How to Master the "Do You Wish to Add Any Comments?" Section on Secondaries & Applications

### Keyword Analysis

• Keyword: "do you wish to add any comments seocndarie3s"
• Core Phrase: "Do you wish to add any comments?" This is a formal prompt, not a casual greeting.
• Likely Typo: "seocndarie3s" is almost certainly a typo for "secondaries."
• Occasion: This phrase is most famously used in "secondary applications" for graduate programs, especially medical, law, or business school. It's the final, optional text box that leaves many applicants frozen. It can also appear in performance reviews, job applications, or formal feedback forms. Therefore, the occasion is a high-stakes, formal, and professional submission.
• Tone: The required tone is professional, persuasive, strategic, and earnest. It must add value without being redundant or sounding desperate. The goal is to make a final, positive impression.
• Recipient: The recipient is an anonymous, powerful evaluator: an admissions committee, a hiring manager, a review board, or a supervisor.

### Invented Categories

Based on the analysis, I have invented the following 5 strategic categories for crafting the perfect response:

1. The "Perfect Fit": Emphasizing Your Unique Alignment

2. The "Context is Key": Addressing Potential Gaps or Concerns

3. The "Stop the Presses!": Sharing a Recent, Relevant Update

4. The "Human Element": Adding a Personal Story or Anecdote

5. The Gracious Close: A Confident and Respectful Final Word

That blinking cursor in the final, optional text box. The question hangs in the air: "Do you wish to add any comments?" For anyone filling out secondary applications, performance reviews, or job forms, this simple question can feel like a trap. Do you write an essay? Do you leave it blank? What could you possibly add that hasn't already been said?

Think of this space not as a test, but as an opportunity. It’s your final, quiet moment to connect with the reader, to clarify a point, to share a recent success, or to simply express your sincere enthusiasm. An empty box is a missed chance, but a rambling, unfocused comment can do more harm than good. This guide provides structured, strategic examples to help you use this space wisely and leave a lasting, positive impression.

The "Perfect Fit": Emphasizing Your Unique Alignment

Use this section to explicitly connect your personal mission with the institution's or company's specific values, programs, or mission. This shows you’ve done your homework and are a truly dedicated candidate.

• "I would like to reiterate my specific interest in the [Program Name] at [Institution]. The work of Dr. [Professor's Name] on [Topic] directly aligns with my undergraduate research, and I am confident my background in [Your Skill] would make me a valuable contributor to her lab from day one."
• "Having followed [Company]'s commitment to sustainable sourcing, I wanted to add that my volunteer work with the River Cleanup Project has given me a deep, personal appreciation for the very principles your company champions."
• "The emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration at [University] is what draws me most. My experience leading a team of engineers and designers on our senior capstone project has prepared me well for this type of collaborative environment, and I'm eager to contribute."
• "I want to briefly emphasize my excitement for your [Specific Clinic, Initiative, or Value, e.g., 'Rural Health Initiative']. My upbringing in a small town has fueled my passion for ensuring equitable access to care, a mission I see reflected in your program's core work."
• "Since submitting my primary application, I have had the chance to speak with a current student, [Student's Name], who spoke glowingly of the supportive mentorship culture. This conversation solidified my belief that [Institution] is the ideal environment for my academic and personal growth."
• "Your institution's unique focus on [e.g., 'community-based learning'] is the main reason I am applying. I believe my hands-on experience at [Your Previous Role] has given me a strong foundation to excel in such a practical, real-world curriculum."
• "Thank you for this opportunity. I would just add that the patient-first philosophy detailed on your website resonates deeply with the values I was taught while volunteering at [Hospice/Clinic Name]."

The "Context is Key": Addressing Potential Gaps or Concerns

This is a powerful and strategic way to use the comments section. Address a potential red flag in your application (a low grade, a gap in employment) head-on, with maturity and honesty.

• "I would like to provide brief context for my academic performance during the Fall 2021 semester. During that time, I was serving as the primary caregiver for a family member with a serious illness. While my grades dipped, the experience profoundly reinforced my commitment to a career in medicine and taught me invaluable lessons in compassion and resilience."
• "Regarding the six-month gap in my employment history, I took that time to travel and become fluent in Spanish. This immersive experience not only broadened my cultural understanding but also equipped me with communication skills I believe will be a great asset in this patient-facing role."
• "I wish to note that the 'W' (withdrawal) in Organic Chemistry was the result of a significant scheduling conflict with a required course. I subsequently retook the course the following semester and earned an A, a grade more indicative of my ability and dedication."
• "My initial undergraduate major was in engineering. While I ultimately pivoted to biology, the analytical and problem-solving skills I gained in my early coursework have provided me with a unique and logical approach to scientific challenges."
• "Thank you for your consideration. I'd like to briefly explain that my lower-than-average GRE quantitative score was a single data point on a difficult day. As my 4.0 GPA in all quantitative-heavy coursework demonstrates, I have a strong and proven aptitude for the mathematical demands of this program."
• "The shift on my resume from a corporate to a non-profit role was a deliberate choice driven by my desire to align my career with my personal values. The experience taught me to be resourceful and mission-driven, qualities I am eager to bring to your team."
• "I would like to add that while my early university grades reflect a period of adjustment, my transcript shows a consistent and steep upward trend, culminating in a 4.0 GPA in my final two years of study."

The "Stop the Presses!": Sharing a Recent, Relevant Update

Did something great happen after you hit "submit" on your primary application? This is the perfect place to share it.

• "I am thrilled to share that since submitting my application, the research I conducted has been accepted for publication in the [Journal Name]. I have attached the abstract for your convenience and would be happy to provide the full paper."
• "I wanted to add that I was recently promoted to the role of [New Job Title]. In this new capacity, I am now responsible for [New Responsibility], which has further developed my leadership and project management skills."
• "I'm excited to share that I recently received the [Award Name] for my volunteer work at the local community center. This honor was a wonderful validation of my commitment to service."
• "Since applying, I have completed my certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). The hands-on patient experience I am gaining has been incredibly rewarding and has strengthened my resolve to pursue a career as a physician."
• "I would like to add that my team and I won first place at the annual [Competition or Hackathon Name] for our project on [Project Topic]. This was a challenging and exhilarating experience in collaborative problem-solving."
• "Thank you for the opportunity to add a comment. I recently began volunteering with a crisis text line, which has given me new insights into mental health and the importance of active listening."
• "I am pleased to report that I have achieved my goal of running a marathon. The discipline and perseverance required to train has been a transformative experience that I will carry with me into my graduate studies."

The "Human Element": Adding a Personal Story or Anecdote

Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is share a brief story that reveals your character, passion, or motivation in a way that facts and figures cannot.

• "The most important lesson I learned while working in retail was not about sales, but about listening. I remember an elderly customer who was lonely and just wanted to talk. Spending 20 minutes with her, not to sell a product but to offer a human connection, taught me more about 'care' than any textbook could."
• "My passion for environmental law started not in a classroom, but on a hiking trail, seeing the impact of pollution firsthand. That experience turned an abstract concept into a personal mission."
• "As a child of immigrants, I was often the family translator at appointments. That early responsibility of bridging communication gaps ignited my desire to work with diverse and underserved communities."
• "I rebuilt a 1978 motorcycle engine from scratch last summer. The process of methodically diagnosing problems, sourcing parts, and patiently reassembling it piece by piece taught me a level of focus and grit that I apply to every challenge I undertake."
• "My 'aha' moment came while volunteering in a pediatric ward. I was playing a simple board game with a young patient, and in her laughter, I saw the profound impact that small moments of normalcy and joy can have on healing."
• "I became fluent in sign language to communicate with a deaf classmate in high school. This self-driven project showed me how powerful it is to step outside your own world to better understand another's."
• "Coaching my little brother's soccer team has been one of my most formative leadership experiences. Learning to motivate a dozen 8-year-olds requires more patience, creativity, and empathy than any boardroom I've been in."

The Gracious Close: A Confident and Respectful Final Word

When you truly have nothing else to add, leaving the box blank can feel abrupt. Instead, use a simple, polite, and confident closing statement. This shows respect for the process and ends your application on a high note.

• "Thank you for the opportunity to apply. I have endeavored to be as thorough as possible in my application and have no further comments to add at this time. I am very enthusiastic about this potential opportunity."
• "I believe my application fully conveys my qualifications and my sincere interest in [Institution/Company]. Thank you for your time and careful consideration."
• "I have no additional comments to add but would like to express my sincere gratitude for this opportunity and the committee's time in reviewing my file."
• "Thank you again for this consideration. I am confident that my application, as it stands, is a complete and accurate representation of my candidacy. I look forward to hearing from you."
• "I do not have any further comments, but I wish to reiterate my strong interest in the program and my belief that my skills are an excellent match. Thank you."
• "All the information I wished to convey is contained within the application itself. I appreciate this final opportunity to express my thanks for your consideration."
• "I will conclude by simply saying thank you. I am incredibly excited about the prospect of joining the [Institution Name] community and hope to have the opportunity to contribute."

### A Final Thought

The best messages are always the most authentic. Use these examples as a starting point, but tailor them to your unique voice and story. The "comments" section is your final handshake—make it firm, confident, and genuine. Good luck