Gaps in education!

<p>Hey, has anyone ever had a gap in their education and applied from a community college to a University? I'm applying to UC Davis for Fall 2010, but I didn't go to school for Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. I had all my requirements completed last year, and even got in for Fall 2009 to UCD, but I wasn't able to attend...If anyone had a similar gap or knows about this situation, can you tell me what you wrote and what you expect in terms of admission?
Any help would be awesome, thanks!</p>

<p>I had a year-long gap somewhat recently, but I went to school after it so I think it made up for it and isn’t quite the exact situation you’re in. I had gaps prior to that but I’m a non-trad student, and those occurred more than 5 years ago. The reason for the recent gap was that I moved from CA to TX and wanted a year to get settled as well as qualify for in-state tuition at the local CC. I was just accepted as a transfer to UT Austin for this coming spring. In my statement of purpose essay (UT’s prompt for transfer students isn’t the typical “tell us why you’ll make our school better”) I essentially outlined my non-traditional educational journey, which included my lack of direction and social priorities from right after high school, as well as a mention of my move in order to make myself more likely to be admitted as a transfer to UT, so it explained the more recent gap as well.</p>

<p>Since you were previously admitted, I’d bring that up in your app/essay, as well as why you didn’t attend then, or your CC for the 2009-2010 year. Keep in mind, this shouldn’t be a pity party or excuse, really sell what you have learned from the adverse events that may have affected your ability to attend school, how you’ve come to truly value your education during the time off and won’t let it dissuade you from your goals, etc., and if the prompts allow, what you bring to the table to your still-first-choice college, UCD. Good luck!</p>

<p>I had a five year long gap between when I left high school during my sophomore year (2003) and when I went to community college (2008). I was (and continue to) working full time and was focused on professional pursuit. In my essay I spoke a lot about how I was really dedicated to my career and what I accomplished in those five years, and then why I decided going back to school was the right thing for me.</p>

<p>Like sundoll said, for your situation I would address why you took time off even though you got accepted. What were the circumstances, why are you in a better place now, etc.</p>

<p>Thank you both so much; your replies give me hope. If anyone else has similar situations, please share because it would be a great help to me!</p>