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Are you applying to college and feeling overwhelmed by the Common Application’s additional information section? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. This guide will break down everything you need to know about this section, from what it is to how to write it effectively. By the end, you’ll have the confidence you need to tackle this section and make a strong impression on admissions officers.
The Common App additional information section is a chance for you to provide colleges with more information about yourself that isn’t covered elsewhere in the application. This can include topics such as your extracurricular activities, work experience, challenges you’ve faced, and your goals for the future. This section is optional, but it’s highly recommended that you fill it out, as it can give admissions officers a more well-rounded view of you as a candidate.
Now that you know what the Common App additional information section is, let’s dive into some tips for writing it effectively. First, take some time to brainstorm all the topics you could write about. Make a list of your extracurricular activities, work experience, accomplishments, challenges, and goals. Once you have a list, start narrowing it down to the most relevant and compelling topics. You only have 650 words to work with, so you need to make every word count.
FAQ
Do I have to fill out the Common App additional information section?
No, the Common App additional information section is optional. However, it is highly recommended that you fill it out, as it can give admissions officers a more well-rounded view of you as a candidate.
What should I write about in the Common App additional information section?
You can write about anything that you feel is relevant to your application and that you think will help admissions officers get to know you better. This can include topics such as your extracurricular activities, work experience, challenges you’ve faced, and your goals for the future.
How long should the Common App additional information section be?
The Common App additional information section has a word limit of 650 words. This may seem like a lot, but it’s important to be concise and to the point. Every word should count.
What are some tips for writing the Common App additional information section?
Here are some tips for writing the Common App additional information section:
- Brainstorm a list of all the topics you could write about.
- Narrow your list down to the most relevant and compelling topics.
- Write in a clear and concise style.
- Proofread your work carefully before submitting it.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in the Common App additional information section?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in the Common App additional information section:
- Don’t repeat information that is already included elsewhere in your application.
- Don’t write about anything that is not relevant to your application.
- Don’t ramble or go off-topic.
- Don’t make any grammatical or spelling errors.
What are some examples of good topics to write about in the Common App additional information section?
Here are some examples of good topics to write about in the Common App additional information section:
- A challenging experience you have overcome.
- A unique talent or skill you have.
- A leadership role you have held.
- A special interest or hobby you have.
- Your goals for the future.
Remember, the Common App additional information section is your chance to show admissions officers who you are and what you’re all about. Take your time, write thoughtfully, and proofread carefully before submitting your application.
Now that you know what to write about and how to write it, let’s take a look at some specific tips for writing the Common App additional information section.
Tips
Now that you know what to write about in the Common App additional information section, let’s take a look at some specific tips for writing it effectively:
Tip 1: Brainstorm and outline your ideas.
Before you start writing, take some time to brainstorm all the topics you could write about. Once you have a list, start narrowing it down to the most relevant and compelling topics. You can also create an outline to help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your essay flows logically.
Tip 2: Write in a clear and concise style.
The Common App additional information section has a word limit of 650 words, so it’s important to be concise and to the point. Every word should count. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that admissions officers may not be familiar with.
Tip 3: Show, don’t tell.
When writing about your experiences, challenges, and goals, try to show rather than tell. For example, instead of saying “I am a hard worker,” you could say “I worked three jobs while going to school full-time to help support my family.” This will help admissions officers get a better sense of who you are and what you’re all about.
Tip 4: Proofread carefully before submitting.
Once you have finished writing your Common App additional information section, take some time to proofread it carefully. Make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. You can also ask a friend or family member to read it over and give you feedback.
Remember, the Common App additional information section is your chance to show admissions officers who you are and what you’re all about. Take your time, write thoughtfully, and proofread carefully before submitting your application.
Now that you have some tips for writing the Common App additional information section, it’s time to start writing. Remember to be yourself, be honest, and be concise. Good luck!
Conclusion
The Common App additional information section is your chance to show admissions officers who you are and what you’re all about. It’s an opportunity to provide more information about yourself that isn’t covered elsewhere in the application, such as your extracurricular activities, work experience, challenges you’ve faced, and your goals for the future.
While the Common App additional information section is optional, it is highly recommended that you fill it out. By taking the time to write a thoughtful and well-crafted essay, you can give admissions officers a more well-rounded view of you as a candidate and increase your chances of admission.
Here are the main points to remember when writing the Common App additional information section:
- Brainstorm and outline your ideas.
- Write in a clear and concise style.
- Show, don’t tell.
- Proofread carefully before submitting.
Remember, the Common App additional information section is your chance to shine. Be yourself, be honest, and be concise. Good luck!
With a little planning and effort, you can write a Common App additional information section that will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of admission to your dream school.
