{"id":1825,"date":"2023-03-29T09:52:48","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T16:52:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/?page_id=1825"},"modified":"2025-09-11T09:30:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-11T16:30:12","slug":"prelaw-optional-application-materials","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/dornsife.usc.edu\/careerpathways\/pre-law\/prelaw-optional-application-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"Elective Application Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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\n\n \n Be ready just in case!<\/span>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n
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\n Elective application materials for Law Schools MAY include:\n <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n \n
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– Addendum
\n– Optional Statement
\n– Interviews<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n <\/div>\n\n

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Addendum<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Addenda are a way to include information that is not covered elsewhere in your application materials but that you feel the admissions committees should know.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Addenda are very commonplace in the application process. While an addendum is not required, they can be critical to enhancing your overall application materials.\u00a0 We suggest using addenda as an opportunity to proactively explain any potential questions that could potentially surface that are not already addressed in your personal statement during the admissions decision process. Reasons to choose writing an addendum are personal and very broad.\u00a0 Examples: Explaining your low grades during one tough semester, significantly increased LSAT score (increase in 5+ points), a class withdrawal or leave of absence, or any disciplinary actions you were engaged with before, during or after your undergraduate program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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When in doubt, the general consensus among law school admissions committees is to choose disclosing via addenda for the following reason: When law students apply for the bar exam, a thorough background search is conducted.\u00a0 If the state bar exam admissions administrators find that you have not disclosed something pertinent during their background check on you, you might be forbidden to sit for the bar.\u00a0 While the process might be uncomfortable, please proceed understanding that law school admission committees know that students\u2019 lives and circumstances change over time.\u00a0 Law school admissions committees use the addendum review process as a way to determine students\u2019 maturity, resilience, and respect for making appropriate decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keys to writing an addendum:\u00a0 Share a brief summary of the situation.\u00a0 Include how the situation was addressed, and what you learned from the experience.\u00a0 Brevity is encouraged, and showing what you learned from the experience is key. Do not use an addendum to complain about the situation, blame others, etc.\u00a0 Take ownership and share insights gained from living through the experience, and how the experience informed your perspective and decision-making process moving forward.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Helpful articles:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Law School Addendum: Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

When to Write a Non-Required Addendum<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Law School Admissions: Disclosure<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Misconduct and Irregularities | The Law School Admission Council<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Optional Statements<\/h1>\n

Optional statements (formerly known as diversity statements) are written for reasons similar to addendum- to express what might not be included already in your application materials that could give the admissions committee a better understanding of you as a potential candidate for law school.\u00a0 Optional statements are a great way to explain how you have addressed and overcome potentially challenging life circumstances.\u00a0 Reasons for writing optional statements are highly personal and unique to each person.\u00a0 Examples might include challenges related to being a first generation college student, managing a short or long term medical condition, overcoming economic struggles, transitioning to a different culture, etc.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keys to writing a optional statement: Share only information you are comfortable sharing.\u00a0 Briefly explain your situation in a way that informs the reader while helping them understand you more as a candidate and your capacity to thrive in law school.\u00a0 You want the reader to understand that you have developed the ability to overcome challenges and that your resiliency will carry you successfully through law school.\u00a0 You want to demonstrate that the unique perspective you bring to the classroom will broaden the perspectives of fellow students.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Helpful articles:<\/span><\/h3>\n

4 Ways Personal, Optional Statements Differ in Law School Applications<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

How to Write an Optional Statement<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\n Disciplinary Checks\n <\/h2>\n\n\n<\/div>\n \n
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As per the USC Office of Community Expectations: Current and former students applying to law schools, professional schools, state board agencies such as the bar, or federal government positions may be required to submit a request for a disciplinary check. These checks are intended to verify you have not violated any University policies or are subject to any disciplinary actions or proceedings with USC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n

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Interviews<\/h1>\n

Many schools do not require interviews.\u00a0 If they say they are optional, treat this as required and view it as a great opportunity to share your qualifications for law school!\u00a0 <\/span>Some schools interview for scholarships or if they want to further evaluate you as a candidate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prepare to answer questions including (this is a accumulation of questions- not all from one school!):<\/p>\n