Once you have tackled your personal statement and secured your letters of recommendation, it is time to step back and evaluate your law school application as a whole. Think of your application as a puzzle – each part should contribute to a clear and complete picture of who you are as a candidate.

For most applicants, the written materials are the only way admissions committees will get to know you. Interviews are rare, so your application must speak for itself. With that in mind, ask yourself: Does my application leave any questions unanswered? Are there aspects of my academic or personal background that need further context?

If there is a gap, inconsistency, or issue in your record that might raise concerns or require clarification, an addendum may be appropriate. An effective addendum helps the admissions committee understand the full context of your experiences (without making excuses).

Below are the most common types of addenda law schools typically see:  

There is no doubt that writing your personal statement can feel a little daunting. After all, it is the one part of your law school application where you have full control, and a well-crafted personal statement can really help you stand out. Think of it as your interview on paper: a chance to share your story, your motivations, and what makes you unique.

So how do you get started? The key is to shift your mindset from dread to opportunity. Your personal statement is not just a requirement – it is an amazing tool to highlight who you are beyond your transcripts and test scores.

One of the most frequent questions I get is how Seton Hall Law handles law school applications with multiple LSAT or GRE scores. Applicants often want to know:

• Should I retake the test?
• Should I submit an addendum to explain a score increase or drop?
• Which test should I choose in the first place?

There are a lot of things to break down, and I'll start with the answer to the threshold question.