Too much additional information?

Applying to College
1

<p>So, I recently filled out the Common Application's "Additional Information" section, and I've got six hundred words in that section. I'm really proud of what I've written, and I think its useful, nicely organized information, but I'm worried that it's too much. I've heard some people on College Confidential suggest only using the Additional Information section to explain disciplinary history/grade drops, and I didn't have anything like that.</p>

<p>Here's a breakdown of my Additional Information:
• Homeschooling Philosophy (152 Words) - Some colleges want to know why I was homeschooled, and I've included the reasons in great detail, along with an explanation of how my education has shifted from my parents, to homeschool co-ops, to homeschool tutorials, to self-study and online sources. This section is practically required, but I could make it much shorter if I had to.
• Schoolwork and Grading (174 Words) - This section is not required, but I take the opportunity to explain how my homeschool classes were graded (suggested by some colleges), list my current unofficial grades in dual enrollment classes (suggested by guidance counselor as a way to avoid deferral*), and include an explanation about taking both Biology and AP Biology, as well as Chemistry and AP Chemistry. (My tutorial taught creationism, so I took additional science classes at home.)
• Extracurricular Activities (274 Words) - Here, I go in-depth about a few of my activities, from chess teaching, to learning website development, to attending Latin conventions. Some activities were already covered briefly in the Common Applications's "Activities" section, but others were not. It's less about highlighting activities and more about clearing up ambiguity left my the word limits in the regular Activities section.</p>

<p>Anyway, do you think this is all justifiable? As a homeschooled student, I think it can sometimes help to provide additional information, but I've also heard things like, "The thicker the file, the thicker the student" on College Confidential. (Admittedly, this may be true: I think they'd admit me if they knew just a little more about me...)</p>

<ul>
<li>Since I don't have any pre-12th grade college classes, my GC thinks that ED/EA colleges might want to see unofficial grades. This way, I'm less likely to get deferred because of a "Let's see he does in these courses" response.</li>
</ul>

2

<p>I don’t think you should be spending 274 on extracurriculars. Make this section as brief as possible - if you really, really need to elaborate on an activity or list others, write just a brief sentence about them. I think you can cut down the other two sections as well. I am happy to take a look at it and help you cut it down, but in my opinion, if sounds like six hundred words, in this case, is too much.</p>

3

<p>What follows is exclusively one individual’s OPINION, nothing more. You write very well, especially in comparison to MANY of your chronological peers (cogratuations, it’s a VITAL life-skill). Therefore, I suspect your three “additional Information” sections will be coherent, logical, articulate and lucid. However, I respectfully believe you may want to avoid admissions readers and officers potentially responding – they are VERY busy until April – with a “why is this included, it squanders my time” reaction. I do NOT suggest that will universally occur, but it might (perhaps, largely dependent on the volume of applications to be evaluated). You alone can judge the risks and the likely rewards of including these three optional statements. I only point out, however, that admissions’ employees are human, they may become irritable and tired after many continuous twelve hour days, and YOU should consider their understandable foibles – obviously, especially since they will assess your application</p>

4

<p>I would try to be as clear and concise as possible so that your overall core message is not diluted by this section. </p>

<p>Is there anything you’re saying here that may already be explained in your secondary school report form or discussed in your essays?</p>

<p>Do you really need to explain your reasoning for specific course selections?</p>

<p>Do you really need to go more in depth on multiple extracurricular activities? Or add activities? More activities may diminish the spotlight from the most important ones.</p>

<p>Do you really need to report unofficial grades? Is it different from your past pattern of grades?</p>

<p>Is your reason given for homeschooling over traditional schooling clear and direct as opposed to esoteric and/or philosophical?</p>

5

<p>At Marist College we ALWAYS tell students that if they think it is important, send it over to admissions! Its hard for admission reps to get to know you a lot about you through the common app. I suggest that you send whatever is important for admissions to understand you. Send whatever you think will help you stand out!</p>

6

<p>Thanks for your comments! I have shortened my additional information section to 480 words, mainly by removing some of the extra-curricular paragraphs as LAMuniv suggested. I’ve kept the “Homeschooling Philosophy” and “Schoolwork and Grading” sections mostly intact, but this seems reasonable as many colleges encourage homeschooled students to submit 15-30+ page documents explaining grading policies, course material, etc.</p>

7

<p>As a home school parent, I think it’s essential that you provide colleges with that information. My son filed separate applications for each school he applied to (except the SUNYs which use the same one) but didn’t put that information on the application. He submitted a school profile with his transcripts that described our home school philosophy, listed his texts by subject, and gave details about his ECs. Unlike public schools, home school programs can be wildly different. You want to give adcoms enough information so they can fairly evaluate yours. Good luck.</p>