<p>I've been told that I need to write an extra essay on the Common App explaining why I took a gap year and what I did on it. But others have told me that only a brief explanation of what I'm doing is necessary. I'm really confused as to what to do. I know that 2014-2015 Common App hasn't come out yet, but I want to prepare beforehand so that I'll have enough time to edit and rewrite (if necessary) without stressing over deadlines.</p>
<p>@dancingwriter - It seems to me that if what you did is interesting and would make schools say “This makes this person even more attractive to us”, then go into a little detail. If you basically “just” had a job at e.g. WalMart to earn money for college, then just a very brief “Took a gap year to earn money for college” is sufficient.</p>
<p>I am also applying to college on a gap year, and I’ve had emails about this with adcoms from different colleges (Bowdoin and Middlebury). They seemed to say that if a student were doing a formal programme, they would just need a sentence or two, but if it’s less formal and more self-organised/you’re doing a ton of different stuff, a longer explanation or essay would be appropriate. </p>
<p>All right! Thank you so much for answering :)</p>