Explaining a 2-3 year gap in education on TAG application

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>I am applying to a UC for the Fall 2012 semester through the TAG program. I started filling out the TAG application which asks me to explain any gaps in my education. I'd like to know how detailed/brief I should be in my explanation. I completed my IEGTC in Spring 2009 but have not transferred until now due to several factors. Unfortunately my explanation isn't simple like I needed to take time off to work, or I joined the peace corps, or I was busy solving world hunger etc. </p>

<p>Here's why I have this gap in my education:</p>

<ol>
<li>I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life and was kind of bored with school, although I always intended to go back eventually. </li>
<li>I ended up finding someone awesome and getting married</li>
<li>My husband is working in a foreign country currently and I wanted to wait to go back to school until we could go together</li>
<li>I have spent the last couple of years going back and forth between the US and the foreign country where he's working which I could not have done while attending university</li>
<li>I have also been using my spare time to study the country's language, so I haven't been totally unproductive. Self-study though so I don't have anything to show for it.</li>
</ol>

<p>I know that's too much to write so what would be best to write?
"I got married and delayed completing my education until my spouse, who is working in country X, could join me. I also spent time traveling, visiting country X both to see my husband and for cultural enrichment. I have used this opportunity to study the language of country X through self-study."</p>

<p>Would that be okay or is there a better way to write it? Are there things I should add in or leave out?
I could have just taken 1 class a semester through my community college online but I didn't think to do that because I was already done with the IEGTC and had 63 transferable semester units already. It's too late to sign up for 2011 Fall but I plan to do CC online classes in spring 2012. I meet all the TAG requirements for the school I am applying to, could writing the "wrong" thing on this section lead to me being denied admission?</p>

2

<p>You could say that you got married which was a life-changing event (which is sounds like it was) and how you made a commitment to your husband in helping him with his stuff. Now that all that is taken care of, you returned to school to complete the promise you made for your self. </p>

<p>Now I’m not sure of how likely your chances are since schools like to see your progress up to the fall before you transfer. You should talk to a school representative and find out more since your situation seems unique.</p>

3

<p>Thank you for your advice. I have sent an e-mail to the admissions office at the school; hopefully explaining my gap won’t be that big of a deal and/or they’ll find my answer acceptable. There is always a little anxiety that comes with college applications. :)</p>

4

<p>Please relax. I am also filling out a TAG app for UC Davis. I am 58 years old! I have many, many gaps, some short, some over 10 years long, in my app. Life gets in the way. I am working with my CCC counselor who is very familiar with the whole TAG process and he says it doesn’t matter. Just write a simple one sentence explanation in the space. I have already had to write many! Something like, “employment responsibilities”, “financial complications”, “relocation to another state”, “marriage”, “raising a family”, etc. Try to speak with the transfer counselor at your current or last CCC.</p>