How to Utilize the Common App Additional Information Section

"This section should be used thoughtfully and only if the information provided adds significant value."

What is the Additional Information section?

The Additional Information section on the Common Application is an optional part of the college application where students can provide extra details that don't fit elsewhere in the application. It's typically used for:

1. Clarifying Circumstances: Students can explain anything unusual or challenging that might have impacted their academic performance, such as personal hardships, illness, or family issues.

2. Elaborating on Achievements: If a student has significant achievements or experiences that couldn't be fully detailed in other sections of the application, they can use this space to provide more context.

3. Explaining Gaps: If there's a gap in education, such as a year off between high school and college, this section can be used to explain what the student was doing during that time.

4. Describing Learning Differences: Students with learning differences or disabilities might use this section to explain how they’ve overcome challenges related to their condition.

5. Other Relevant Information: Anything else that the student feels is important for admissions officers to know but doesn’t fit neatly into other sections of the application can be included here.