Hello everyone! I've heard that the Additional Information section on the Common App can be used to explain any extenuating circumstances. I've had a few personal issues during high school that affected my grades, but I'm not sure how to write about them properly. Can anyone give me some advice or tips on how to approach this section? Thank you!
Hello! It's great that you're considering using the Additional Information section to provide context for your circumstances. The key to effectively explaining your situation is to be concise, factual, and focus on the impact it had on you academically. Here are a few tips to help you approach this section:
1. Be clear and concise: Provide a straightforward explanation of your circumstances, without going into unnecessary details. You want to give the admissions officers enough information to understand the situation, but not overwhelm them.
2. Focus on the impact: Explain how your personal issues directly affected your academic performance. For instance, if you had to miss school frequently due to a medical condition, mention how this absence led to lower grades.
3. Highlight your resilience: If you were able to overcome the challenges and improve your academic performance, make sure to emphasize this. It shows that you're capable of adapting and working hard to succeed even in difficult situations.
4. Keep a positive tone: While it's important to be honest about your struggles, try to maintain an optimistic outlook. This will help convey that you're not looking for pity, but rather you want the admissions officers to have a complete understanding of your high school experience.
Best of luck with your application!
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