Additional Information Section Common App

There’s a writing section in the Common Application. That’s where students put their personal statement and have the option to answer two additional questions to provide more context to their applications.

How To Use The Common App Additional Information Section

There’s a writing section in the Common Application. That’s where students put their personal statement and have the option to answer two additional questions to provide more context to their applications.

The first addresses community disruptions like COVID-19 or natural disasters and how they’ve impacted a student’s personal or academic experiences:

Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces. For more information, check out our COVID-19 FAQ.

The second is a little more broad and simply asks:

Do you wish to provide details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application?

So how should students take advantage of these spaces of the Common Application? Are they truly optional? Should everyone answer them? Should no one answer them?

Let’s look at some do’s and don’ts for the Additional Information section!

DO

DO use this section if you feel like your application is missing something important for colleges to understand your whole story.

DO make sure the information you’re providing is actually additional information and not repeated in your application. This section really is optional, so respect your reader’s time!

DO use this section to give context or new information that does not belong somewhere else.

DO keep this section brief and concise. You don’t need to write a second personal statement.

DON’T

DON’T use this section just because you think you have to. These responses are optional, and not answering them is always better than a “non-answer.”

DON’T rewrite or summarize any of your essays.

DON’T paste a copy of your resume or activity list.

DON’T be negative or give excuses – show ownership and growth instead!

GOOD EXAMPLES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Provide context for a dip in grades
• Explain a schedule conflict (for example: “I had to choose between AP Bio and AP Spanish in my senior year, and I chose AP Spanish because of my interest in international relations.”)
• Explain any discrepancies in your application
• Add something that is really important to you but not captured somewhere else
  • Activity descriptions that truly require more than 150 characters to fully understand
  • Extra awards, activities, or coursework that meant a lot to you

  When to Use the Additional Information Section on Common App

  

  Not when it comes to the “Additional Information” section of the application. Most institutional specific applications and the Common Application provide an extra space for students to use. But few know when and how to use it.

  With admissions officers being asked to read applications in less than five minutes, they need to focus on what is required. For most selective colleges, the transcript, test scores, letters of recommendation, activities, and essays matter. Anything extra often doesn’t get read, especially if it’s viewed as unnecessary by admissions officers. I was once an admissions officer and I remember the pressure (and frustration) I felt when a student went overboard and provided information that wasn’t asked for. That is why I am incredibly hesitant to recommend that students submit extra materials or add information that distracts the admissions officer.

  But sometimes students need to explain things. And that is when the “Additional Information” section comes in handy. As long as the student keeps their comments straightforward and brief, this section can contextualize unique circumstances about the student and/or their high school experience.

  Below are the instances when I give a student my blessing to use the “Additional Information” section:

  • If there was a scheduling conflict and you weren’t able to take a core academic class.
  • An important class was canceled due to low enrollment or a teacher shortage.
  • A discrepancy between what is listed on the school profile and what is available to the student. For example, if the school profile indicates that certain AP classes are offered but they aren’t, you could make a note.
  • When the transcript or school profile is not clear about a class, special program the student is a part of, or unusual sequencing like skipping a certain math class.
  • When the high school does not have a school profile or it’s not up-to-date and the transcript needs to be explained further.
  • A major medical or personal issue impacting the student in some way.
  • The title and subject matter of the student’s International Baccalaureate Extended Essay.
  • A job or internship associated with a class on the transcript.

  Some students fill that space with other information, though. It can quickly become overflow for the activities list or honors section. But if an activity or honor is so important, it should be included in the activities list or honors section. The “Additional Information” section is not a space for an extended list of activities, honors, or even an additional essay. More is not better, remember.

  READ MORE: My Daughter Wrote Her College Essay! Here’s How We Picked the Prompt
  

  If a student needs to use the “Additional Information” section, it should be used sparingly. A short, neutral, brief statement goes a long way. This can be especially important with students who are applying to colleges that do not permit a letter of recommendation from a counselor or if their counselor is not able to provide a detailed letter on their behalf.

  Ultimately, this section is not required so it gets a lot less attention than other pieces of the application. Only use this section if you really need to. And remember how quickly admissions officers want to get through an application. Keep things short and sweet when it comes to the “Additional Information” section. You’ll thank me later for it (and so will those admissions officers).