I scored 45/45 in the May 2023 IB session at an international school in Tokyo. I secured offers from Cambridge (HSPS), HKU, and HKUST. I know how stressful it is to fit a complex international background into a rigid US application form.
The Additional Information section provides extra space for context. Many students mistake this for a second personal statement. It serves as a place for factual clarifications that do not fit elsewhere in the application.
Explaining Curriculum Differences
International students often study curricula that US admissions officers may find unfamiliar. Use this space to explain specific grading scales or internal awards. If your school uses a unique ranking system, provide the exact numbers and percentages here.
Detail why certain courses were unavailable at your school. Explain if your international school lacked an AP-equivalent course in a subject you wanted to pursue. This prevents officers from assuming a lack of rigor.
Addressing Academic Gaps or Grade Drops
Use this section to explain sudden dips in your transcript. State the dates and the cause clearly. If a health issue or family crisis affected your grades during one term, list the facts without emotional language.
Keep these explanations brief. Focus on the resolution and how you recovered your academic standing. Admissions officers value honesty and resilience over perfection.
Clarifying Extracurricular Constraints
Some students face limitations due to their location or school structure. Explain if your school does not allow students to start new clubs. Describe any regional restrictions that prevented you from pursuing specific activities.
Detail commitments that take up significant time but do not fit as a 'club'. This includes family responsibilities or long commutes in cities like Tokyo. Quantify the hours spent per week.
Adding Missing Honors and Awards
The Honors section has a strict limit of five entries. If you have more significant achievements, list them here. Include the name of the award, the date, and the level of competition.
Provide context for regional awards that may be unknown to US readers. Explain how many students competed and what percentage received the honor. This makes the achievement measurable.
Managing Visa or Residency Status
International applicants often have complex residency histories. Use this space to explain your legal status if it affects your tuition or application category.
Clarify any discrepancies between your passport country and your country of residence. This ensures the admissions office processes your financial aid and visa documents correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Use this section for factual context and curriculum clarifications only. Keep your tone objective and avoid repeating information found elsewhere in your application.