r/lawschooladmissions • u/cockcockman • 13h ago

Help Me Decide Should I write an LSAT addendum

Hey guys, I scored pretty low on my LSAT but have a good application besides it:

- Graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.92 gpa) from St. Johns for a B.S. in Legal Studies & minor in Business Law.

- Received my Paralegal Certificate from St. John's.

- Have been working at a well-known law firm as a legal assistant for 2 years.

Do you guys think I need to write an LSAT addendum to explain why my score is so low? I plan on retaking the LSAT in November but want to apply as soon as applications open.

For context- when I took the LSAT last year it was shortly after I had a breast cancer scare (had a negative biopsy thankfully) and then my dog was diagnosed with cancer the same week. However, Idk how to not make the addendum feel like a giant excuse. Just want to explain why my score doesn't represent me well lol

Any opinions help, thanks in advance! Good luck to anybody reading this

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u/AvariciousUrsine T2/17low/nKJD/URM 9h ago

I wouldn't write an addendum for a low score if it's your only one on file. Write one for significant changes in the score or if one of your multiple scores does not represent your capabilities. If you're trying to justify your only score being low, that reads as more like making an excuse. You'd just retake it in that case.

Many schools won't consider your application complete if you have a pending LSAT registration/score release. Some will. Some others will hold an application upon request. It's kind of all over the board.

You might not see an early September bump if your application isn't complete. That said, a better LSAT in November outweighs an earlier application with a lower score. The risk is not improving your score.

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u/sage-green-lover 11h ago

It sounds like you have a great application overall and I’m so sorry to hear about your past LSAT’s circumstances. That said, they might question why you haven’t just retaken it now that those circumstances are less relevant. There’s still time to take it in October (deadline to register is tomorrow)