Ep 168: Setting the Tone for Your Law School Addendum
Writing addendums can be difficult to navigate. Today, Sydney explains the importance of being explanatory rather than excusatory, and emphasizes taking responsibility for your circumstances. Sydney also shares practical tips for crafting a concise and effective addendum that addresses potential concerns from admissions committees. Learn how to navigate your law school application with confidence, even if you’ve faced academic or personal challenges.
Episode Highlights
Definition and purpose of an addendum in law school applications.
Key advice: take responsibility for your circumstances without placing blame.
Importance of being explanatory, not excusatory, when writing an addendum.
Avoid including addenda information in personal or diversity statements.
Examples of how to concisely explain different scenarios (e.g., lower GPA, disciplinary actions).
Emphasis on keeping addenda short and focused, typically three to four sentences.
Explanation of when an addendum is necessary and what questions it should address.
Tweetable Quotes
“How you explain the situation and the circumstances is almost as important, if not more important than what actually happened. Be explanatory and not excusatory. Listen, things happen. We are humans. We are not perfect.”