<p>I graduated from HS last June (2010). I was accepted to and enrolled at a relatively prestigious small liberal arts school but, due to health issues, I had to take a medical leave before I earned any credits or grades. I have recovered from my health problem and, although I can return to the liberal arts school if I choose, for a variety of reasons I've applied instead to my state university (to which I was admitted last spring) for admission as a freshman next fall. My questions are whether (a) I need to give the state university the details of my private health problem, and (b) whether I should send the state university a letter telling them what I am doing with my time during this unplanned "gap" year.</p>
<p>I would just simply explain that you had to leave your previous school due to health problems, and let the school know that those are no longer an issue (if you’re better). You don’t have to go into details or give up your medical privacy.</p>
<p>Should I send a letter explaining what I’ve been up to? I don’t want them to think I’ve been twiddling my thumbs. I have been volunteering as a tutor at a local community center.</p>
<p>Be sure to check whether you are actually able to apply as a freshman. I would recommend calling or emailing the admissions dept. since rules vary among schools. At UCLA, for example, they say to apply as a freshman