Additional comments box for UCs + demonstrating interest

Applying to College
1

<p>What exactly is the additional comments spot used for? I read the directions above it, and it seems like I can write pretty much anything that wasn't stated earlier in the app. Do you guys think it's a good idea to write something like a "Why UC?" essay in there to demonstrate my interest? Because a bunch of 4.0/2400/perfect EC kids are applying to the UCs as safeties, and the additional comments box seems like the only way I can demonstrate interest and show the admissions officers that I actually want to go there. </p>

<p>Also, is it a good idea to mention an internship I had in Credit Suisse in the additional comments? It had a significant impact on me and my interest in pursuing business, and I feel that it might be able to set me apart.</p>

2

<p>Check the common data sets of the schools to see if “level of interest” is considered at all. For example, Berkeley’s 2010-2011 common data set ( [UC</a> Berkeley Common Data Set](<a href=“http://cds.berkeley.edu/]UC”>http://cds.berkeley.edu/) ) says that “level of interest” is “not considered”.</p>

<p>Writing about the internship may help and should not hurt.</p>

3

<p>The UC schools don’t care a whit about demonstrated interest. On the other hand, since the demise of affirmative action they care a great deal about any difficulties you may have faced. The wise applicant uses every opportunity in the app to play up disadvantages, discrimination, etc. as well as making sure the adcoms know about meaningful ECs, leadership positions, etc.</p>