Utilizing the Additional Information Section + Updates for the 2025/2026 Cycle
The additional information section is an optional field available to every applicant who may want to share more information or details that they were not able to elsewhere in their application. This is a space for students to provide specific context, explain unique circumstances, or share other personal information. Of course, if students don’t feel comfortable sharing something with us, they don’t have to use this section. Something to keep in mind is that any information a student shares in this section will be sent to every school to which they apply through the Common Application. In addition, the information is not confidential.
We hope that this post will help students understand the purpose of this section and how to utilize it to the best of their ability—should they choose to use it. Here are some updates, scenarios, and tips for those who do decide to use the additional information section.
NEW! Update for the 2025/2026 Cycle
In the past, this section had a 650-word limit. For 2025/2026 application cycle, the additional information section has been split to two sections. The first section has a 250-word limit and asks students to describe any challenges or circumstances that may have impacted them. The second section has a 300-word limit that allows students to share additional details or qualifications.
The additional information section is an opportunity for self-advocacy. Think of admission counselors as students’ advocates; they want to better understand each applicant’s situation when reviewing the application—so they understand context. Students can help us help them by providing the important information. Here are some examples of what students might think of providing:
Explaining a dip or concerning trend in grades
If a health concern, a family emergency, a change in schools, or an extenuating circumstance affected a student’s ability to perform well in school, please let us know about it in this section. Sometimes we see some grade dips that are inconsistent with the general performance of an applicant, which raises some questions. Since we cannot assume anything, it’s helpful for students to provide us with an explanation, if there is one.
Sharing difficult personal circumstances (outside of the personal statement)
Maybe a student does not want to make an extenuating circumstance the topic of their personal statement. They can use this section as a way to provide that information, whether that be financial obstacles, housing instability, food insecurity, a natural disaster, or anything else that had a significant impact on them.
Explaining childcare or family responsibilities
Childcare and family responsibilities can be listed in a student’s extracurriculars, but certain situations may require more clarity and elaboration. Some students might even have to financially support their families. Applicants can use the additional information section to provide more nuance about their home life and responsibilities.
Talking about a long-distance commute to and from school
A student’s commute may explain why they are not as involved in extracurricular activities or struggled during a particular year or semester in school.
Telling us about physical or mental health challenges
If a student would like to explain any chronic or short-lasting physical or mental health concerns that impacted their schooling or involvement in activities, this section is a space to do just that.
Letting us know about school changes or moving to a new home
If a student has had to make a significant move or has moved a lot, they can lay out a timeline for us to help connect the dots. For example, someone who has moved around a lot may have extracurricular commitments with less consistency or may have had trouble with adapting to a new school.
Here are some examples of what NOT to share in the Additional Information Section:
Links to portfolios, resumes, videos, extra writing samples, albums, etc. If a student did not apply to a portfolio major, we do not need these items. In truth, we cannot click on links from our application reading program, even if we wanted to check out a student’s latest music video or TikTok post.
Another personal statement or short answer. Every student is allowed one personal statement and one short answer in the application; writing another one does not necessarily make a student more competitive, because more does not necessarily equal better.
More activities. The Common App has 10 spots for extracurricular activities. This is plenty of space for a student to share their involvement. Again, quality over quantity!
The additional information section is a place to share any important and sometimes personal information that may not have been shared elsewhere in their application. We have a holistic review process, so this section is a great opportunity for students to provide context that is central to who they are and their life experiences.
But remember: Students don’t have to use this section if they don’t want to. Furthermore, it should also be noted that, while we try to keep information private, it is not confidential.
Written By: Audrey Burba, Senior Assistant Director, USC Office of Admission.
Updated by: Simon Chow and Anne Aubert-Santelli.