<p>I need to explain my academic situation, the reason why I went to 3 different schools, and some other points in my commonapp, so my question is how do I format the additional information file that I will have to attach? Do I state each topic of concern then write about it or do I just write in paragraphs? Anyone has any idea on this?</p>
<p>Also, how do you guys format you essay? I know this has been asked for many times but I have seen so many different answers I don't know what to do. Thanks for your reply!</p>
<p>I understand your concern, because you probably want everything to be absolutely perfect. But to be honest, it doesn’t actually matter that much. As long as your grammar and everything is correct, and all the information is clearly layed out, it doesn’t make any difference how you format it. I know most people keep essays single spaced, 12 point font, times new roman, the usual. As far as the explaining why you went to 3 different schools, there is a section on the commonapp under the education tab, titled “education interruption.” You’ll see that there’s a box that you can check which says “did/will change secondary schools.” If you click there, something should open up that allows you to upload a document there explaining why you went to more than one high school. Do it there instead of under additional information.</p>
<p>loudandclear, thank you so much. I didn’t notice that at first but now I do, and that’s really good to know! I have another question if you don’t mind though. Can I leave the number of hours per week and weeks per year under EC section blank? I got really confused filling in one of my EC? (It’s a volunteer work that my counselor suggested I should put in but it was only 3 days) Thanks a lot again!</p>
<p>Hm…that’s interesting that your counselor suggested that. I understand if it’s something that had a profound effect on you/something that you have continued in some other way…but if it was just a one time three day thing…I’m not sure I’d even put that in the EC portion of my commonapp. I wouldn’t suggest leaving it blank though…colleges might just think you forgot to fill it in.</p>
<p>So, I’ll just give you my general suggestion/view from what I’ve experienced on the EC section. Last year’s commonapp actually only allowed the student to fill in a maximum of SIX ECs, but this year I think they increased that to something like twelve. But the thing that was so great about the maximum of six ECs, is it meant that the student only filled in ECs that were REALLY meaningful to them, that they put a lot of time into, and that really showed off the student for who they were. Colleges definitely like it better if you have ECs that you’ve continued for a long time. Quality over quantity, basically. It looked good to just fill out six good ECs, and then if you wanted, you could use that additional information section (under the writing tab) and upload a document with other additional ECs (i.e. ones like your three day one). Now that the commonapp has room for twelve or so ECs, I think people will try and fill up all of that space…and that might actually not look so good. I think the best thing to do is fill up 6 or 7 spaces in the EC section with your MOST IMPORTANT ECs…that way the colleges REALLY FOCUSES on those, and they don’t get distracted by some student just trying really really hard to look good. This way they KNOW you are good. It also doesn’t mean that the college doesn’t see the other EC stuff you do, because it’s still in the additional info section. So my suggestion would be to do that. I know people who did that this year, and they got into their top choice colleges. This whole college process is really about how you present yourself on paper! If you have any other questions please feel free to ask me…I went through the college process more than once (I ended up taking a gap year and then reapplying because I wanted a different type of school), so I have some pretty good experience with the commonapp. Hope this helped.</p>
<p>This is very helpful! Thanks a million times. I think maybe my counselor thinks it’s cool to put that on. I taught English to hill tribe children in Northern Thailand for 3 days, but it wasn’t that impressive considered I went to school in Thailand my junior year. But thanks a million times!</p>