Additional Information: You are not required to write anything in this section, but you may include additional information if something has particular significance to you. This could be due to personal hardships, limited activities, or unusual circumstances.
UW 'Additional Information' Essay Slides
Q: What is the strategic purpose of this essay?
A:
To provide essential context that is not available elsewhere in your application.
It's for explaining anomalies, not for listing more achievements.
Use it only if your application is incomplete without this information.
Q: What topics are appropriate for this section?
A:
Significant personal hardships (health, family, financial).
Limited opportunities or unusual academic circumstances.
Example: "A prolonged illness in my junior year caused my grades to dip for one semester, which I explain here."
Q: How should I write about these circumstances?
A:
Be direct, factual, and concise. Avoid overly emotional language.
State the situation, explain its direct impact, and show how you adapted.
Focus on providing context, not making excuses.
Q: What are the most common mistakes to avoid?
A:
Trying to squeeze in another accomplishment or activity.
Repeating information that is already clear elsewhere.
