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After attending college for one semester, I dropped out and worked. A couple of years later, I went back to school, and completed my degrees.

Most of the schools that I am applying to have questions asking if there was a break in my education. Naturally, I answer "yes."

My question are: should I submit an addendum to the schools that don't ask about this? What about the schools that ask about it, but don't provide any space for the rationale?

Oh, and I do have a reasonably good reason, which ties in with my personal statement.

Thanks!

Yes, you should explain it. If I remember correctly, most schools' applications state that if you answered yes to any question in that section, you should provide an explanatory addendum. Mine, which explained my gap(s), was a short paragraph and was as succinct and plain an explanation as I could muster.

Cool, thank you!

This applies to the schools that don't ask this question, right?

This is where I am leaning towards, because it does seem like it should be discussed.

Yes.

Okay, here's what I have. It's a little bit longer than what you were proposing, but I really don't think that I can sacrifice these details.


In 2007, I attended Private College for one semester. My primary reason for attending this institution was for its strong NCAA Division X Collegiate Swimming program. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with having mitral valve prolapse (a heart condition where the valve that connects the upper and lower chambers of the heart does not close properly). In general, it is not life threatening, however, the doctors warned me against strenuous activity. This ultimately prompted me to discontinue swimming. Between this news and the difficult time with my fiancé of the time, I chose to suspend my academics at the end of the semester.

During this period, I moved back to Hick Ville with said ex-fiancé, and began working at Slaughter House V. Her family was struggling with finances, so I would help them with their bills. Then May 22nd came around and I found myself single, in debt, and without a home. Because she had several family members who also worked at Slaughter House V, I voluntarily resigned. Fortunately, I had some friends who let me stay with them until I could afford my own place.

After two weeks of searching for employment, I was hired as a customer care representative with the National Corporation. I worked there for approximately 9 months before deciding to re-continue my education at the TT University.

Totally agree. I also have a gap in my education due to traveling abroad (for fun and for free). Only 2-3 schools specifically asked, but I included this addendum with all my apps. I want them to KNOW, specifically, that it has nothing to do with academic probation. Plus, we don't want them to just *wonder* oh what happened here? Better to inform them so there are no unanswered Qs in their minds.

In 2007, I attended Private College for one semester. My primary reason for attending this institution was for its strong NCAA Division X Collegiate Swimming program. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with having mitral valve prolapse (a heart condition where the valve that connects the upper and lower chambers of the heart does not close properly). In general, it is not life threatening, however, the doctors warned me against strenuous activity. This ultimately prompted (could you say "forced?" )me to discontinue swimming. Between this news and the financial hardship that my partner's family was going through at the time, I chose to suspend my academics at the end of the semester.

I don't like this entire paragraph (too much personal info, that's not really about you, it screams bitterness all over) Slash it entirely.
During this period, I moved back to Hick Ville with said ex-fiancé, and began working at Slaughter House V. Her family was struggling with finances, so I would help them with their bills. Then May 22nd came around and I found myself single, in debt, and without a home. Because she had several family members who also worked at Slaughter House V, I voluntarily resigned. Fortunately, I had some friends who let me stay with them until I could afford my own place.

After two weeks of searching for employment, I was hired as a customer care representative with the National Corporation. I worked there for approximately 9 months before deciding to re-continue my education at the TT University.

I would take out anything to do with the ex-fiancee. This is strictly about you and your gap in your education. From this it doesn't sound like you had financial trouble because you "decided" when to go back? Did getting that job "allow" you to continue your education?

MsAvocadoPit, thank you very much for your advice.

This ties in with my PS. But, yes, after the whole ex-fiance fiasco, I was able to save up a bunch of money so that I was able to choose to restart my education. How do you think that I can improve the tone so that I don't sound like I am bitter? I am merely trying to tie up the loose ends of my application and further connect it with my PS.

Deleted.

Bucketseat, do you have a transcript for that "gap?" If so, then it isn't an academic gap, and consequently would be a "no." You might still want to consider an addendum, because the situation might not become readily apparent to the admissions committee.

SumStalwart wrote:

During this period, I moved back to Hick Ville to help out my partner's family through this difficult time by working at the family-owned shop. Unfortunately, this relationship ended and I soon found myself without a job and a place to live.


Then May 22nd came around and I found myself single, in debt, and without a home. Because she had several family members who also worked at Slaughter House V, I voluntarily resigned. Fortunately, I had some friends who let me stay with them until I could afford my own place. (cut)


I managed to get through this difficult time through the kindness of friends to provide me with housing. Once I was was able to secure a job, I meticulously saved my money for 9 months in order to continue my education at the TT University.

I'm not sure how to word those last few sentences, but something simpler than what you had is a good direction to go in.

Thanks a bunch! I have gone ahead and made many of the changes that you proposed. Hopefully this will be adequate for the admissions committee ^^.

Good luck with your cycle!

SumStalwart wrote:Bucketseat, do you have a transcript for that "gap?" If so, then it isn't an academic gap, and consequently would be a "no." You might still want to consider an addendum, because the situation might not become readily apparent to the admissions committee.

Good point — I do have a transcript for it, although there aren't any grades. I guess I won't include it in the "academic gap" space, but will certainly write an addendum. Thanks!

SumStalwart wrote:Okay, here's what I have. It's a little bit longer than what you were proposing, but I really don't think that I can sacrifice these details.


In 2007, I attended Private College for one semester. My primary reason for attending this institution was for its strong NCAA Division X Collegiate Swimming program. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with having mitral valve prolapse (a heart condition where the valve that connects the upper and lower chambers of the heart does not close properly). In general, it is not life threatening, however, the doctors warned me against strenuous activity. This ultimately prompted me to discontinue swimming. Between this news and the difficult time with my fiancé of the time, I chose to suspend my academics at the end of the semester.

During this period, I moved back to Hick Ville with said ex-fiancé, and began working at Slaughter House V. Her family was struggling with finances, so I would help them with their bills. Then May 22nd came around and I found myself single, in debt, and without a home. Because she had several family members who also worked at Slaughter House V, I voluntarily resigned. Fortunately, I had some friends who let me stay with them until I could afford my own place.

After two weeks of searching for employment, I was hired as a customer care representative with the National Corporation. I worked there for approximately 9 months before deciding to re-continue my education at the TT University.

Honestly, you could sum this all up with: I withdrew from private college x due to medical issues. I was able to continue school at a later date after saving up money to re-continue my education.

I'm a fairly patient person, but halfway through the first paragraph, I lost track of what you were saying. The length sounds like you're trying to overcompensate or justify why you withdrew. Fact is, it was a medical issue. The ex-fiance stuff doesn't matter, especially to the admissions committee.