Law School Addendum: Writing Tips and Samples
Learn how to write an effective addendum for your law school application with our comprehensive guide.
Posted January 6, 2025
Table of Contents
If you’re applying to law school, you’re likely familiar with the idea of an addendum. A Law School Addendum, or law school addenda, is an additional document that supplements your law school application. It’s an opportunity to explain any weaknesses or discrepancies in your application or to provide additional academic or legal background information that might be relevant to the admissions committee.
Your law school addendum can significantly impact your application. While it may seem like an optional document, it can play a crucial role in clarifying any issues that might raise concerns with the law school admissions committee. A well-crafted addendum can enhance your application and bring you closer to securing a spot at your dream law school. On the other hand, a poorly executed or unnecessary addendum could hinder your chances of acceptance.
To help you determine whether you need a Law School Addendum and how to write one effectively, this guide explains everything, including what a law school addendum is, when to write one, and how to structure it for success.
What Is a Law School Addendum?
At its core, a law school addendum, or a law school addendum, is a short explanation letter that addresses potential issues or irregularities in your application. It’s designed to clarify anything that might cause the admissions committee to question your academic performance, standardized test scores, or character.
The goal of an addendum is to address these concerns factually, allowing the admissions team to evaluate your application without jumping to conclusions. Whether it’s low grades, multiple LSAT scores, academic probation, or disciplinary action, an addendum can help you put the circumstances in context.
Note: An addendum is not a place for excuses. It is an opportunity to provide an honest, factual explanation that demonstrates accountability.
When to Write a Law School Addendum
1. Explaining Low GPA or Academic Performance
If you have a low GPA or a semester with particularly poor grades, an addendum can explain what happened. Common reasons include:
- Family emergencies or personal challenges.
- Serious illness or injuries.
- Balancing college life with a demanding full-time job.
- Learning disability impacting academic performance.
Example:
“I experienced a family emergency during my sophomore and freshman year, that required me to travel frequently. As a result, my GPA fell to 2.5 that semester. Since then, I have consistently maintained a GPA above 3.8.”
2. Addressing Low or Multiple LSAT Scores
An LSAT addendum is appropriate if:
- Your first LSAT score was impacted by external factors, such as testing difficulties.
- You experienced a significant improvement on a later LSAT attempt.
- English is not your first language, which may have impacted your performance.
Some law schools consider applicants with a lower LSAT score through a holistic admissions process, evaluating the strengths and potential of candidates beyond standardized test scores.
Example:
“I achieved a 150 on my first LSAT attempt due to test-day anxiety. With focused preparation, I earned a 165 on my second attempt, a higher score reflecting my true abilities.”
3. Clarifying Character and Fitness Concerns
If you have a criminal record, even for something minor like traffic violations, or were subject to disciplinary infractions in college, addressing criminal records directly is essential.
Key points to include:
- Briefly explain the incident.
- Take full responsibility.
- Show how you’ve learned and grown since.
Example:
“In 2021, I was cited for two minor traffic violations. I accepted full responsibility, completed a defensive driving course, and have maintained a clean record since.”
4. Personal Circumstances or Resume Gaps
If your academic or professional history includes gaps caused by:
- Serious illness or personal difficulties.
- Time spent on community service or caregiving responsibilities.
A well-written addendum can help the committee understand the circumstances. Law schools assess law school candidates beyond standardized test scores, focusing on personal stories and potential for growth.
When NOT to Write a Law School Addendum
An addendum is not always necessary. Avoid writing one when:
- Your GPA dipped early in college but showed consistent improvement later.
- Your LSAT score is slightly below a school’s average—this doesn’t require an explanation.
- You’ve already addressed the issue in your personal statement or other application materials.
If you can’t provide a valid reason or explanation, it’s better to leave the issue unaddressed. Writing an unnecessary addendum can do more harm than good.
How to Write a Law School Addendum
It’s important to understand that a law school addendum is not the same as your personal statement in law school applications. The purpose of an addendum is not to tell a story, evoke emotion, or seek sympathy. Instead, it is a brief, factual explanation meant to address any red flags in your application.
Focus on keeping the content straightforward and concise. Own up to what happened, explain the reasons behind it, and demonstrate how you have taken steps to ensure it won’t be a recurring issue. Finally, make it clear that the situation will not interfere with your legal career or your ability to succeed as a law student.
To simplify the process, here are some clear dos and don’ts to keep in mind when drafting your addendum:
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Keep it brief and to the point | Provide unnecessary or lengthy explanations |
| Use clear, professional language | Use overly emotional or dramatic language |
| Keep it to one page | Write multiple pages or long paragraphs |
| Follow a three-paragraph structure | Ramble or make it disorganized |
| Take responsibility for the issue | Shift blame to others or external factors |
| Show how you’ve grown or improved | Only focus on the problem without a resolution |
| Demonstrate that it’s not reflective of who you are now | Try to seek sympathy or pity |
| Edit carefully for grammar and clarity | Submit without reviewing for errors |
The Three-Part Structure Law School Addendum
1. The Incident
Begin with a straightforward introduction that states the issue you are addressing. Be clear and specific. This could be related to a low GPA, low LSAT score, academic misconduct, poor academic performance, or any other concern that the admission committee might question.
Example:
“During the spring semester of my junior year, I received a GPA of 2.0 due to a family emergency that required significant time and attention.”
2. The Explanation
In the second section, provide a clear, factual explanation of the situation. Avoid blaming others or offering excuses for past mistakes. Instead, focus on stating what happened and taking ownership of the issue.
Example:
“My father fell critically ill, and I had to travel home frequently to care for him. At the time, I overestimated my ability to manage both my studies and family responsibilities.”
3. The Growth
Conclude on a positive note by demonstrating how you’ve grown or improved since the incident. Emphasize how the situation has been resolved or what steps you’ve taken to prevent similar issues in the future. Reassure the admissions committee that the incident does not reflect your current abilities or commitment to succeeding in law school.
Example:
“After that semester, I reassessed my time management skills and prioritized academic success. I have maintained a 3.8 GPA ever since and for college students and believe this experience strengthened my ability to handle challenges responsibly.”
Law School Addendum Examples
Example 1: Low GPA Addendum
Situation: Family emergency affected grades.
“In the spring of 2021, my GPA dropped to 2.3 due to a family emergency requiring significant travel. Since that semester, I have maintained a 3.7 GPA, reflecting my academic capabilities under normal circumstances.”
Example 2: LSAT Addendum
Situation: Multiple LSAT attempts.
“I took the LSAT twice. On my first attempt, I scored 152 due to test-day anxiety. After extensive preparation and focused practice, I achieved a 162 on my second attempt.”
Example 3: Character and Fitness Addendum
Situation: Minor traffic violations. "If you have criminal records, even for something minor like traffic violations, addressing them directly is essential. In 2020, I received two minor traffic citations. I paid all fines promptly and completed a defensive driving course. I have maintained a clean record since then."
Common Law School Addendum Mistakes to Avoid
Being Overly Emotional
It’s easy to let emotions take over when explaining difficult circumstances, but overly dramatic or defensive language can weaken your addendum. Stick to the facts and maintain a professional tone. Focus on providing clear, objective details rather than seeking sympathy or sounding defensive.
Writing Too Much
While it’s important to explain the situation, including unnecessary details can make your addendum too long and difficult to read. Admissions officers don’t have time for lengthy explanations. Keep your addendum concise—ideally no longer than one page—and focus only on what’s relevant to the situation and your growth.
Blaming Others
Shifting responsibility to external factors, such as professors, family members, or the circumstances surrounding you, can reflect poorly on your accountability. Even if external factors contributed, take ownership of the issue. Focus on how you handled the challenge and what you’ve learned from the experience.
Ignoring Improvements
Failing to highlight your progress or the steps you’ve taken to improve is a missed opportunity. The admissions committee wants to see growth and resilience in outstanding students. After explaining the situation, show evidence of improvement, whether it’s a stronger GPA, improved test scores, or personal growth that ensures the issue won’t happen again. Law schools require detailed explanations for issues like low GPAs or LSAT scores to gauge the applicant's character, integrity, and potential for success in law studies.
Work with Law School Admissions Coaches
The law school application process can feel challenging, especially when addressing concerns like low grades, LSAT scores, or personal circumstances. Partnering with an experienced law school admissions coach ensures your application is polished, highlights your strengths, and presents a compelling narrative to the admissions committee. Take the next step toward getting into your dream law school with personalized guidance.
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.
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.
Related Articles
Take a look at these articles to gain an in-depth understanding of the law school application process and how to stand out amidst the competition:
- How Many Letters of Recommendation for Law School: A Comprehensive Guide
- Law School Application Timeline: Your Step-by-Step Guide
- Writing a Compelling Law School Letter of Continued Interest: A How-To Guide
- How to Choose a Law School: An Essential Guide for Prospective Student
- Crafting Your Law School Resume: Template and Tips
- Law School Application Timeline: Your Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Get Into Law School: Advice From an Expert
- How to Answer the "Why Law School?" Essay Question
- Early Decision Application Deadlines of the Top Law Schools (2023-2024)
- The Role of Internships in Law School Applications
