<p>Hey guys! i know the Common App essays have been released and I've heard the actual app will be released early august for the 2014-2015 admissions process. I was wondering, apart from the essay prompts, if there is a separate essay to talk about extracurriculars? I've seen posts on CC prior to 2012 where students have asked opinions on extracurricular essays. But now that the common app has changed its prompts since 2013, does that mean the only way to talk about an extracurricular experience in depth is by using it for the common app essay? </p>
<p>No, there is not a general Common App essay which specifically asks you to talk about an extracurricular… BUT:</p>
<p>There is a place to type “additional information.” Here I believe you have ~650 to talk about something that otherwise wasn’t mentioned in your application. Most times, students tend to use this section to explain circumstances that may have affected their high school transcript, such as a death in the family, switching schools, etc. I don’t think you should use this to write an essay in the format of another personal essay, but if you <em>need</em> to explain something related to an extracurricular that you think is necessary for adcoms to know, certainly use this space.</p>
<p>In the extracurriculars section of the Common App, you have a very small amount of space to write specifics about the club or activity. Certainly not essay-length though, just room for a sentence or other short description.</p>
<p>A very common supplemental essay question for colleges is “elaborate on an extracurricular activity.” Obviously, this is more tailored to writing about your extracurricular, but keep in mind that this essay is college-specific, and a lot of colleges may not ask it. Some colleges will also give you space for an optional essay, similar to the optional Common App additional info essay.</p>
<p>Other places you can talk more about your extracurriculars are to have you guidance counsellor or teachers bring it/them up in your recommendation letters. If it’s something you feel requires a conversation, you can always email your state’s adcom - they’re usually very helpful in answering questions, and it’s great to have some sort of contact with them before they read your app.</p>
<p>Best of luck! :)</p>