What extra information to people add to their applications?

[Adenine_Monarch]

When confronted with something like:

 

"Please use this page for any additional information that was not captured within your application."

 

...or with the option to upload extra documentation, what, if anything, do people add?

 

Ideas?

 

Is it a bad idea to leave this sort of section blank?

 

Sorry, I should also add that this is with regards to biological/biomedical Ph. D type applications.

 

Thanks.

Edited November 3, 2013 by Adenine_Monarch

[rexzeppelin]

I have no clue either. I was considering attaching a review paper I wrote for a class I took, but I feel like it's better to focus on the SOP and research statement and not overwhelm them with material.

[persimmony]

I saw this option on a few of my apps. One of them suggested using the space to explain poor grades (GPA, GRE).

 

There was another app that didn't have a space to upload a CV, so I used the extra space to list my publications and poster presentation.

 

Mostly though, I left the area blank for other apps.

[Monochrome Spring]

You can leave that section blank and I don't think that'll it will hurt you. You can include information that you didn't include in your SoP, like projects in your major courses, a list of courses you are taking that aren't on your transcript yet, a small description of a unique activity that didn't fit in your SoP. But don't try to fish for things to add there, just for the sake of adding them.

[sunpenguin]

If they don't ask for a CV elsewhere, this would be a good place to include it. I've also used that spot on applications to explain the grading and credit system at an non-US university where I took a few post-baccalaureate courses.

[biotechie]

I utilized that space to better explain one of the scholarships I had received and the leadership role it required me to play on my campus as well as a little about where I come from. I also used it to explain some of the travel experiences I had as an undergrad and how I felt those cultural experiences would positively impact how I collaborate and understand others. The final thing I talked about was my reasoning for completing a microbiology degree and then immediately completing a degree in mammalian physiology (found out where my real love was a little late). The interdisciplinary nature of my two degrees and the 6 years of research experience I gained I thought could help me in the interdisciplinary programs I applied to (and it is helping so far).

So I would either do something similar or something like what sunpenguin suggested. If you feel like your application is stellar, you can leave it blank. I thought mine was great, but I wasn't sure how well what I mentioned above came across in my essays.