In addition to the Common App essay and Activities List, the Common Application includes space for applicants to provide additional information about their life in and outside of the classroom. This section is called the “Additional Information” section, and it provides the following prompt:
“You may use the space below to provide any additional information you would like to share.”
Unlike college-specific supplements which are occasionally optional but always strongly recommended, the additional information section is truly optional. If you’re having trouble deciding whether or not to fill it out, or if you’re wondering what you should write if you do choose to fill it out, here are some questions you can ask yourself as you complete the additional information section:
Does this information add necessary context to my application?
As you share these experiences, keep in mind that you should not take a defensive or overly self-pitying tone—you should explain these circumstances factually and sincerely, without seeking to emotionally sway the admissions committee.
Can you describe what you plan to write about elsewhere?
When considering a topic for the additional information section, ask yourself whether you could write about it in the awards and honors section, activities list, or school specific supplements. There are plenty of spaces in your application to describe your accomplishments, personality, and activities. If there isn’t space in any of those sections or if it doesn’t make sense to include the detail in those areas, you should consider the additional information section. Think of the additional information section as a place to include information that doesn’t fit in any of the required sections. It’s a useful extra tool, and should be thought of as such.
How can I make this more efficient or engaging for my reader?
Is there a special or unusual grading system at your school that most admissions officers won’t be familiar with?
Do other aspects of your application provide enough insight into your intellectual or academic life?
Additional Information Section Example #1
Artistic Portfolio: www.firstnamelastname.com
Artistic Portfolio Instagram: @firstnameartworks
Additional Information Section Example #2
In the fall of 2023, I broke my leg in a bicycle accident, underwent major surgery, and missed six weeks of school. Though I was able to make up for missed work, my recovery majorly affected my sleep schedule, and I struggled against brain fog through the winter. While I was able to enter an outpatient rehabilitation and pain management program and recover by spring, I believe the grades I earned during this time period, particularly in the winter of 2023/2024, reflect my health struggles at the time. I am proud of my resilience and my ability to return to earning straight As once I healed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the additional information section on the Common App?
The additional information section on the Common App can be found in the “Writing” section of the application, under the “Additional Information” tab.
What should I put in the additional information section of the Common App?
In the additional information section of the Common App, you can include relevant context or explanations for aspects of your application that may not be fully addressed elsewhere. This could include extenuating circumstances, significant life events, or additional achievements not addressed in other sections.
What should I not include in the additional information section of the Common App?
In the additional information section of the Common App, it’s best to avoid repeating information already provided elsewhere in the application, making excuses for poor performance, or including irrelevant or trivial details.
Is the Common App additional information section really optional?
Yes, the Common App additional information section is truly optional. You can choose to leave it blank if you feel that you have adequately represented yourself in other sections of the application.
What is a good example of a Common App Additional Information section?
A successful Common App Additional Information section could include an explanation of a significant family obligation that impacted your academic performance or additional details about a personal project or initiative not fully described in the activities section. For instance, if you’re interested in web design, you could include links to your work; if you struggled with an illness throughout high school, you could provide specific ways in which your circumstance impacted your ability to complete schoolwork; if you won an award or participated in a nation-wide initiative, you could provide further information regarding the criteria used or the foundation that bestowed the award.
Do family responsibilities belong in the additional information section of the Common App?
Family responsibilities can be included in the additional information section of the Common App if they have had a significant impact on your academic or extracurricular activities, however, they may also be listed in the Activities List. Be sure to provide context and explain how these responsibilities have shaped your experiences and achievements.
Should I write about my disability or medical leave in the additional information section of the Common App?
If your disability or medical leave significantly impacted your academic performance or extracurricular activities, it may be appropriate to address it in the additional information section of the Common App. Provide relevant context and explain how you have overcome challenges or persevered despite these circumstances. Remember that you always have the right to retain privacy surrounding your personal medical information, and you should only disclose information you feel comfortable discussing and that contextualizes your application.
Should I explain a bad grade in the additional information section of the Common App?
It can be beneficial to explain a bad grade in the additional information section of the Common App if there were extenuating circumstances that affected your performance. However, avoid making excuses or shifting blame and instead focus on what you learned from the experience and how you have grown as a result.
How long should the additional information section on the Common App be?
Your writing in the additional information section should be brief and concise—provide the necessary information succinctly and directly. Avoid being overly wordy or editorializing.
