The Universal Secondary Question: "Is there anything else you would like to add?

[dblue10]

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Hey all

I've been looking for about 20 mins for a discussion about what this means. If you know where it is, can you post the link here?

Otherwise, I've talked to a few friends about the question. Most think that if the prompt does not make specific references, like FIU's below, it is meant to explain any special circumstances (disadvantaged, health problems, etc) regarding your undergrad. What do you all think?

• "Identify any traits, experiences, challenges, interests, etc. that a professor or advisor would not normally know about you and that you have not already written about in your AMCAS personal statement. Is there anything else that you would like the admissions committee to know about you?"

 

[linguini]

In addition to the special circumstances you listed above, it is a spot to explain any poor grades/withdrawls. Also, if you are particularly interested in that school and they haven't given you another space to describe your desire to go there, I'd use the additional info section for that. I think it is completely fine to leave it blank as well. Remember that adcoms have a bajillion essays to read. If you write an additional essay filled with lots of fluff, it won't necessarily reflect positively on you as an applicant. It might just annoy them.

 

[linguini]

Sorry for the extra post. I'd also use it if you have any updated information (e.g. you added on another EC, published paper, etc.) since your AMCAS app.

 

[PremedIowa]

If it is listed as optional, it really is optional. If you don't feel like you have anything to say, feel free to not put anything.

 

[Mobius1985]

I used that prompt to write a brief (hopefully amusing) essay about quirky, unrelated talents and interests I'd acquired that had nothing to do with making me a good candidate for medical school, but showed some depth to my personality that made me more interesting.