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When you apply to college, there are a lot of sections and questions that need to be filled out. One section that many students find confusing is the additional comments section on the University of California application. This is a section where students can note anything substantial that affected their performance or ability in some way. It’s not a required portion of the application, but it can be helpful for admissions officers to have more information about your candidacy. So what should you include in this section? Here are some tips:
Personal Insight Questions
The University of California Personal Insight Questions (UC Personal Insight Questions, UC PIQs) are your UC application’s most important non-academic component. After answering four of the eight UC Personal Insight Questions, students can use the “Additional Comments” field to note anything substantial or extraordinary that affected their student life and environment.
UC Personal Insight Questions precede the UC Application Additional Comments Portion.
Leaving those sections blank is perfectly fine if you have nothing extra to add to the UC Application. You should not use “Additional comments” as overflow for the Personal Insight Questions or a place to add a resume, an extra Personal Insight Question, a recommendation letter, or links to websites (the UCs have very specifically said they don’t want to see any of these things).
Related: How to Write an Effective Resume for College Admissions| College Resume Tips
Note Unusual Circumstances
Additional Comments: Use the additional comments field if there are issues you’d like to address that you didn’t have the opportunity to discuss elsewhere on the application. This shouldn’t be an essay but rather a place to note unusual circumstances or anything that might be unclear in other parts of the application. You may use the additional comments field to note extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19 if necessary.
Tip #1 Gap Years or Prolonged School Absence
Academic History
More often than not, students will feel compelled to include information about gap years or a leave of absence on the academic history section of the UC application. Although this is not an incorrect idea, it can be useful to include gap year information in the UC application’s additional comments section.
Using the UC application’s additional comments section can also be beneficial to mention any irregular or exemplary academic achievements. If you took an extra year off to do other coursework work on a research project or study for a major exam, this is the place to mention it!
Related: Applying to UCSD Using the UCSD Application Portal
Tip #2 Meaningful Activities That You Were Unable to Mention
Use this tip with caution because the UC Personal Insight Questions and the UC application have a section for professional and personal activities. However, for the additional comments section, students can include activities they could not include in the UC application because the questions answered did not solicit, nor make it appropriate, to mention them.
For example, if you are a junior year or transfer student, there is going to be a lot of information about your time at community college. However, if you had an internship in high school that was super meaningful or developmental for you, then it would be appropriate to include that in the UC application additional comments section.
Let’s say you raised capital for a nonprofit or a community service organization, you can include the amount received (always beneficial to include quick quantitative statements) and the utilization of those funds to support the organization’s mission.
Additional Comments UC Application
One very important tip is to remember that the Additional Comments section of the UC application is completely voluntary and not required.
In other words, if you do not have anything meaningful to put in the additional comments section, refrain from using it completely.
So, if you don’t have anything else to add to your UC Application, that’s totally cool. You don’t need to use the “Additional Comments” section to overflow or add a resume or an extra Personal Insight Question. The UCs specifically said they don’t want to see any of that stuff.
Additional Comments UC Application Example
Example 1: Addressing a Gap or Unusual Circumstances
“In Fall 2022, I faced significant challenges when my family relocated unexpectedly due to my parent’s job transfer. This transition disrupted my academic schedule, as I had to adapt to a new school environment and curriculum midway through the semester. While this impacted my GPA that semester, I worked diligently to adjust, and my grades improved in subsequent terms, reflecting my resilience and commitment to academic growth.”
Example 2: Explaining Context for Extracurriculars
“As a first-generation college student, I prioritized contributing to my family’s income by working 20 hours per week at a local grocery store throughout high school. While this limited my ability to participate in traditional extracurricular activities, it taught me invaluable skills like time management, leadership, and problem-solving, which I apply in both academic and personal endeavors.”
Tip #4 Avoid Dramatizing Personal Struggles
Students should of course remember that thousands of students submit applications to the University of California system. Admissions counselors from UCSD, UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Irvine, and UC Davis have heard the same story, more or less, from thousands of other students.
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The experience these admissions counselors gain from reading so many UC applications is that they can quickly discern when a student is exaggerating their grades or struggles in the classroom.
Rarely do personal struggles need dramatization, but it does not stop students from using hyperbolic language to seem superior to other students and teachers who share similar, if not worse, personal accounts.
The additional comments section on the UC application is for simple statements or contributions that subscribe to the holistic overview of your application.
Showcasing over-the-top emotion in your UC Personal Insight Questions is not something that should be looked upon favorably. Therefore, using the UC application’s additional comments section is inappropriate.
Arguably the most important thing to include in the UC application additional comments section is any difficulties you had with your health, personal issues, or family-related problems.
Encompassed with the personal issues is the possibility of a major financial hardship as more and more students are having to work while attending college due to the rising costs of living and college tuition.
The additional comments section of the UC application is your opportunity to explain any personal issues, health-related issues, or family misgivings that may have impacted your academics or extracurricular involvement. This is not the section to list your awards or accomplishments – that’s what the rest of the application is for.
Instead, use this space to provide context for any negative information in your application, such as a low GPA or a suspension from school. Be honest and upfront about your experiences, but avoid dwelling on negativity.
Recommended Reading: Are a “W” Withdrawals on Transcript Bad for Admissions Chances?
The admissions committee team is looking for evidence that you’re able to learn from your mistakes and move forward. Ultimately, they want to see that you’re resilient and capable of overcoming challenges.
So use this section as an opportunity to give them a glimpse of your character and how you’ve grown as a result of your experiences.
No, the University of California does not require the additional comments section to be filled out. Students can successfully submit a UC application without having to enter anything into the Additional Comments field.
The additional information section is one of the most common questions on college applications. It can seem like a throwaway question, but colleges actually pay close attention to these responses.
The additional information section is your chance to share anything that doesn’t fit into the other sections of the application. This could include extenuating circumstances, obstacles you’ve overcome, or anything else that you think would be helpful for admissions committees to know.
Keep in mind that this isn’t an opportunity to simply list your accomplishments; admissions committees already have access to your transcripts and test scores. Instead, use this space to give a fuller picture of who you are as a person.
Be honest, be open, and be yourself. Colleges are looking for applicants who are a good fit for their school, and the additional information section is one way to help them see if you’re the right match.
Remember, after coursework why would the UC system continue to have the additional comments section on the UC application if the admissions officers did not read them?
Of course, they read what you put in the additional comments section of the UC application, it could contain something significant about your application that could turn the tide either way.
Yes, if you have something meaningful to say. Most students can write something in the additional comments section because we all have experiences, situations, or circumstances that affect our personal and educational lives.
So think about what that situation might have been and try to formulate a clear, concise, and declarative statement for the UC application additional comments section.
So, what amount same information should you put in the additional comments section on your UC application? That’s up to you, but we have a few tips for you to get started. If you took a gap year or had an extended absence from school, be sure to mention that here.
If any meaningful activities or experiences you had didn’t fit into the other parts of your application, this is the place to talk about them.
And finally, remember that you don’t HAVE to use the additional comments section if you don’t want to – it’s optional!
Just be aware that if something important happens between now and the time your application is reviewed (like an illness or family emergency), the admissions committee may not have all the information they need to decide.
Finally, if there are health, personal, or family-related issues that you think might impact your admission chances, go ahead and mention them here.
But try not to dramatize them – after all, everyone has struggles! We hope these tips help as you work on your UC application. As always, let us know if you have any questions.
Crafting Effective UC Application Example Guide
Understanding the UC Application
What are Additional Comments?
The Additional Comments section is a part of the UC application where you can provide more information about your academic history, personal experiences, and unusual circumstances.
It’s an opportunity to explain any gaps or inconsistencies in your application and provide context for your academic performance.
Admission officers use this section to get a better understanding of your application and make informed decisions.
Preparing to Write Your Additional Comments
Reviewing Your Academic History
Review your academic history to identify any gaps or inconsistencies that need to be explained.
Make a list of any unusual circumstances that may have affected your academic performance.
Consider how you can use the Additional Comments section to provide context for your application.
Identifying Unusual Circumstances
Identify any unusual circumstances that may have affected your academic performance, such as a family emergency or a serious illness.
Consider how you can use the Additional Comments section to explain these circumstances and provide context for your application.
Use this section to show how you overcame challenges and demonstrated resilience.
Writing Effective Additional Comments
Providing Context for Your Application
Use the Additional Comments section to provide context for your application and explain any gaps or inconsistencies.
Be honest and transparent about any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
Answering Personal Insight Questions
Tips for Answering Personal Insight Questions
Use the Personal Insight Questions to tell your story and showcase your personality.
Answer the questions in your own words and avoid clichés.
Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points.
Show how you have grown and developed as a person.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid using the Additional Comments section as a place to repeat information from other parts of your application.
Don’t use this section to apologize or make excuses for your academic performance.
Avoid using overly negative language or tone.
Don’t use this section to ask for special treatment or exceptions.
Using the Additional Comments Boxes
Example of Effective Additional Comments
Sample Additional Comments
Here is an example of effective Additional Comments: “I took a gap year to care for a family member who was ill. During this time, I also volunteered at a local hospital and gained valuable experience in the healthcare field. I am now eager to pursue a degree in nursing and make a positive impact in my community.”