GPA dropped to 2.3.
Explanation: A close family member experienced a medical crisis that required me to travel home frequently, limiting my ability to attend classes and maintain my usual study schedule.
Growth: Since that semester, I have maintained a 3.7 GPA, demonstrating that under normal circumstances, I perform at a consistently high academic level.
Expert Note: This works because it names the semester, gives a verifiable cause, and ties the growth to an established track record, not just promises of improvement.
Example 2: LSAT Addendum
Situation: Significant score increase after initial low performance.
Incident: I took the LSAT twice in 2023. My first attempt resulted in a score of 152.
Explanation: On test day, I experienced severe anxiety that disrupted my focus and pacing.
Growth: After three months of targeted preparation and multiple timed practice tests, I scored a 162 on my second attempt — a result that more accurately reflects my skills and readiness for law school.
Expert Note: The improvement is quantifiable and tied to specific, proactive steps — which admissions officers value more than vague claims of “better preparation.”
Example 3: Character and Fitness Addendum
Situation: Minor traffic violations appearing on record.
Incident: In 2020, I was cited for two minor traffic violations within a three-month period.
Explanation: I accepted full responsibility, promptly paid all fines, and completed a defensive driving course.
Growth: Since that time, I have maintained a clean driving record and taken steps to ensure the issue does not recur.
Expert Note: Even for minor character and fitness issues, this level of directness shows the professionalism and judgment expected of future attorneys.
Final Thoughts
A law school addendum is your opportunity to address any concerns in your application with honesty and clarity. When written thoughtfully, it can demonstrate accountability, resilience, and growth—qualities that resonate with admissions committees. Keep it concise, factual, and focused on how you’ve moved forward. If it adds value to your application, it’s worth writing.
Working with a top law school coach can ensure it’s strategic, polished, and complements your entire law school application. Find your law school coach here. Also, check out our law school application bootcamp, GRE exam prep bootcamp, free events, and group classes for more effective law school strategies!
See: The 10 Best Law School Coaches | Law School Admissions Consulting That Works
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FAQs
How long should my Law School Addendum be?
- An addendum should be clear and to the point, no longer than one page. State the issue, explain the circumstances briefly, and highlight how you’ve grown since. Admissions officers appreciate concise and focused writing.
Do I need to write an addendum explaining a low LSAT score?
- You should write an addendum for a low LSAT score only if extenuating circumstances, such as illness, technical issues, or significant personal challenges, impacted your performance. If there’s no valid explanation, it’s better not to mention it.
Can I write about personal challenges?
- Yes, if personal challenges like a family emergency, illness, or other disruptions directly impacted your academic performance, test scores, or timeline. Be factual, avoid emotional appeals, and focus on how you’ve moved forward.
Will the admissions committee read my Law School Addendum?
- Yes, they will. A well-written addendum provides clarity, helping the committee evaluate your application fairly. When written professionally, it shows accountability, maturity, and resilience.
What if I’m unsure about writing a Law School Addendum?
- If an issue in your application could raise questions—like a GPA drop, multiple LSAT scores, or gaps in your resume—an addendum can help clarify it. If you’re unsure, consult an admissions professional for guidance.
