Grades Addendum Advice (specific)

parkeuny

My graduating GPA is on the lower side, and I don't believe it's representative of my ability to succeed in law school but wanted to see how others read my explanation in terms of whether it would make for a productive addendum or not.

I started undergrad as a dual degree student pursuing piano performance and financial math, with music being my primary focus. I had a severe injury (from bad posture and over-practicing) which resulted in eight months off piano entirely. As someone who had envisioned a career as a performer since around 11, it had consequences on my mental health --- not to mention I had a lot more time on my hands to think about what it was that I really wanted to pursue. This was all in the first two years of undergrad and my GPA was low and unstable during this time.

My third year, I switched to Sociology and Philosophy, and it proved to be a fitting switch. I maintained a 4.0 while taking graduate-level courses, writing an honors thesis, and working 3 research jobs on top of a full course load (5-6 upper level courses). I feel that my physical injury and "wrong major" story go hand in hand because the injury gave me a chance to switch into something that I was better at. Does a GPA addendum seem appropriate given these circumstances? I'm very wary about my addendum coming across as an excuse or an attempt to justify my sub par grades. Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

MissChanandler

I think that this is a situation where it’s a good idea to write the addendum. Focus on that upward curve and the injury. I think you can pull it off without sounding like you’re making excuses

parkeuny

Thank you!

drbrown2

I agree. Be positive and brief. Break down your GPA at the time of your injury and the GPA after switching majors to show the progress you made.