What Should You Include in the Additional Information Section of the Common Application
The Additional Information section of the Common Application is a crucial component where you can provide context, details, and unique insights that may not fit elsewhere in your application. This section offers an opportunity to make your application stand out and give the admissions committee a more complete understanding of who you are. Here are some suggestions on what to include:
Academic Challenges
Explain any significant challenges you faced in your academic journey, such as personal issues, family responsibilities, or health problems that affected your performance. By sharing this information, you can demonstrate resilience and perseverance. For example, if you had to take care of a family member or recovered from an illness, explain how you managed to keep up with your academic responsibilities despite these challenges. Admissions officers appreciate transparency and a clear explanation of any irregularities in your academic record.
Unusual Circumstances
Describe any unique circumstances that may have impacted your education or extracurricular involvement, such as a major life event or a change in family situation. These experiences showcase your adaptability and how they have shaped your personal growth. For instance, if you went to a different school for a year due to a move or experienced a family transition, provide a brief explanation of how it affected you and what you learned from the experience. This allows the admissions committee to better understand the diverse contexts in which you have lived and thrived.
Additional Achievements
Highlight any accomplishments, awards, or recognitions that you didn’t include in other sections due to space constraints. This includes both academic and extracurricular achievements. For example, if you received a scholarship, published a paper in a peer-reviewed journal, or received an award for your work in a community service project, be sure to mention these here. This section allows you to showcase any achievements that might not have been fully detailed in the resume or essay sections. By doing so, you can provide a more comprehensive picture of your accomplishments.
Extracurricular Activities
If you have significant involvement in activities not detailed elsewhere, such as volunteer work, hobbies, or personal projects, this is a good place to elaborate. For instance, if you have been actively involved in a music club, helped mentor younger students, or started a small business, provide details on how these activities have shaped your skills and interests. This section allows you to showcase your multifaceted interests and the impact of these activities on your personal development. By doing so, you can demonstrate your dedication and leadership qualities in ways that are not evident in the other sections of the application.
Clarification on Grades
If there are specific grades or trends in your transcript that might raise questions, such as a dip in grades during a particular semester, use this section to provide context. For example, if you had a difficult family situation or a medical issue during a particular period, explain how it impacted your academic performance. This section allows you to address any concerns the admissions committee might have and ensures that they understand the full context of your academic history.
Special Talents or Skills
Include any unique skills or talents that could enhance your application, such as proficiency in a language, artistic abilities, or athletic achievements. If you play a musical instrument, wrote a book, or have won a competition, it’s a good idea to mention these here. These details can demonstrate your diverse talents and interests to the admissions committee. For example, if you are fluent in a minority language, use it here to show your cultural background and communication skills.
Future Goals
Briefly outline your academic and career aspirations, especially if they relate to your chosen field of study. Explain how your future goals align with your past experiences and achievements. For instance, if you are aspiring to become a physician and have a passion for public health, describe your interest and how it stems from your experiences in volunteer work or community service. This section helps admissions officers understand your long-term vision and how you plan to contribute to your field.
Personal Background
Share information about your family background, cultural heritage, or experiences that have shaped your perspective and identity. This allows the admissions committee to get a sense of your cultural background and how it influences your worldview. For example, if you come from a first-generation immigrant family or have lived through significant cultural heritage events, explaining your background can help the committee understand your diverse influences and experiences.
Other Relevant Information
Any other details that you believe are important for the admissions committee to understand you better as a candidate should be included here. This can include anything from your extracurricular interests to any challenges you’ve overcome. For instance, if you have overcome a significant obstacle or have a unique perspective on a social issue, share it here. This section is your opportunity to highlight any additional information that might not fit into the other parts of your application.
Writing Tips
When writing this section, aim for clarity and conciseness. Use it to enhance your application without repeating information that can be found elsewhere. Be specific, and avoid vague statements. Provide concrete examples and personal anecdotes to illustrate your points. Remember that the goal is to give the admissions committee a more nuanced view of who you are.
Conclusion
By carefully selecting the appropriate information to include in the Additional Information section, you can significantly strengthen your application. Use this section to highlight your unique qualities, demonstrate your resilience, and provide context for any challenges you have faced. By doing so, you can make a compelling case for why you are a strong candidate for the college or program you are applying to.