UCSF Additional Information secondary question

[suomi24]

UCSF has an optional essay that says:
"If you wish to update or expand upon your activities, you may provide additional information below."

I've left these blank for most other schools, as I felt like I didn't have more to add, but this is really the only essay prompt on UCSF's secondary.

They have a gap year short essay, and a question about leaving the country.

Given that this is the only opportunity to elaborate on my experiences and fit for the school, do you think it would be unwise to leave this one blank? I'm inclined to answer it but don't want to come across as just adding fluff but talking about my fit for the school.

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[sealfriendo]

put yo diversity essay!

 

[Skarl]

Why would you not answer it? It can only help you stand out. No one is going to think you are "just adding fluff" as long as you are reflective. I do not think you should put a diversity essay unless it relates to the prompt (expanding on activities).

 

[suomi24]

Why would you not answer it? It can only help you stand out. No one is going to think you are "just adding fluff" as long as you are reflective. I do not think you should put a diversity essay unless it relates to the prompt (expanding on activities).

This is what I was leaning towards, I just usually don't answer these since I can say so much in most other secondaries I haven't felt like I needed it. But I agree, I'm planning on writing an essay about how my activities have prepared me for medicine and why those things specifically are a fit for their program

 

[differentiating]

Given that this is the only opportunity to elaborate on my experiences and fit for the school, do you think it would be unwise to leave this one blank? I'm inclined to answer it but don't want to come across as just adding fluff but talking about my fit for the school.

Nope! It's perfectly fine to leave it blank, and I personally think you're much better off leaving it blank than trying to shoehorn something about your interest in the school into the prompt. Someone has to read these essays, and if it adds nothing to your overall competitiveness, it will either be neutral or hurt you.

Source: Left it blank, graduated from there in May.

 

[suomi24]

Nope! It's perfectly fine to leave it blank, and I personally think you're much better off leaving it blank than trying to shoehorn something about your interest in the school into the prompt. Someone has to read these essays, and if it adds nothing to your overall competitiveness, it will either be neutral or hurt you.

Source: Left it blank, graduated from there in May.

A strong counterpoint... Especially considering you actually went there haha. I just finished writing the Gap Year essay and I feel like I was able to add enough interesting stuff in there. In your opinion, would a 100-200 word essay about how my experiences line up with UCSF / why I became interested in UCSF be of any value? Or does that just come across as "well look who read our mission and values page"

 

[differentiating]

A strong counterpoint... Especially considering you actually went there haha. I just finished writing the Gap Year essay and I feel like I was able to add enough interesting stuff in there. In your opinion, would a 100-200 word essay about how my experiences line up with UCSF / why I became interested in UCSF be of any value? Or does that just come across as "well look who read our mission and values page"

No. If you're not adding anything new about your activities, it'd just look like you couldn't read the prompt/follow directions.