LORs and GPA Addendums

When should you take the LSAT? When should you get your letters of recommendation (LORs)? Should you write a GPA addendum? These common concerns come from an anonymous listener navigating the tricky balance of timing, LSAT preparation, and law school application strategy. In this article, we’ll break down their questions and provide actionable insights for anyone with similar questions.

Timing Matters

After graduating earlier this year, anonymous is taking a gap year and preparing for law school applications. They’re averaging in the mid-160s on practice LSATs and they’re aiming for a 170+ score. With November and January LSAT dates lined up, they’re debating whether to apply this cycle or wait for the next. Nathan and Ben’s advice is clear: Don’t rush your application.

Planning on applying before hitting your target score adds unnecessary stress to upcoming tests and could lead to applying late in the cycle. Law schools are already sending out offers, and applying mid-cycle (or later) means competing for fewer spots and scholarship dollars. Planning to take a mid-cycle LSAT before applying puts a lot of pressure on each LSAT attempt, and it means applying later in the cycle than you should. 

Placing too much pressure on oneself can lead to suboptimal outcomes. Extra pressure could cause you to underperform on test day. It’s much better to treat the LSAT as its own step in the process. Take however long you need to get your best possible score, then start the application process. This approach will take pressure off your LSAT attempts because they won’t be tied to a timeline and will allow you to apply early, when all of the seats and scholarship resources are available.

Asking for LORs

Timing is a common concern when it comes to requesting LORs, especially for those unsure whether to apply this year or next. The good news? Letters of recommendation can be reused across application cycles, so there’s no harm in asking early.

It’s a good idea to request LORs soon after completing a course or project with a professor, supervisor, or client who knows your work well. Fresh memories lead to stronger, more detailed letters. When asking, there’s no need to specify the exact timing of applications - simply explain that law school is the goal and express gratitude for their support.

The Credential Assembly Service (CAS) makes this process even simpler by storing LORs for future use. If a letter is strong and specific, it doesn’t lose its value after one application cycle. There’s no need to stress about updating or refreshing it, as a well-written recommendation will still serve its purpose when it’s time to apply. 

Navigating Addendums

The question of whether to include a GPA addendum often arises, especially when there’s a noticeable dip in grades during certain years. For example, a CAS undergraduate GPA of 3.9 might include a period where the student’s grades dropped to a 3.6. While it can feel tempting to explain the fluctuation, an addendum is rarely necessary or beneficial. 

Admissions officers are unlikely to focus on a brief dip in grades if the overall record is impressive. Highlighting a 3.6 in an addendum can inadvertently draw attention to something that might otherwise go unnoticed. Instead of emphasizing the lower grades, consider showcasing academic strengths, such as a strong senior-year performance. A concise statement like, “I achieved a 4.0 in my final year,”  keeps the focus on a positive fact.

Ultimately, improving your LSAT score is the best way to strengthen your application. A strong performance on the test can overshadow GPA fluctuations. Prioritizing LSAT preparation ensures the application focuses on key strengths rather than potential weaknesses.

Key Takeaways

1. Avoid rushing the LSAT process: Take the time to achieve a target LSAT score before applying. Waiting until the next cycle reduces stress and allows for a more competitive application, making acceptances and scholarships more likely.

2. Secure LORs early: Requesting LORs soon after completing coursework ensures professors can write detailed and personalized letters. These letters can be stored and reused for future application cycles, making early requests practical and effective.

3. Limit GPA addendums: When the overall GPA is strong, such as a 3.9, there’s often no need to explain minor dips. If an addendum is written, it should focus on positive achievements rather than drawing attention to earlier challenges.

The most effective strategy for law school applications involves combining a strong LSAT score with a solid GPA. Allowing enough time to meet those goals creates a competitive edge, ensuring the best possible outcome in the admissions process.