Filling Out the Additional Information Section

So, I've reached the 'Additional Information' part of the Common App and I'm not sure what to include. What kinds of things have you guys put in this section? Should I explain my extracurriculars more or shed light on extenuating circumstances? Advice would be immensely appreciated!

Absolutely, this section of the Common App can indeed be a valuable space to provide context that isn't captured elsewhere in your application. If there are any extenuating circumstances that have had a significant impact on your academic record or extracurricular involvement—such as a family illness or personal challenges—it's essential to use this area to explain those situations. You don’t need to write an essay; be clear and concise. For instance, if you had to spend a significant amount of time caring for a family member, which limited your ability to participate in extracurriculars or affected your academic performance, that's relevant information for the admissions committee. On the other hand, if you feel that your extracurriculars are already well-represented and described in your application, it might not be necessary to elaborate on them further in this section. Use this space judiciously to present information that can give admissions officers a more complete picture of who you are and what you’ve been through, not just to reiterate points that are covered elsewhere. Hope this helps, and best of luck with your application!