4 year Gap between High School & University application

Applying to College
1

<p>Dear All</p>

<p>I am an international student (for US Universities). I am in an unusual situation, where I have a gap of about 3years (4 years, by the time I get an admission, if any) between graduating from high school and applying to a college. I had to take a job after high school because of precarious financial condition at that time.</p>

<p>During this time I founded two organizations and did extraordinarily well. Now I am back in a position to go to a college. I want to major in engineering and the work I did n last 4 years is completely in accord with it. I have a strong profile. I have worked very hard and made several achievements. I didn't even waist a single day and I can support it with related documents.</p>

<p>I have a few concerns.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Does it really bother universities much, that I couldn't go to a university right after high school and is it going harm my admission chances ? I heard that several people in the US do the same, "they earn themselves and then go to a university".</p></li>
<li><p>My sat scores are in range 1900-2000. (have excellent extracurricular(s), always in top decile in high school). Will it get me into a good engineering school (like UIUC,UT at Austin,Purdue etc) ?</p></li>
<li><p>Most importantly should I mention this situation in my application essay (esp. in common app). The First prompt of new common app asks to "Describe a story central to your identity"</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Some people say I shouldn't it gives a negative impression. But I think it is the only place in my application where I can defend it and anyways admission officials are going to figure it out.</p>

<p>Senior members please help. I really want to study again and I feel that after a dedicated life of hard work I rightfully deserve it.</p>

<p>Please provide your valuable suggestions and feel free to ask for further info. if required.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>Please help</p>

3

<p>Im not a senior member so I don’t have their experience. But I don’t think your needing to take multiple gap years to gain enough experience, and financial stability, to now apply to college should hurt you - and I don’t think discussing it is a negative thing. Don’t make excuses, no “pity me” (which you don’t sound like in your email, anyway). There may be some engineering schools that are more open to “older” (grin) students than others – maybe it is worth making phone calls to some of the admissions departments? Let’s see who else responds.</p>

4

<p>I don’t think it’s a problem at all. Schools like hungry, motivated students who have had to overcome a lot.</p>

5

<p>Thanks a million for your replies,I was so much confused and worried.</p>

<p>So should I make it my main Essay or add it in Additional Information section under Writing ?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

6

<p>I think any university would be lucky to have you apply. You seem like a motivated and highly educated person. Good luck to you!</p>