Additional Info Section: What It's For and How to Fill It Out

Overview

The Additional Info section is an optional part of the Writing section on the Common App. It's meant for quick, factual explanations that add context to the rest of your application.

Most students leave this section blank, and that's perfectly fine. But if there's something you couldn't fit elsewhere that could help admissions understand your experience more clearly, this is the place to say it.

Below are examples of some things that are worth including and others that are not.

When to use it

• You experienced a serious challenge or disruption (like illness, family circumstances, or a natural disaster) that affected your experience
• Your school didn't offer advanced courses, extracurriculars, or other opportunities
• You had a dip in grades, changed schools, or had a schedule change that needs explanation
• You had major responsibilities outside of school, like caregiving or a job
• You want to briefly explain something from your activities section that didn't fit
• You have a relevant link (such as a website, press mention, or portfolio)

What to avoid

• Another essay (or anything that reads like one)
• Extra awards, clubs, or test scores that didn't fit elsewhere
• Generic or emotional storytelling that doesn't clearly connect to your application
• Explanations for small academic issues without a real impact
• Personal messages to colleges, recommendation letters, or thank-you notes

Additional Info section tips

If you are planning to use the Additional Info section, follow these tips to make sure you do it right:

• Keep it short. A few bullet points or 1–2 short paragraphs is plenty.
• Focus on facts. Stick to what happened and why it matters for your application.
• Avoid emotional language or long backstories.
• Read it out loud. If it sounds like you're writing an essay, trim it down.
• Make sure it adds something new. Don't repeat info from your activities list or essays.