<p>ok so
i had a family tragedy happen in the middle of high school, and as a result i dont have very many extra curriculars because i was focusing on school and on my family. i dont talk about this in my essay for many reasons, but i obviously want the colleges to know because its crucial for understanding my circumstances, my high school experience, etc. so is this the kind of thing you would put in the "additional information" section? or how would i go about letting colleges know?</p>
<p>The school definitely needs to know. if you can’t incorporate it into your essay then it needs to go in additional information. Or, what about at an interview? Will you be interviewing?</p>
<p>i will possibly be interviewing for some schools but not most of them…</p>
<p>My D interviewed at a school that was maybe #5 on her list. It was her first college interview. Part of the purpose was to give her an oppotunity to make mistakes or learn more about the process without risking anything. What if you interviewed at a nearby school and got their advice? Their answer would probably be close to being the right answer anywhere else. Someone here may have had a similar situation or can provide better first hand knowledge but I think if it were me I may try the trial interview. Could be beneficial in more ways than one.</p>
<p>Or, maybe better yet - call the admissions office at one of your schools and ask! In my experience (limited) they are pretty helpful people and want to help you succeed.</p>
<p>Most schools factor ECs at most into merit aid consideration. Virtually the only schools that factor ECs into admission are places like HPY that have so many high stat applicants that the colleges can use ECs to pick and choose from among them.</p>
<p>If you’re applying to places like HPY have your counselor write about your family tragedy and explain that’s why you weren’t involved in ECs.</p>
<p>i’m pretty sure my counselor already mailed his letter… and i am involved with EC’s, they’re just definitely the weak point of my application.
do you think it would be o.k. just to write about it in the additional info section?
thanks</p>
<p>It would be fine to write about it in the additional info section.</p>