How to Perfect Your Additional Information Section on the Common App: Examples Included
Completing the Common Application for college admission can be a daunting task. With numerous sections to fill out and requirements to meet, it’s easy to overlook the “Additional Information” section. However, this section can make a significant difference in your application if done correctly. In this article, we’ll explore how to perfect your additional information section on the Common App, with examples included.
The Importance of the Additional Information Section
The additional information section on the Common App is an opportunity to provide context for your achievements, explain any challenges or extenuating circumstances, and convey any unique experiences or interests. It’s a chance to showcase your personality and demonstrate your potential beyond your academic transcript.
It’s important to note that the additional information section is not required, but it can be a valuable asset in making your application stand out in a competitive pool of candidates.
Key Tips for Perfecting Your Additional Information Section
1. Be concise and to the point.
The additional information section allows for up to 650 words, but that doesn’t mean you need to use all of them. Admissions officers have limited time to review applications, so it’s essential to be concise and stick to the most relevant information.
2. Focus on quality over quantity.
Rather than listing every activity or award you’ve received, choose a few that are most meaningful to you and demonstrate your strengths and interests. Use this section to show your personality and explain why these experiences are important to you.
3. Be honest and transparent.
If you’ve faced any challenges or obstacles that have affected your academic performance, this section is an opportunity to explain them. Be honest and transparent, but avoid blaming others or making excuses. Instead, focus on how you’ve overcome these challenges and what you’ve learned from the experience.
4. Provide context for your achievements.
If you’ve received any awards or recognition, provide context for the significance of these achievements. For example, if you’ve won a national competition, explain what the competition was, how many people participated, and what your specific role was.
5. Highlight any unique experiences or interests.
This section is an opportunity to showcase what makes you unique. If you have any interesting hobbies or experiences that aren’t mentioned elsewhere in your application, include them here. For example, if you’ve traveled to different countries or volunteered for a particular cause, explain how these experiences have shaped your perspective and goals.
Examples of Strong Additional Information Sections
Here are a few examples of additional information sections that effectively showcase a candidate’s strengths and personality:
1. “Throughout high school, I participated in a wide variety of extracurricular activities, including theater, choir, and debate. However, my true passion lies in robotics. I founded a robotics club at my school and competed in several state and national competitions. Through this experience, I’ve developed skills in problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership that I believe will translate well to the college environment.”
2. “I’ve always been interested in environmentalism and sustainability, and I’ve pursued this interest in a variety of ways. In addition to volunteering with a local environmental organization, I also started a composting program at my school and organized a campaign to ban single-use plastic water bottles. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong sense of responsibility and commitment to creating a more sustainable world.”
3. “My family went through a difficult financial situation during my sophomore year of high school, which led to my needing to work part-time to help support them. As a result, my grades suffered during that year. However, I was able to catch up and excel in my studies during my junior and senior years. Through this experience, I’ve developed resilience, time management, and dedication, which I believe will serve me well in college.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the additional information section on the Common App is an opportunity to showcase your strengths, personality, and potential beyond your academic transcript. By being concise, focusing on quality over quantity, being honest and transparent, providing context for your achievements, and highlighting any unique experiences or interests, you can create a strong additional information section that sets you apart from other candidates. Use the examples included here as a guide to perfect your additional information section and increase your chances of admission to your top-choice colleges.
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