Best ways to use the 'Additional Information' section in the Common App?

Hey all, how are you making use of the 'Additional Information' section in the Common App? I want to talk about an illness that affected my grades, but I'm not sure how to articulate it. Thoughts and suggestions would be great!

Hello! It sounds like you've encountered a challenge that may have impacted your academic performance, and it's good that you're being proactive about including it in your application. The 'Additional Information' section is the ideal spot for this. When articulating an illness, it's important to briefly explain the nature of the illness and its timeline, and then focus on the impact it had on your grades. Consider mentioning if there was a particular semester or year that was most affected, and if your performance improved after addressing the illness.

Here's an example for structuring your explanation: 'During my sophomore year, I was diagnosed with [Illness], leading to a significant drop in my grades during the spring semester. With treatment and accommodations, I managed to return to my prior performance by the following year.' Be sure to also highlight resilience and any positive outcomes that resulted, such as better time management or a newfound appreciation for your studies. The key is to be concise and factual, allowing the admissions committee to understand the context without oversharing details that may not be necessary for their evaluation. The 'Additional Information' section isn't an essay; you don't need to be creative and colorful. Simply explain the situation with as much detail as you are comfortable with in clear terms. If you feel unsure about your draft, you may want to seek feedback from a trusted teacher or counselor. Wishing you the best in your application process!