<p>I graduated last spring, and I've been attending a non-accredited, very informal art school ever since. However, the "curriculum" is very lax, so I've been thinking about working on a degree as well. If I did apply for this fall (although it's so late already - almost mid-January so I'm sure a lot of deadlines have passed) how would I explain my gap year on an application? If anyone has taken time off after high school, what did you do during the year and how did it affect your college admission? I've been indulging my hobby (art), working a part-time job and volunteering on the weekends, which isn't exactly studying abroad or interning somewhere relevant to my major (which is probably going to be biomedical or computer science). Also, does anyone know of schools in New England or the East Coast that feature decent science/math programs and preferably (although this isn't necessary) a fine arts program? And something that's not too heavy on the partying atmosphere would be a bonus. I had a 3.7ish GPA and 2000 on the SATs if that reduces the number of possibilities.</p>
<p>You should take a look at the University of Hartford, Solid Engineering program, an AWESOME Art School, it has a little bit of everything. I graduated from the Art School and now work in the Engineering school and have found it to be such a wonderful tight knit community. Well worth a look. (Also not a party school!)</p>
<p>many ppl take a gap year to pursue their interests instead of going to college. Just explain it as is, do not be bashful…</p>
<p>You’ve done better with your gap year than a lot of other people. Some people take the gap year because they (or more likely, their parents) think they need a little more time to mature before going to college, particularly in a residential environment. Having done something useful with the time is a really important factor that our admissions folks look at, and art school (even unacredited) would count.</p>