Framing and The Addendum

Two weeks ago I received my LSAT score. When I looked at it, I was not happy with my score, nor was I disappointed. I knew I did the best I could, considering that I rarely perform well on any standardized test. Now that my Law School Admissions Test score battle is over, I have started to fill out applications and gather materials for law schools.

However, I am preparing to fight another battle: telling law schools that I can and will be successful in law school despite my LSAT score. Since receiving my score, I contemplated on how I will portray the aforesaid to the admissions committee who will evaluate my application package. While attending one of my PR courses, I had my “ah hah” moment.

In my PR Research & Strategies course, we discussed the content of a publication by the Center for Research on Environmental Decisions titled "The Psychology of Climate Change: A Guide for Scientists, Journalists, Educators, Political Aides, and the Interested Public." In that publication, we were introduced to framing, which is "the setting of an issue within an appropriate context to achieve a desired interpretation or perspective." After learning about what framing is, I knew that it would be a great technique to use when I am writing to the admissions officers about my LSAT score.

Last week I wrote the first draft of my addendum. It took me a while to figure out the structure of my essay, but I eventually came up with what I wanted to include. First, I wrote about how I prepared for the LSAT, and the amount of time I spent preparing. I also included the materials I used to prepare for the LSAT. Then, I thoroughly explained my standardized test history and how the scores did not accurately predict my success in college and compared it to my LSAT results. Lastly, I gave reasons why I would be a great law school student.

I hope the way that I framed the message in my addendum will persuade law school admissions committees to admit me into their law schools. Wish me luck!