Law Students

Addenda and Supplemental Materials... should you include them?

I just returned from my final recruiting trip of the season at BYU in Provo, Utah ? I really enjoyed the beautiful area and friendly students that I met! This brings me to other parts of the application process about which I receive several questions at every recruiting event. First, students often ask whether and when they may attach an addendum to their application. Applicants are welcome to attach an addendum when they feel it is necessary to explain a weakness in their application or provide facts pertinent to the Admissions Committee?s review of their file. If you think that there is something in your file that will raise questions for the Admissions Committee, this may be something that is appropriate to address in a brief addendum. For example, addenda are often used to address a significant difference between LSAT scores or to discuss personal circumstances or difficulties that occurred during the applicant?s undergraduate career. As with all other parts of the application, an addendum must be submitted electronically with your application.

Second, students often ask if they may submit additional diversity statements, writing samples, or supplemental materials beyond those that we require with your application. Additional statements or writing samples are not necessary in the initial application process. Academic honors and accomplishments, major research essays or honors theses, personal characteristics, and other personal and professional experiences can be adequately conveyed in your resume or personal statement. Moreover, your personal statement and the LSAT writing sample (yes, we actually read it) will be a sufficient sample of your writing ability.

Full post as published by A Day in the Life on October 23, 2008 (boomark / email).