Any tips for "Additional Comments" Question?

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

minerva3121

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
Messages
2,896
Reaction score
16
I thought I'd start this thread since the one about the "Why This School?" question received lots of great responses. I know there are already a few old threads covering this topic, but they only had about 5 posts.

First, I'm assuming it's strongly advised to write something, even though it's technically optional. No response = indication of laziness and/or lack of interest in school?

Second, what topics should be covered if we choose to write something? I've heard suggestions like

-Explain why you're interested in this school
-Explain why you dropped a course or why you got bad grades for certain semester(s)
-Explain what unique aspects you have to offer to the school
-Go into more details about an EC or experience that wasn't fully covered in your PS or AMCAS activites section

Any other ideas about what should be covered?
 
I think it's more for explanations about poor grades and unique stories. If a student was dealing with a death in the family or spent time growing up on a boat or something. If it adds something to your app not discussed elsewhere then add it. Don't feel like forcing something or copy-pasting the school's mission statement on the optional essays just to "not look lazy."
 
Top