The Ultimate Guide: How to Use Additional Information on the Common App

The Ultimate Guide: How to Use Additional Information on the Common App

Are you planning to apply to colleges soon? If so, you’ll be using the Common Application (Common App) to apply to multiple schools. The Common App is a standardized application that allows students to submit their information, transcripts, and test scores to multiple schools at once. But did you know that there is also a section for additional information that can make your application stand out from the crowd?

In this ultimate guide, we will show you how to use the Additional Information section on the Common App to your advantage, providing examples and insights to help you make the most of this opportunity.

What is the Additional Information section on the Common App?

The Additional Information section on the Common App provides a space for you to share any information that you believe will be of interest to the admissions committee but doesn’t fit elsewhere in the application. This can include extracurricular activities, work experience, family responsibilities, special circumstances, or anything else that you feel helps define who you are as a person and a student.

It’s important to note that the Additional Information section is not required, and you should only fill it out if you have significant information to add. Admissions committees want to know more about you, but they don’t want to be inundated with irrelevant or extraneous information.

How should you approach the Additional Information section?

Here are some tips to help you approach the Additional Information section effectively:

1. Be thoughtful: Use this space to highlight parts of your life, identity, or experiences that you feel are important, but that haven’t been mentioned elsewhere in the application. Think about what makes you unique and what you want admissions committees to know about you.

2. Be concise: While you have up to 650 words to use in the Additional Information section, you don’t need to fill the entire space. In fact, being concise and to-the-point is more effective than rambling on.

3. Be authentic: Don’t try to fabricate anything or exaggerate your experiences or accomplishments. Be honest and genuine in presenting your information.

4. Use specific examples: If you’re going to mention an experience or an activity, be specific and give details. This will help admissions committees understand the significance and impact of what you’re talking about.

What kind of information should you include in the Additional Information section?

The Additional Information section can include a variety of information, such as:

1. Extracurricular activities: If you have participated in extracurriculars that don’t fit elsewhere in the application, this is a good place to mention them. Be sure to explain your role and any accomplishments or leadership positions you may have held.

2. Work experience: If you have worked while in high school, explain what you did and what you learned. This can include part-time jobs, internships, or volunteer work.

3. Special circumstances: If you have experienced any challenges or hardships that have affected your education, explain them. This can include family responsibilities, medical issues, or personal or financial struggles.

4. Additional awards or honors: If you have received any awards or honors that haven’t been mentioned elsewhere in the application, this is a good place to highlight them.

Conclusion

The Additional Information section on the Common App is an opportunity for you to communicate more about yourself to college admissions committees. It provides a space for you to highlight information that is important but doesn’t fit elsewhere in the application. By being thoughtful, concise, authentic, and using specific examples, you can effectively use the Additional Information section to make your application stand out. Don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity to show admissions committees who you really are.

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