<p>Is it okay to discuss extenuating circumstances in the additional inforation section of the common application? Will it look like I'm trying to make them feel sorry for me? The reason why I'm asking this is because I'm not sure if my guidance counselor adressed these issues directly in my recomendation and I chose not to write about them in my essays. But I think they are significant and they have affected me for the last year.</p>
<p>Bumb Bumpidy Bump Bump Bump</p>
<p>Depends on how extenuating they are, but usually... yes, of course.
I wrote in my addition info section how I spend close to 20 hours a week just commuting to school and home. Your explanation can hardly be more random than this.</p>
<p>Yes...explain the situation in the additional info section...</p>
<p>No, the adcom will know what to do with the stuff you add. It can make a difference.</p>
<p>I had to do that too- my home life was awful my sophomore year and my grades really showed it.</p>
<p>I'd say that you should do it. Most colleges want to know if there was something that affected your performance.</p>