Additional Information Essay

College Essays
1

Hi,

I am planning on sending out transfer applications for the fall 2016 semester and had a question about the Additional Information space on the Common App. I was wondering if it is appropriate to explain about my father being diagnosed with (a treatable form of) cancer before this past semester and how I visited him in the hospital frequently, was there for his surgeries, and then spent a lot of time with him during his recuperation (surgery went well and he is back working already, so my family is really happy about that). One of my friends said that I shouldn’t mention it since I was still able to get very good grades (6 A’s), and that the space is only supposed to be for stuff dealing directly with academics.

Thanks!

2

Congrats on your excellent grades. Keeping up with your schoolwork while dealing with what must have been a very stressful family situation is indicative of your ability to overcome challenges, which is something colleges like to see. Your best use of the Additional Info space isn’t to make excuses, especially when you have no reason to do so. Many students make A’s, but you managed it under extenuating circumstances. That’s something that sets you apart. Did your father’s illness affect you in other ways? Did you forego extracurricular involvement so you could spend more time with him? Did you face financial difficulties? Those would also be things to mention.