<p>I'm assuming that its to explain circumstances if your grades slipped or something but some people apparently have put activities that they couldn't fit into the activities section. Is that appropriate? What are you actually supposed to write in there? </p>
<p>There are many theories on this. When my older son applied, you could upload a document–no limit on pages. He, basically, sent everything but the kitchen sink, which is what most people said not to do. He sent a page with explanations of things in his app that he felt needed additional fleshing out, a second essay and a two-page resume’. Several of his friends did the same thing, and all were accepted to Ivies/multiple top schools. Now, it’s a 650 word max. I think he would still use the space for similar things. You might want to include one or a combo of:</p>
<ul>
<li>An explanation of things on your application that might be considered more favorably when put into context</li>
<li>An explanation of an extracurricular activity that is particularly important to you, since the EC essay was removed</li>
<li>Information about an internship, business you own, an unusual home situation, etc.</li>
<li>A more complete resume’ than you had space for on the app (I would only do this if you have a lot of state, nat’l, int’l awards, leadership positions that were not fully listed on the app.)</li>
<li>If you have a second essay that you feel tells a completely different story about you than admissions officers would get from the rest of your application</li>
</ul>
<p>I have known of many students who did not include anything in the Additional Information section, who were also accepted to top schools. I think you have to use good judgement. Don’t repeat things that are already on your app unless you are offering additional info on an activity with which you have a substantial involvement and awards. Sometimes, less is better. Sometimes, the app doesn’t represent your interests and accomplishments fairly, especially now that the EC essay is no longer there. Print your app and have someone else who knows you well read it in its entirety. If you can cover all of your bases within the app and supplements, great. If not, you have a 650-word opportunity to wrap things up for the reader. Good luck!</p>
<p>Whatever you thing that is important for your application but cannot be fitted in anywhere else. Nevertheless, it is better to ask your GC to explain your grade slip than yourself. It would be far more persuasive. </p>
<p>Should I explain why I got a bad grade in a class or something? I got a B in Physics B but I don’t plan to go into science so is it worth it? I just don’t want to put something in and then the college admissions will think I’m being pretentious for using that space. </p>
<p>
No. Refer to post #2 above.</p>
<p>This is the reply my son got from his GC when he asked about using the space to expand on his activities list:
“That additional info section should only be used in the rare instance where there’s something so critical to the read of your application that needs to be shared (an extended long illness where a student was out, a supplemental link to research or a video a student made, class selection decision based on being unable to take a class, etc.) I just caution a student to use this section unless it’s critical to explaining something specific in the application review.”
Of course, that’s only one GC’s opinion, but he seems to know what he’s doing.</p>