What to include in the 'Additional Information' section?

Hey guys, I noticed that there's an 'Additional Information' section on many college applications. I'm not quite sure what to include here. Can you please provide some examples of what might be appropriate to mention in this section? Thanks in advance!

Hello! The 'Additional Information' section on college applications can be a bit confusing, but it's essentially an opportunity for you to provide additional context or explain anything that might not be evident from the rest of your application.

The key is to use this section judiciously and focus on information that is truly important or relevant to your application. What you shouldn't do is treat this section as a second personal statement, or extension of your activities list. It is truly optional - you should only fill it out if you genuinely feel your main application doesn't yet paint the complete picture of your background.

Here are some examples of what you might include in this section:

1. Explanation of discrepancies or inconsistencies: For instance, if you experienced a significant decline in your grades during a particular semester due to a personal or family issue, you could provide a brief explanation of the circumstances and how you have since worked to overcome them.

2. Additional coursework: If you've completed any academic courses outside of your regular high school curriculum (e.g., online classes, summer school, or college coursework), you can list those courses and the grades you received. Mentioning this additional coursework helps to show your academic dedication and desire to pursue subjects beyond the traditional classroom setting.

3. Major illnesses or injuries: If you've had a significant illness or injury that affected your academics or extracurriculars, you can briefly describe the situation, its impact on your life, and how you've bounced back or adapted since then.

4. Unusual or time-consuming extracurricular commitments: If you have an extracurricular activity or commitment that takes a significant amount of time or effort but may not be well-known or easily understood, you can describe the scope, time commitment, and any accomplishments associated with it, as you may not have had space to do so in the limited word count of the activities list.

5. Additional honors or awards: You can include any relevant achievements, awards, or recognitions that didn't fit in the designated section on the application, especially if they demonstrate your expertise or dedication in a specific area.

6. Family background or responsibilities: If you have unique family circumstances (e.g., being a first-generation college student or having significant family responsibilities), you can briefly explain how these have shaped your educational experience or personal growth.

7. COVID-19 pandemic impact: If the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant effect on your educational or personal life (such as remote learning challenges, loss of extracurricular opportunities, or family financial hardships), you can provide some context on how it impacted you and any steps you took to adapt or overcome obstacles.

Remember, you should use this section to provide valuable information that isn't already mentioned elsewhere in your application. It's not a place to repeat what you've already shared or to add unnecessary details. Use it wisely to give admissions officers a clearer understanding of your unique background, experiences, and accomplishments.

For further guidance on if you should utilize this section, and how to do so effectively if so, you can check out this blog post from CollegeVine: https://blog.collegevine.com/additional-information-about-commonapps-additional-information-section. Good luck with your college applications!