<p>Okay, so the issue of whether a "W" on the transcript will hurt or not has been addressed. I am assuming because I have one, I should issue an addendum explaining why (I had to take my grandmother to physical therapy on the day my class was every week). I still have a year left to apply to law schools, but I was wondering, how does one issue an "addendum"? Is it sent separately from the application to each school applied to, or is it compiled by LSDAS? I am so confused, please help.</p>
<p>David</p>
<p>Okay, one thing at a time:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>LSDAS handles (unless things have changed) exactly three things: your LSATs, your transcript, and your letters of recommendation. Essays, applications, etc. are all handled by you.</p></li>
<li><p>Therefore, the addendum is sent along with your completed application, cover letter, and personal statement to the schools to which you apply.</p></li>
<li><p>I simply do not know how schools view a "W" on a transcript. My guess is that it ranges from absolutely not caring to being a "tip" factor. Some schools will explicitly ask you to explain any withdraw or pass/fails on your transcript; others will not. Applications are often a good indicator of what schools look for in applicants.</p></li>
<li><p>Don't make excuses. Not being able to make a class because of family obligations is understandable. Just don't editorialize or try to gain sympathy. "Addendum: Explanation of "W" received in Psych 101. I dropped Psychology 101 about three weeks into the semester due to family obligations (I was responsible for bringing my grandmother to a weekly physical therapy appointment, which overlapped with my class time). During the spring semester, when my grandmother no longer needed my help, I re-took Psych 101 and did well."</p></li>
<li><p>You're 20! Please stop worrying about the minutae of law school applications.</p></li>
</ol>