used it to explain a scheduling conflict, why grades were lower early on in HS, and to explain context for a class. also listed a certification and the amount of time it took to get it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:DC actually did use to to explain why they weren't taking AP Physics since it was scheduled in a way that would have prevented them from taking an upper level bio elective that was more relevant to their path. They still took regular physics b/c it didn't require two periods. DC got into first choice top 20.

This is the appropriate use.

No one made you god.
my kid used it to include a detailed explanation of research and 1 big project. Headed to Ivy.

Anonymous wrote:DC actually did use to to explain why they weren't taking AP Physics since it was scheduled in a way that would have prevented them from taking an upper level bio elective that was more relevant to their path. They still took regular physics b/c it didn't require two periods. DC got into first choice top 20.

This is the appropriate use.

Sounds like most people used it in one of two ways. To explain scheduling issues or to perhaps explain more about research or some particular activity that deeply aligned with their academic interest.

Thank you!

DC actually did use to to explain why they weren't taking AP Physics since it was scheduled in a way that would have prevented them from taking an upper level bio elective that was more relevant to their path. They still took regular physics b/c it didn't require two periods. DC got into first choice top 20.

DD in at Cornell and Notre Dame (but not some other top 20s). She had a link to an article about her (think a Bethesda Magazine type thing) and a link to a short video she made about a project she did outside of school (I wouldn't call it a passion project because it was short term, but it was unique and impactful). Neither was mentioned or referred to in any way in her activities or awards sections. Each link had 1-2 sentences setting them up.

No idea if they helped or hurt her with the schools but my gut said they helped.

Anonymous wrote:As a former application reader I really suggest not cramming extra info in these sections.

What school did you read for?

As a former application reader I really suggest not cramming extra info in these sections.

I have two kids who got into Ivies unhooked (25 and 26--different years and different schools).
Neither used the additional info. nor did they attach resumes (which I think some kids figure out how to do) or add more teacher or personal recs.

Anonymous wrote:My kid did by using bullet points and admitted to an ivy.

can you share what you put in the bullet points?

My kid did by using bullet points and admitted to an ivy.

We used one of those sections to explain that my kid transferred schools due to a parent job move and as a result had two transcripts—one wonky one in common app from the new school which imported things like differential equations as something like “undisclosed math” and didn’t include his art or research classes AND the real transcript from the former school sent directly from the former school (as the new school refused to do this too). He also explained that he was selected for multiple senior year leadership positions that he had to give up due to the move.

He got into 6/7 schools he applied to—multiple top schools.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not for expanding the activities and honors. It is to explain an extenuating circumstance or anomaly. Were you unable to take AP Physics bc it conflicted with AP Latin? Did the IB program not offer something this year? Did you move and so your sequence of classes was off? Were you hospitalized and missed something? Was there a policy change at your school that affected you? These are the things to mention in a SUPER brief sentence ot two. Do not submit an extra essay or add honors and more activities. That can really piss off the AO.

This is really old outdated info because Common App now has two sections: one for the challenges you faced (scheduling, hospitalizations) and one for additional info.

Watch all of the webinars out there. The second section is now full.

Good point that it was divided into two sections this year. Advice remains the same.

Not every kid will have something to put in the Add section, but for top schools (t10/t20), I'd assume the 10 ECs and 5 awards can't fully explain a kid's achievements. I would include them there. We did successfully for t10.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is not for expanding the activities and honors. It is to explain an extenuating circumstance or anomaly. Were you unable to take AP Physics bc it conflicted with AP Latin? Did the IB program not offer something this year? Did you move and so your sequence of classes was off? Were you hospitalized and missed something? Was there a policy change at your school that affected you? These are the things to mention in a SUPER brief sentence ot two. Do not submit an extra essay or add honors and more activities. That can really piss off the AO.

This is really old outdated info because Common App now has two sections: one for the challenges you faced (scheduling, hospitalizations) and one for additional info.

Watch all of the webinars out there. The second section is now full.

Good point that it was divided into two sections this year. Advice remains the same.

Anonymous wrote:This is where you put the nonprofit you started as well as your eco tourism.

This is for additional information about goblins.