When students approach the Common App, all eyes are typically on the personal statement, activities list, and recommendation letters. These headline sections are undeniably important—but they aren’t the whole story.
Tucked quietly near the end of the application lies a section that is often skipped, misused, or misunderstood. And yet, when used well, it can be the most strategic part of your entire Common App.
So, what is this overlooked but powerful space?
The Additional Information Section: A Hidden Advantage
The “Additional Information” section of the Common App provides applicants with up to 650 additional words to offer context, clarification, or relevant insights that don’t fit elsewhere in the application. It’s optional—but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful.
Admissions officers read thousands of applications every year. They often see academic dips, missing test scores, or seemingly unexplained gaps in activities. The Additional Information section gives students a chance to control their narrative and address questions that might otherwise lead to misinterpretation.
Used wisely, this section can add depth, context, and even humanity to your application—qualities that are often the tipping point in competitive admissions.
Why This Section Matters More Than You Think
Most students either leave the Additional Information section blank or use it to rehash parts of their application already covered. That’s a missed opportunity.
This section exists for a reason: colleges know that a traditional application doesn’t always capture the full picture of a student’s journey. Life doesn’t follow a perfect script, and admissions readers want to understand the “why” behind your choices and circumstances.
You might use this space to:
- Explain a disruption in your academic performance (illness, family issues, relocation, etc.)
- Clarify unique educational pathways, such as homeschooling or alternative curriculums
- Provide context about personal or family challenges
- Share details of a significant project, internship, or research experience that didn’t fit in the Activities section
- Address how COVID-19 or other external factors impacted your education
The goal is to help admissions officers understand you in context—not to offer excuses, but to provide clarity.
When You Should Use the Additional Information Section
This section is not mandatory, but here are some cases where it can be a valuable asset:
1. Academic Anomalies
If you had a sudden drop in grades, switched schools, or missed a semester due to illness, explain what happened and how you responded. Context matters.
2. Limited Opportunities
If your school doesn’t offer AP, IB, or honors courses, and you want to clarify why your transcript looks different, this is the place.
3. Unconventional Achievements
Maybe you started a business, built an app, or conducted research outside of school. If it doesn’t fit cleanly into the Activities section, you can elaborate here.
4. Personal or Family Challenges
Socioeconomic hardships, caregiving responsibilities, or mental health struggles can shape your academic experience. This section can provide thoughtful insight without needing to go into excessive personal detail.
5. Standardized Testing Clarifications
If you weren’t able to take standardized tests, or your scores don’t reflect your academic performance, use this space to explain the circumstances.
When Not to Use It
Just because you can write something doesn’t mean you should. If you don’t have anything substantial to add, it’s better to leave the section blank.
Avoid the Additional Information section if:
- You’re just repeating parts of your activities list or essay
- You want to share more achievements that don’t add meaningful context
- You’re including another essay (this is not the place for a second personal statement)
- Your explanation sounds like an excuse rather than a thoughtful reflection
Admissions officers value self-awareness, maturity, and clarity. Use this section only if it genuinely adds value to your application.
How to Write an Effective Additional Information Entry
If you do choose to use the Additional Information section, here are some best practices to follow:
Be Clear and Direct
Start with a brief introduction: what the issue was, when it occurred, and why it’s relevant. Then, move on to how you responded or what you learned.
Example:
“In the spring of junior year, I missed several weeks of school due to a medical issue. As a result, my third-quarter grades were significantly lower. I returned to school in April and worked closely with my teachers to improve my performance in the final term.”
Use Simple Formatting
Break your writing into short paragraphs. You can also use bullet points if you’re providing a list (e.g., of responsibilities in a job or independent project).
Keep It Factual and Reflective
Don’t exaggerate or get overly emotional. Be honest, measured, and mature in your tone.
Stick to the 650-Word Limit
Treat this section with the same care you would give to any essay, even if it’s not graded or scored.
Final Thoughts
The Common App is more than just a collection of grades, essays, and test scores. It’s a portrait of a person. The Additional Information section allows you to fill in the gaps—offering a fuller, more nuanced view of who you are and how you’ve arrived at this point in your academic journey.
Don’t overlook it.
If you have something important to say that hasn’t been said elsewhere in your application, this section could be your best chance to say it. Used wisely, it could be the one thing that shifts your application from “maybe” to “admit.”
Want more tips for a standout Common App submission?
Explore our latest guides on essay writing, activity descriptions, and Common App do’s and don’ts.
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