If I already have a good Common App essay, but I still have something I want to say about my current personal situation at home, can/should I attach an essay in the Additional Information Section of CommonApp? It’s a ~490 word essay and I’m not sure if the additional info part is just for bullet point responses or actual essays. Also, if I do add a full on essay here, would it be looked down upon by Admission Committees? Thanks in advance
I don’t think it has to be an essay if you’re talking about a personal situation. You want to get straight to the point.
@rdeng2614 I already have a well fleshed out essay I used for another optional supplement that I think would also help explain why I want to go into a specific major. I’m kinda just wondering if an full-on essay in this section would look bad to adcoms
From what I’ve heard, this section is not for an additional essay. If you have a situation to explain, explain it with a few sentences.
Here’s a nice guide to the additional info section: http://www.collegeessayguy.com/blog/2014/11/23/common-app-additional-info
They don’t want to read another essay. You definitely run the risk of TMI, too. Did you ask your guidance counselor to address these issues in their recommendation? That is the best approach. It is very tricky to do so yourself without appearing to be making excuses for weaknesses in your application or over sharing.
If you still feel you have to do this, I would limit it to a brief paragraph or two.
I wrote about an extenuating circumstance that was significant in my life in about 400 words… But my GC is also mentioning it in a seperate email to the colleges that I’m applying to… So…
I would talk to your GC about this.