The “Additional Information” Section: Friend or Foe? When & How to Use It Wisely
By Peter M on Updated:
The Common Application has a section called “Additional Information.” It sounds inviting, right? Like a place to tell colleges even more cool stuff about you. But hold on! This section is tricky. Using it correctly can help your application. Using it incorrectly can actually hurt. Let’s figure out when and how to use the common app additional info section effectively, especially for explaining circumstances college app reviewers need to know.
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What is the Additional Information Section Anyway?
Think of this section (which has a 650-word limit) as an optional space. It’s meant for important context or clarification that doesn’t fit neatly anywhere else in your application. It’s not meant to be another essay or a dumping ground for extra activities. It provides college application context when truly needed.
This is also a great place to add a link to your portfolio if you have one. You can create one for free on cirkledin.com and tell your holistic story with limited characters with a URL.
When It’s Your Friend: Good Reasons to Use This Section
There are specific, legitimate reasons why using this section is a good idea. Ask yourself: Is there something important that admission officers need to know to understand my record fairly?
Good uses include:
- Explaining Grade Dips or Inconsistencies: Did something happen that affected your grades for a semester or year (e.g., illness, family emergency, school change)? Briefly and factually explain the situation and, if possible, show how you recovered academically. This is a key part of explaining circumstances college app readers appreciate.
- Detailing Significant Circumstances: Were there major life events that impacted your opportunities or achievements (e.g., significant health issues, unusual family responsibilities, natural disasters)? Provide context without making excuses.
- Clarifying Unique Educational Background: Did you attend multiple high schools? Were you homeschooled with a non-traditional curriculum? Did your school have unusual grading policies? Explain briefly.
- Mentioning a Major Award/Activity Detail: If a truly significant honor or activity detail could not fit in the main sections (Activities description, Honors section), you might briefly elaborate here. Use this very sparingly.
Essentially, use it for necessary context, clarification, or explanation of unusual situations.
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When It’s Your Foe: What NOT to Put Here
Using this section incorrectly can make you look like you don’t follow directions or are trying too hard. Avoid putting these things here:
- Another Full Essay (Common App Optional Essay Myth): It is NOT Essay #2! Don’t paste in another personal statement or creative writing piece. Colleges offer specific essay prompts for a reason.
- A List of More Activities: If you couldn’t fit them in the 10 activity slots, prioritize better. Don’t just list more here.
- Repeating Information: Don’t rehash things already mentioned in your essays, activities list, or other sections.
- Excuses: Explain circumstances, but don’t make excuses for poor performance or behavior. Take responsibility if appropriate.
- Minor Details: Don’t explain why you got a B+ instead of an A- in one class unless there’s a very compelling reason tied to a larger issue.
- Gimmicks or Unnecessary Content: No poems (unless your application focus is poetry), random lists, or overly casual writing.
Knowing what to put in the common app’s additional information section – and what not to – is crucial.
How to Write Effectively in This Section
If you decide you do need to use this section:
- Be Direct and Concise: Get straight to the point. Use clear, factual language. Bullet points can be effective for clarity if explaining multiple brief points.
- Be Factual, Not Emotional: State the circumstances simply. Avoid overly dramatic language or dwelling on negativity. Focus on the facts and, where applicable, how you moved forward.
- Keep it Brief: Use only as much space as needed. Don’t feel obligated to use the full 650 words. Often, a short paragraph or a few bullet points are enough.
- Proofread Carefully: Treat it like any other part of your application. Check for errors in grammar and spelling.
- State the Purpose Clearly: Maybe start with “I am using this section to explain…”
- Link to your Portfolio: You can add a link to your portfolio if you have one. You can create one for free on cirkledin.com and tell your holistic story with limited characters with a URL.
Final Thought: Use It Only If Necessary
The common app additional info section can be helpful, but only when used for its intended purpose – providing essential context or clarification. Don’t feel pressured to write something here if you don’t need to. A blank section is perfectly fine! If you do use it, be strategic, concise, and factual. Use it wisely to add necessary understanding, not just extra words.
Need more tips on college applications, scholarships, or just how to survive this whole process? Cirkled In has your back—check out Cirkled In resources to help you through every step of your college journey!
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