How to Ace Your Common App Additional Information Section: Examples Included

Introduction

The Common Application is a popular platform used by thousands of students each year to apply to college. The application includes several sections that must be filled out, including the Additional Information section. This section provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase any unique experiences, achievements, or challenges they have faced that are not reflected in the rest of the application. In this article, we will explore tips and examples for acing this section of the Common App.

Understanding the Additional Information Section

The Additional Information section is an optional section that allows students to provide context to their application. It should only be used to provide information that is not addressed elsewhere in the application. This can include information about medical conditions, family challenges, or extenuating circumstances that have affected the student’s academic or personal life.

Do’s and Don’ts

When filling out the Additional Information section, it is important to keep in mind some do’s and don’ts. Here are some tips to follow:

Do:

• Be honest and concise
• Use bullet points to make the information easily readable
• Include relevant context or background information
• Provide a clear explanation of how the information has impacted you
• Include any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience

Don’t:

• Include information that is already addressed in other sections of the application
• Exaggerate or fabricate information
• Negative or controversial information that could impact your admission chances
• Use overly technical or specialized jargon

Examples

Here are some examples of what to include in the Additional Information section:

Medical Conditions

If you have a medical condition that has impacted your academic or personal life, it is important to include this information in the Additional Information section. For example, if you have a learning disability that has affected your grades in math, you can provide context by explaining what the disability is and how it has impacted your academic performance. You can also explain any strategies or accommodations that you have used to manage the condition.

Family Challenges

If you have experienced a family challenge, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, it is important to include this information in the Additional Information section. You can provide context by explaining what happened and how it has impacted your personal life. You can also explain any coping mechanisms or support systems that you have used to deal with the situation.

Extenuating Circumstances

If you have experienced an extenuating circumstance, such as a natural disaster or a personal crisis, you can include this information in the Additional Information section. You can provide context by explaining what happened and how it has impacted your academic or personal life. You can also explain any positive outcomes or lessons learned from the experience.

Conclusion

The Additional Information section is an opportunity to showcase any unique experiences, achievements, or challenges that are not reflected in the rest of the application. By following the tips and examples outlined in this article, you can ace this section and provide context to your application that can help you stand out to admissions officers. Remember to be honest, concise, and provide clear explanations of how the information has impacted you. Good luck with your applications!

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