<p>Hello,
I wanted your opinions on whether I should put my background history in the additional info section of my common app. From third grade onwards, I was sent to a religious institution where I was to memorize the Quran, a six hundred and fourteen page book. While at the institution, I devoted all my time to the memorization of the Quran, so much so that I only spent a maximum of two hours daily on my academics (only Math and English). When I finished memorizing the Quran, I entered my local high school. My grades were slightly low during my underclassmen years and my coursework wasn't every rigorous. During my junior year, I finally adapted to the high school environment and began to excel. As a senior, I am taking 5 APs and have a 4.0 GPA. I wrote an essay eloquently explaining this in about 600 words. I want to get into an Ivy League School. Should I put this in the additional section of my common app?</p>
<p>In my opinion, I think you should since it’ll explained why you had a slow start in the beginning of high school. Also it will help to give more background about you.</p>
<p>Another choice is to go talk to your guidance counselor and see if they can put this info in their recommendation form. I have to say… colleges REALLY don’t want another 600 word essay. You just explained it to us in about 50 words.</p>
<p>@intparent wow, that’s actually really good advice! Alas, I wish I talked to you sooner because my counselor already submitted her letter of rec…nothing I can do now.
Wait, do you think I could ask for a letter of rec from the college and career counselor? I’m good friends with her and I could ask her to put this in her letter of rec</p>
<p>You could go see your GC and talk to them about this. See what they recommend.</p>