Confused About the "Additional Information" of the Common App

Applying to College Common and Coalition Application
1

I’m filling out the Common App right now, and I came across this part:
“Do you wish to provide details of circumstances or qualifications not reflected in the application?”

  1. What should I put there?
  2. I'm thinking about mentioning why scheduling conflicts have influenced my schedules in 11th and 12th grade. I had to drop Latin 3 and Orchestra, and took study hall as independent study with my orchestra teacher. Then, I registered for 4 AP classes for Senior year, but had no choice to drop 2 because of overlapping courses...Would that work?
2

@ccsch48 I would not write that information in the Additional info section. Any scheduling conflicts should be addressed by your guidance counselor. I tend to think this section is better used to highlight any positive events or accomplishments that don’t fall anywhere else on the common application. I just think all the info you posted above comes across as weakness or excuses. I don’t see how it enhances your app but instead may take away from it. And… you definitely don’t want that. But, this is purely my opinion.

3

I agree completely with pkchamp89 above - scheduling issues should only be addressed by your GC, if at all.

I didn’t fill out that section, and it didn’t hurt my app. I actually planned to discuss my gap year in that section, but then realized that there’s a specific “education interruption” section for it. It doesn’t sound like you have something obvious to put there (glaring weirdness on your transcript not explained elsewhere, medical issues, etc.), so you’re probably better off leaving it blank.

4

Understand that anything you put in your app can reflect your thinking. Make wise choices.

Nothing is required in Addl Info. It’s not uncommon for kids to put in one line or two explaining a sched conflict. But you have to be very careful to express only what helps your case. And, succinctly.

Dropping orch but picking it up as an independent course could show your motivation to continue. Saying you overloaded your senior sched and had to drop 2 may not look so savvy.

What did happen with Latin? You stopped at 2? Not so good, if your only FL.

Think this through carefully.