should i mention my gap year in my personal statement

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7 minutes read

How To Write A Personal Statement Example If You Take A Gap Year

Dirghayu Kaushik

2 September 2024

Key Takeaways

• Highlight how your gap year experiences, volunteering and internships, have prepared you for your chosen course.
• Focus on personal growth and development to show admissions tutors your readiness for university.
• Clearly reflect your experiences to keep the reader engaged and demonstrate your commitment.
• Regularly review your personal statement to ensure clarity and alignment with your career aspirations.
• Use real-life examples to make your personal statement relatable, showcasing your unique journey.

Taking a gap year can be an experience of a lot of ups and downs but it will allow you to gain valuable skills and perspectives that can enhance your personal statement. Many students find that a well-spent gap year can make their application stand out to admissions tutors. Whether you choose to volunteer, travel, or gain work experience, these activities can provide rich content for your personal statement.

Writing a personal statement after a gap year involves highlighting how your experiences have prepared you for your chosen subject. Admissions tutors look for insightful reflections and relevant qualifications, so it’s crucial to re-read your statement multiple times to ensure it aligns with your UCAS application and coursework. With the right approach, your personal statement can effectively convey your enthusiasm for the next step in your academic journey.

In this guide, we have shared expert tips for writing a good personal statement that can help you in your application process and even in your placements.

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• 4 Benefits if you take a gap year 

Taking a gap year can offer numerous advantages, not only for your personal growth but also for your academic and career prospects. Here are four key benefits that can make your personal statement stand out and enhance your overall application:

Enhanced Personal Statement

Believe it when you write your statement, you’ll be surprised at how your experiences outside the classroom can impress admissions tutors. Make sure to include everything you’ve done that’s related to the course you’re applying for. Reflecting on how you’ve gained work experience and developed key skills will keep the admission officers engaged and demonstrate your commitment to your chosen career.

Career Prospects

Taking a gap year in your personal statement can show that you’ve entered this phase with a plan. Don’t go into your gap year without considering your future career path. By gaining relevant work experience or volunteering in health and social care, for example, you’re looking to develop skills that will benefit you at the degree level and beyond. These experiences can highlight your career aspirations and make you a more attractive candidate in the application process.

Personal Growth

You’ve taken the initiative to step outside the traditional school or college path, which can be a significant talking point in your personal statement. Discussing how you’ve encountered different cultures or developed interpersonal skills can make your statement not just a list of qualifications but a narrative of personal development. This approach can help you go into more detail about your interest in the course and show how your gap year has prepared you for study at university.

Fresh Perspective

Returning from a gap year with fresh eyes allows you to read your personal statement more critically. It’s best to re-read your statement to ensure it aligns with your career aspirations and includes all relevant skills and experiences. Don’t write your personal statement in a rush; take the time to review spelling and grammar meticulously. This careful attention to detail can be the difference in convincing admissions tutors to offer you a place.

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• Expert tips to write a personal statement

When it comes to applying to universities, it is advisable to listen to the experts first because they have been in the industry for a while and it is likely that at some point they also had the same problem. Here are five expert tips to help make your statement stand out and reflect your unique experiences and aspirations.

Highlight Relevant Experiences

When you write your statement, it’s best to include everything you’ve done that’s pertinent to the course you’re applying for. Whether you’ve gained work experience in health and social care or developed interpersonal skills through volunteering, showcasing these activities can demonstrate your commitment and readiness for study at university. This approach keeps the reader engaged and highlights your suitability for the chosen career.

Reflect on Your Gap Year

If you’ve taken a gap year, make sure to mention it in your personal statement. A gap year could provide a wealth of experiences that can enhance your application. Discuss how you’ve entered different cultures, developed key skills, and taken the initiative to pursue relevant work experience. These insights can go into more detail about your career aspirations and show that your gap year was spent productively.

Showcase Personal Growth

Your personal statement isn’t just a list of qualifications; it should reflect your personal growth. Discussing experiences outside the classroom, such as extracurricular activities or travel, can make your statement more relatable and engaging. You’ll be surprised how demonstrating personal development can keep the reader interested and showcase your readiness for degree-level study.

Be Clear and Concise

It’s crucial to write your personal statement clearly and concisely. Don’t write lengthy paragraphs, instead, try to include relevant personal experiences and skills in a structured manner. Admissions tutors often have many statements to read, so a well-organized statement with a clear line count is going to help you stand out.

Review and Revise

After writing your personal statement, read it with fresh eyes. Re-read your statement to check for spelling and grammar errors and ensure it aligns with your future career path. Don’t go overboard, but make sure your statement answers the following questions:

Why are you interested in the course? What have you done to prepare? How does this fit into your career aspirations? This thorough review can convince admissions tutors to offer you a place.

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• 2 personal statement examples for students with a gap year

Here are two strong and useful personal statement templates that you would want to try in your application:

Personal statement sample for students without experience

During my gap year, I took the opportunity to reflect on my future and prepare for the challenges of university. Although I did not gain experience of work or travel, I used this time to focus on my personal growth and academic interests. I dedicated myself to self-study, reading extensively about my chosen subject of psychology, which deepened my understanding and passion for the field.

Additionally, I spent time volunteering at my local library, where I helped organise events and assisted with community programs. This experience allowed me to develop strong organisational and interpersonal skills. It also reinforced my desire to pursue a career in psychology, as I saw firsthand the impact of community support and engagement.

My gap year has made me more mature and focused, ready to take on the academic challenges ahead. I am eager to bring my dedication and enthusiasm to my university studies and continue growing both personally and academically.

Personal statement sample for students with experience and internships

Taking a gap year was one of the best decisions I’ve made. During this time, I was able to volunteer at a local animal shelter, which provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in animal care and welfare. Working closely with veterinarians and animal behaviourists, I learned about the various aspects of animal health and the importance of compassion and patience in this field.

In addition to volunteering, I also took a part-time job at a community centre, where I assisted in organizing events and activities for children. This role helped me develop strong organisational and leadership skills, as I was often responsible for coordinating schedules, managing resources, and leading group activities. These experiences have not only improved my ability to work effectively in a team but also strengthened my communication and problem-solving skills.

Furthermore, I traveled to several countries during my gap year, immersing myself in different cultures and broadening my perspective. These travels have made me more adaptable and open-minded, qualities that I believe are essential for success in any academic or professional setting.

My gap year has been a period of significant personal and professional growth. It has reaffirmed my commitment to studying veterinary science, as I have seen the direct impact that skilled and compassionate care can have on animal welfare. I am eager to bring the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my gap year to my university studies and contribute positively to the academic community.

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Taking a gap year can be a great experience that helps make your personal statement stronger and your university application stand out. By talking about what you did during your gap year, showing how you learned new skills, and explaining how these experiences have prepared you for college, you can write a statement that grabs the attention of admissions tutors.

Make sure to review and edit your personal statement carefully so it’s clear and easy to read. This careful attention will show that you are ready for the next step in your education and serious about your future career. With these tips, you can write a personal statement that really shines.

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How do I explain my gap year in my personal statement?

When explaining your gap year in your personal statement, be honest and provide context. You can mention the reasons why you took a gap year, what you did during that time (e.g., work, travel, volunteer), and how those experiences have helped you grow and prepare for college. Highlight any skills or insights you gained that are relevant to your academic pursuits.

Should I apologize for taking a gap year in my personal statement?

No, you shouldn’t apologize for taking a gap year. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your experience and how it has contributed to your personal growth and readiness for college. Show the admissions committee that you used your gap year productively and that it has made you a stronger candidate.

How do I connect my gap year experiences to my academic goals?

To connect your gap year experiences to your academic goals, think about how the skills or insights you gained during your gap year can be applied to your chosen field of study. For example, if you worked in a related industry, highlight the skills you developed and how they will help you succeed in your program. If you traveled, discuss how your experiences broadened your perspective and prepared you for a diverse academic environment.

What if I didn’t do anything “impressive” during my gap year?

You don’t need to have done something “impressive” during your gap year to write a strong personal statement. Focus on what you learned about yourself, how you grew as a person, and what you’re bringing to the table as a result of your gap year. Even if you simply worked to save money or took care of family obligations, you can discuss how those experiences taught you responsibility, time management, and other valuable skills.

How much space should I dedicate to my gap year in my personal statement?

The amount of space you dedicate to your gap year in your personal statement will depend on the specific prompt and the word count. Generally, aim to devote about 1-2 paragraphs to your gap year, depending on its relevance to your academic goals and the rest of your application. Make sure to balance your discussion of your gap year with other important aspects of your application, such as your academic achievements and career aspirations.

Can I use my gap year as a way to address any weaknesses in my application?

Yes, you can use your gap year as an opportunity to address any weaknesses in your application. For example, if your grades weren’t strong, you can discuss how you used your gap year to take additional courses or prepare for standardized tests.

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Table of Contents

• • 4 Benefits if you take a gap year 
• • Expert tips to write a personal statement
• • 2 personal statement examples for students with a gap year
• • Conclusion

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CVs & Résumés

• Dec 8, 2023
• 11 min read

How to Explain a Gap Year on Your Résumé (Tips and Example)

It could just make you more employable, after all.

Joanna Zambas

Content Manager and Career Expert

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

People of all ages take  gap years  for various reasons. Whether it’s to go traveling, spend time caring for a sick family member or raise children, there are plenty of acceptable reasons to take a much-needed break.

So, don’t be afraid to include a gap year in your résumé. As long as you can show the transferable skills you attained during your time off or connect the experience with the role you’re applying for, your gap year could enhance your professional document.

By following this guide, you’ll put your best foot forward and turn your gap year into a career-building experience.

What is a gap year?

For high school leavers and university students, a gap year refers to taking time off between high school and college, or between an undergraduate and a graduate degree, typically to travel or volunteer (or both).

For working professionals, a gap year is a year off that’s taken between jobs. Though you’re bound to be doing something with your time, you won’t be in full-time employment and your career will therefore be “paused” for a while. These “adult” gap years are also referred to as sabbaticals.

Common reasons for taking a gap year

Though we associate gap years with younger age groups, there are many reasons why an adult might choose (or need) to take a year out from work. The most common ones include wanting to:

• Pursue personal projects you’re passionate about but otherwise don’t have time for
• Travel around the world or to far-off places and experience different cultures
• Enroll in a course (or several ones!) to enhance your skill set and learn new things
• Volunteer in your country or abroad, getting involved in rewarding work
• Reassess your career wants and needs, and potentially pursue a different career path

Skills you develop on a gap year

No matter what you spend your gap year doing, one thing is certain: your routine will cease to be what you’re used to. Adjusting to your new reality and taking up new activities to fill your schedule is guaranteed to help you expand your skill set.

More specifically, you can expect to develop the following soft skills:

• Adaptability: Stepping outside your comfort zone means that, at least some of the time, things won’t go according to plan.
• Problem solving : When things don’t go according to plan, you develop your problem-solving ability besides your flexibility.
• Self-reliance: Navigating a year of frequent changes and new experiences will require you to build your resilience , which also positively impacts your confidence.
• Communication: Whether you use your year off to travel, volunteer or enroll in a course, you’re bound to put your people skills (and particularly your communication skills) to good use.
• Teamwork: Teamwork is yet another one of those people skills that you’ll most likely get to strengthen during your gap year.

Why you should include a gap year in your résumé

A gap year shouldn’t diminish your credentials; it should enhance them. By including a gap year in your CV or résumé, you can demonstrate that you’re caring, dedicated or daring — all of which are qualities that can benefit you in the workplace.

A gap year can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to grow as an individual and as a professional. It can prove that you’re confident, motivated and an independent worker, which will enhance your résumé and make you more attractive to potential employers.

Where to list a gap year on your résumé

Knowing where and how to mention a  gap year  on your résumé can be a game-changer. A single sentence won’t do; you’ll need to add some dates, too, and a short yet informative description.

Where to include this on your résumé depends on how long your gap year was. If it was just a couple of months, there’s no real need to include this on your résumé.

That said, if your gap year extended beyond six months, then you’ll need to mention it on your résumé. Where you do this will depend on what sort of gap year you took. If during your gap year you ended up working a little or volunteering, you could add this under your work experience section . Or, if you mostly spent your gap year traveling, volunteering or working a job that is irrelevant to your main expertise, you could also create a separate volunteer experience section .

Meanwhile, if you had to take a year off due to an injury, chronic illness or to take care of a loved one, then this could likewise be added under the work experience section by listing the dates and adding a brief description explaining the situation — for example: “I acted as the main caretaker for a close family member.”

How to explain a gap year in your résumé

1. be honest.

When writing your résumé , honesty is the best policy. There’s no need to go into too many details if you have a sensitive or personal reason for taking the gap year, but you definitely shouldn’t try to hide it, either. The hiring manager could find out if  you’re lying , and that would ruin any chance that you had of securing the job.

2. Use a clear header on your résumé

If your time off work spanned several months, this should be indicated (in most cases) under the work experience section on your résumé. For example, if you were out of work for a bit because you were made redundant, you could include a header such as “Career Break” in your work history.

This can be followed by short bullet points explaining the situation, such as: “Made redundant due to company downsizing. Volunteered at ABC Non-profit as English teacher.”

3. Highlight the positive

As already mentioned, there are many positives to taking a gap year. In fact, showing that you have the courage to take a break and work on yourself or help someone else shows great strength of character .

So, be sure to draw on the positive experiences and how they have helped you grow as a professional. Even if you were caring for a loved one or raising children, you can show that this experience has helped you gain valuable skills, so don’t be afraid to talk about this.

4. Mention your achievements

Your main goal is to describe your achievements during the time that you took off work. Depending on what your gap year was for, you could list quantifiable results.

You could mention courses, qualifications or training you undertook while on your gap year, for example. So, let’s say you took a break to complete a short course, you could say “During this time, I completed XYZ course which taught me ABC skills.”

Or, if you were volunteering abroad , you could focus on primary achievements from your experience such as “Worked with a cross-cultural, diverse team of volunteers to help build shelters for a local community.”

5. Don’t go into excessive detail

The space on your résumé is golden; there’s no need to fill it up with unnecessary information. So, even though it’s important to list your gap year, there’s no need to go into too much detail. The information you do provide must be focused and relevant to the job you’re applying. You can elaborate further during the interview.

6. Make the gap year relevant to the role

Making the information on your résumé relevant to the employer and the role that you’re applying for is essential. Be sure to use relevant keywords; for example, if your gap year was part of a  volunteering program , mention the skills that you gained during your time abroad, and try to connect your experience to your target job.

7. Show your commitment for stability

Gap years can occasionally be seen as red flags by employers, since they could potentially signal a lack of commitment, direction or professionalism.

You need to prove that you’re keen to return to the workforce and become a valued member of any organization. Especially if your gap year was quite recent, you need to show that you’re motivated to land a full-time position with the company you are applying at.

8. Highlight the transferable skills you gained

As mentioned, on a professional level, the key takeaway from a gap year are the skills that you’ve attained and developed, as they make you more employable. Thus, it’s imperative that you showcase them effectively on your résumé.

You can do this in two places: one would be under your work experience section, under your “Career Break” header, where you’d list the responsibilities that you undertook or the activities you pursued during your time off. By describing them, you’re highlighting the skills and know-how you put to use in that time.

The second place to highlight your transferable skills is within your résumé’s dedicated skills section . A good rule of thumb is to include between 10–15 unique skills.

9. Use your cover letter wisely

A  well-written cover letter  is a great way to further  explain your gap in employment  by highlighting what you did and what you gained from it.  

Here’s an example of how to go over employment gaps in your cover letter: 

Dear Mr Richards,

I would like to apply for the role of digital marketing specialist which is advertised on CareerAddict’s job board and on your company website. Enclosed you will find my résumé which highlights my most recent experience.

I have gained experience in the field working on numerous influencer campaigns which received a 100% ROI. I feel confident that my experience can benefit your company, and I am eager to take on new responsibilities and challenges within the marketing field.

I have recently taken a year off work to teach English abroad and have gained great leadership and time management skills that will help me with my day-to-day tasks. Not only that, but it has also kindled my appetite for an international career and dealing with professionals across the globe.

I hope you will find my skills and experience suitable for the role. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Sincerely, 

Jane Johnson

10. Be prepared to answer questions

When you’re done putting together your résumé, go over what you’ve written, and make sure it’s coherent and concise. If you leave important information out or, worse, overdo it with the details, then the hiring manager might request clarifications regarding the gaps in your résumé — and the last thing you want is to be caught off guard.

In fact, the hiring manager might request that you further explain the gaps in your employment regardless of how well you’ve described it all in writing. So, have a think about what you’re going to say when you’re called in for an interview , particularly if the reason you had to step away from your job was due to something particularly challenging or emotionally taxing.

Gap year résumé example

Are you wondering how to apply all this information to your résumé? Don’t fret! We’ve created the following sample to use as a guide when you’re including your gap year on your résumé.

Get the Sleek template

Within this example, we used a  chronological timeline , since the candidate lists a solid chunk of work experience. However, if you have a patchy employment history, you may want to use a  skill-based résumé  structure instead — this allows you to focus on the skills you have rather than the work experience you’ve gained.

Final thoughts

Although it might be tempting to skip over your gap year, it’s important that you don’t. By including your gap year in the right way, you’ll be able to enhance your résumé and, actually, make yourself even more employable.

Remember that, regardless of the reason, it’s not a crime to take some time off work to pursue a life-long dream. You just need to show your dedication to finding and keeping a new job!

Do you have any tips or advice for jobseekers who are returning from their gap year? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Originally published on January 31, 2018. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

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By Nik Taylor (Editor, The Uni Guide) | 16 November 2023 | 3 min read

The ten biggest mistakes when writing your personal statement

Dodge these common blunders and you'll be well on your way to creating a great uni application

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Writing your personal statement is a challenge that many students struggle with.  Here are 10 common personal statement mistakes that students make, as well as some tips for making sure you're on the right track.  Visit the personal statement forum and the university applications forum on The Student Room to see what other students are saying about the process. 

1. Telling a story

Many personal statements can take on the appearance of the applicant's life story. While some background information won't hurt, the best statements will only include experiences directly related to their chosen course. Generally, you should focus on recent study from the last few years. Anything older than that should only be included if it's relevant or provides important context.

• Read more: how to write an excellent personal statement in ten steps

2. Repeating information already contained in your application

It can be hard to fit everything you want to say into just 4,000 characters. So don't waste space on things that are already included elsewhere in your application, such as your A-level subjects or previous grades. Remember that the admissions tutor can see your whole application, so there's no need to repeat yourself. 

• Read more: how to write your university application

3. Spending too long discussing personal issues

Many applicants mention personal issues in their statement, like health and bereavement. This is relevant as it affects studying, but it might be better covered in your reference instead. However, if you want to include this in your personal statement, it's worth keeping it short. One or two sentences is enough.

4. Making simple grammatical errors

Students are often so focused on the experiences they're writing about that they forget to check their grammar. Have a go at reading your statement aloud to make sure it flows well. For bonus points, get a friend or parent to go over it as well.

• Read more: teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

5. Failing to demonstrate capability of university-level study

Your personal statement is great opportunity to demonstrate that you can study in a university style. For example, you could discuss a topic you learned about and then explain how you did further independent study (like reading a book chapter, an article or completing an online course) to expand your knowledge.

• Read more: Ucas deadlines and key application dates

6. Using clichés 

Avoid overused phrases like 'my passion for history began...' or 'I have been interested in geography since a young age'. Admissions tutors read a ton of personal statements and you want to stand out. So get creative with your sentences, but make sure not to go off-topic. 

• Read more: personal statement FAQs

7. Not going into enough detail about experiences

It can be tempting to fill your personal statement with loads of different experiences to show how well-rounded and dedicated you are. But the character limit will stop you from going into any detail. Instead, aim to give two or three in-depth experiences with examples and links to the course.

• Read more: how to write your personal statement when you have nothing interesting to say

8. Telling the admissions tutor things they already know

Admissions tutors are often experts in their field. While it's tempting to include facts, you aren't there to tell them about the subject. It's much better to talk about yourself and why you'd be a great candidate.

• Read more: universities reveal all about personal statements

9. Losing sight of what the personal statement is actually for

Essentially, your personal statement should explain why you want to study the course at university and also demonstrate your ability to complete the degree to a high standard. Make sure everything you write connects with these areas.

• Read more: universities explain how to end your personal statement with a bang

10. Forgetting that the personal statement should be personal

Advice can be conflicting - whether it's from online sources, teachers or tutors. You might be told something that you don't think suits your personality or your statement, and it's fine to disagree with it. Everyone's got different opinions, but the main thing is that you're happy with your personal statement.  

You may want to look at these...

How to write an excellent personal statement in 10 steps.

Help and advice on putting your application together

6 steps you need to take to apply to university

Find out more about choosing a university and course, writing your application and personal statement

Teacher secrets for writing a great personal statement

Writing a personal statement is one of the most important things you will do when applying to university. Here is some useful advice and insider knowledge from Mrs Kinetta, who has more than 25 years of experience as a sixth form tutor.

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ASPIRING MEDICAL STUDENTS

Giving you the tools to successfully apply to Medical School

• Aug 26, 2020

How will my personal statement change if I am taking a gap year?

Updated: Oct 21, 2020

Many students will be taking a gap year due to the recent chaos that has happened recently with A level grades. So I thought I would make a short, simple blog post on how your personal statement will change if you are taking a gap year and some frequently asked questions that you have sent my way.

Do universities know if I am a re-applicant; should I mention this?

You do not need to mention this on your personal statement (save yourself characters) since the university will probably already know that you are taking a year out, especially if you are talking about some of your experiences in the future tense or if you mention that they will be taking place during your gap year. Being a re-applicant does NOT negatively impact your application in any way whatsoever, especially considering the recent events. 

Are there any significant differences in the approach to writing a personal statement as a gap year re-applicant?

Yes, there are but not many.

You should be mentioning some new experiences and focusing on why you are doing these experiences, what you hope to learn and how this will make you a suitable candidate for Medicine. You can re-use the same personal statement but why not provide some new insights!? Perhaps, you can undertake (at least one) more recent work experience or may need to write in the future tense if you have not done any yet.

You can talk about what you HOPE to learn as opposed to what you DID learn for experiences that you are talking about doing in the future. Reflection is pretty much the same, just say it in the future tense. 

What is the best way to write about future plans/intentions to gain insight, since reflection is key when writing about things I have done?

The best thing to do is reflect on your reflections!

Re-read your personal statement.  Now that you’ve decided to take a gap year/been unsuccessful in your applications to Medicine, ask yourself the following questions:

Have any of your reasons or motivations for studying Medicine changed?

What’s keeping you going? You will have definitely developed resilience!

What continues to inspire you to study Medicine?

What new experiences have you undertaken in your gap year that may have changed your outlook on Medicine?

Thinking like this will help remodel your personal statement - you’ll be surprised by how much a setback can build character and change your perspective on pursuing a medical career! R e-think about why you have chosen to study Medicine and how your gap year will reinforce this . Your first paragraph and conclusion are the 2 things that are most likely to change completely compared to your original personal statement. It is very important to sit down and think about why you are still wanting to study Medicine despite being unsuccessful etc. This will be unique to each person and set you apart from other candidates.

You can view a copy of my gap year personal statement here

I hope it can help with how to structure your own and articulate yourself to the best of your ability. For more on personal statement structure, check out my blog post on personal statements

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Shona Barrie – Director of Admissions, University of Stirling

UCAS asked admissions tutors – the people who read and score your personal statement – for their advice on what you should and shouldn’t do when writing your personal statement. 

The most common piece of advice was not to worry about it – and don’t be tempted to copy anyone else’s.

Read our step-by-step guide to writing your personal statement

Then follow our simple tips below.

• Do talk about why you’re a good candidate – talk about you, your motivations and what brings you to this course.
• Do be enthusiastic – if you show you’re interested in the course, it may help you get a place.
• Do make it relevant . Connect what you’re saying with the course and with your experiences.
• Do outline your ideas clearly .
• Do avoid the negatives – highlight the positives about you, and show you know your strengths.
• Do expect to produce several drafts of your personal statement before being totally happy with it.
• Do ask people you trust for their feedback.
• Don’t be modest or shy . You want your passions to come across. 
• Don’t exaggerate – if you do, you may get caught out in an interview when asked to elaborate on an interesting achievement.
• Don’t use quotes from someone else, or cliches.
• Don’t leave it to the last minute – your statement will seem rushed and important information could be left out.
• Don’t let spelling and grammatical errors spoil your statement , but don't just rely on a spellchecker. Proofread as many times as possible.
• Don’t copy and paste – make yours original.
• Don’t post your personal statement on the internet or on social media or share your personal statement with anyone including your friends and family, unless asking for feedback from people you trust.
• Don’t worry about it – we have all the advice you need to help you stand out in your personal statement. 

The personal statement tool image

Don’t be tempted to copy or share your statement.

UCAS scans all personal statements through a similarity detection system to compare them with previous statements.

Any similarity greater than 30% will be flagged and we'll inform the universities and colleges to which you have applied. 

Find out more

Ana ghaffari moghaddam – third year law student and careers coach, university of liverpool.

You’ve got this. Follow those simple steps and use your personal statement as your chance to shine .Use the below as a checklist to make sure you've avoided all common pitfalls.

Want more tips on what to include in your personal statement? Use the links below.

• Get started with our personal statement builder . 
• Five things all students should include in their personal statement. 
• See how you can turn your personal statement into a CV, apprenticeship application or covering letter. 
• Read How to start a personal statement: The attention grabber .

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Your Gap Year

When it comes to taking a gap year you have two options – to take it before you begin university, or to take it during your time at university. Luckily, whichever option you choose will look good on paper.

Universities like to see that their students have life experience outside of their academic career and a gap year is the perfect chance to pick up new skills, take part in different activities, and see a little bit more of life. 

Gap years prove to universities that you’re ready for a new adventure and like to take on a challenge. These are positive personal attributes for potential university students and can make you stand out from the crowd.

However, there are some definite dos and don’ts when talking about your gap year in your personal statement. The admissions tutors will want to hear either about what you did during your gap year, or what you intend to do if you haven’t already taken it.

You don’t have to focus your personal statement on your gap year but a few sentences or a short paragraph near the end of your application outlining your plans will show the reader that you’ve thought about what you’ll be doing.

It doesn’t matter if you’re going to be spending the time working to gain relevant experience in your subject or whether you’re travelling, as long as you show the admissions tutor that you have a plan and know what you will gain from taking the time out of education.

What you do on your gap year is completely up to you but most universities would warn you off wasting your time. Lying on a beach for an entire year might sound like a great reward for all your hard work at school, but you won’t gain anything from it.

It’s important to have a break but taking the time to volunteer for a community project, learn a new skill or language, and gaining valuable vocational experience will get you ahead of the game when the time comes to apply for/or return to university. 

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what's the best way to discuss a gap year in college applications.

I took a gap year to explore my passions and gain work experience. How should I emphasize this in my college applications? Is it an advantage or disadvantage, and how can I make the most of it? Thanks for the guidance!

Hi there! It's great that you took a gap year to explore your passions and gain work experience. On your college applications, it's important to highlight what you did during your gap year, how it contributed to your personal growth, and how it is relevant to your college goals or the major you're interested in.

When discussing your gap year, be specific about the experiences you had, the skills you gained, and any accomplishments during that time. This can show that you used the time wisely and it will be seen as an advantage. Colleges appreciate students who can demonstrate personal growth, curiosity, and a strong work ethic.

You can mention your gap year in different parts of your application, such as your personal statement, supplemental essays, or additional information section. Tailor it to the application prompts and make sure it connects to your overall narrative. Remember that showcasing your gap year is about how these experiences have shaped you and prepared you for college.

For more guidance on how to present your gap year in the best way, check out this helpful CollegeVine blog post: How to Discuss a Gap Year on Your College Applications .

Best of luck with your applications!

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How to Write a Personal Statement That Wows Colleges

← What Is an Application Theme and Why Is It Important?

10 Personal Statement Examples That Work →

  Most of the college applications process is fairly cut and dry. You’ll submit information about your classes and grades, standardized test scores, and various other accomplishments and honors. On much of the application, your accomplishments must speak for themselves. 

The personal statement is different though, and it’s your chance to let your voice be heard. To learn more about the personal statement, how to choose a topic, and how to write one that wows colleges, don’t miss this post.

What is the Personal Statement?

Personal statements are used in both undergraduate and graduate admissions. For undergrad admissions, personal statements are any essays students must write to submit their main application. For example, the Common App Essay and Coalition Application Essay are examples of personal statements. Similarly, the ApplyTexas Essays and University of California Essays are also good examples .

Personal statements in college admissions are generally not school-specific (those are called “supplemental essays”). Instead, they’re sent to a wide range of schools, usually every school you apply to. 

What is the Purpose of the Personal Statement?

The personal statement is generally your opportunity to speak to your unique experiences, qualities, or beliefs that aren’t elsewhere represented on the application. It is a chance to break away from the data that defines you on paper, and provide a glimpse into who you really are. In short, it’s the admissions committee’s chance to get to know the real you.

So, what are colleges looking for in your personal statement? They are looking for something that sets you apart. They are asking themselves: do you write about something truly unique? Do you write about something common, in a new and interesting way? Do you write about an aspect of your application that needed further explanation? All of these are great ways to impress with your personal statement.

Beyond getting to know you, admissions committees are also evaluating your writing skills. Are you able to write clearly and succinctly? Can you tell an engaging story? Writing effectively is an important skill in both college and life, so be sure to also fine-tune your actual writing (grammar and syntax), not just the content of your essay.

Is your personal statement strong enough? Get a free review of your personal statement with CollegeVine’s Peer Essay Review.

How To a Choose A Topic For Your Personal Statement

Most of the time, you’re given a handful of prompts to choose from. Common personal statement prompts include:

• Central aspect of your identity (activity, interest, talent, background)
• Overcoming a failure
• Time you rose to a challenge or showed leadership
• Experience that changed your beliefs
• Problem you’d like to solve
• Subject or idea that captivates you

One of the questions that we hear most often about the personal statement is, “How do I choose what to write about?” For some students, the personal statement prompt triggers an immediate and strong idea. For many more, there is at least initially some uncertainty.

We often encourage students to think less about the exact prompt and more about what aspects of themselves they think are most worthy of highlighting. This is especially helpful if you’re offered a “topic of your choice” prompt, as the best essay topic for you might actually be one you make up!

For students with an interesting story or a defining background, these can serve as the perfect catalyst to shape your approach. For students with a unique voice or different perspective, simple topics written in a new way can be engaging and insightful.

Finally, you need to consider the rest of your application when you choose a topic for your personal statement. If you are returning from a gap year, failed a single class during sophomore year, or participated extensively in something you’re passionate about that isn’t elsewhere on your application, you might attempt to address one of these topics in your statement. After all, the admissions committee wants to get to know you and understand who you really are, and these are all things that will give them a deeper understanding of that.

Still, tons of students have a decent amount of writer’s block when it comes to choosing a topic. This is understandable since the personal statement tends to be considered rather high stakes. To help you get the ball rolling, we recommend the post What If I Don’t Have Anything Interesting To Write About In My College Essay?

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for College

1. approach this as a creative writing assignment..

Personal statements are difficult for many students because they’ve never had to do this type of writing. High schoolers are used to writing academic reports or analytical papers, but not creative storytelling pieces.

The point of creative writing is to have fun with it, and to share a meaningful story. Choose a topic that inspires you so that you’ll enjoy writing your essay. It doesn’t have to be intellectual or impressive at all. You have your transcript and test scores to prove your academic skills, so the point of the personal statement is to give you free rein to showcase your personality. This will result in a more engaging essay and reading experience for admissions officers. 

As you’re writing, there’s no need to follow the traditional five-paragraph format with an explicit thesis. Your story should have an overarching message, but it doesn’t need to be explicitly stated—it should shine through organically. 

Your writing should also feel natural. While it will be more refined than a conversation with your best friend, it shouldn’t feel stuffy or contrived when it comes off your tongue. This balance can be difficult to strike, but a tone that would feel natural when talking with an admired teacher or a longtime mentor is usually a good fit.

2. Show, don’t tell.

One of the biggest mistakes students make is to simply state everything that happened, instead of actually bringing the reader to the moment it happened, and telling a story. It’s boring to read: “I was overjoyed and felt empowered when I finished my first half marathon.” It’s much more interesting when the writing actually shows you what happened and what the writer felt in that moment: “As I rounded the final bend before the finish line, my heart fluttered in excitement. The adrenaline drowned out my burning legs and gasping lungs. I was going to finish my first half marathon! This was almost incomprehensible to me, as someone who could barely run a mile just a year ago.”

If you find yourself starting to write your essay like a report, and are having trouble going beyond “telling,” envision yourself in the moment you want to write about. What did you feel, emotionally and physically? Why was this moment meaningful? What did you see or hear? What were your thoughts?

For inspiration, read some memoirs or personal essays, like The New York Times Modern Love Column . You could also listen to podcasts of personal stories, like The Moth . What do these writers and storytellers do that make their stories engaging? If you didn’t enjoy a particular story, what was it that you didn’t like? Analyzing real stories can help you identify techniques that you personally resonate with.

3. Use dialogue.

A great way to keep your writing engaging is to include some dialogue. Instead of writing: “My brothers taunted me,” consider sharing what they actually said. It’s more powerful to read something like:

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

Having dialogue can break up longer paragraphs of text, and bring some action and immediacy to your story. That being said, don’t overdo it. It’s important to strike a balance between relying too much on dialogue, and using it occasionally as an effective writing tool. You don’t want your essay to read like a script for a movie (unless, of course, that’s intentional and you want to showcase your screenwriting skills!).

Want free essay feedback? Submit your essay to CollegeVine’s Peer Essay Review and get fast, actionable edits on your essay. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Personal Statements

1. giving a recap or report of all the events..

Your essay isn’t a play-by-play of everything that happened in that time frame. Only include relevant details that enrich the story, instead of making your personal statement a report of the events. Remember that the goal is to share your voice, what’s important to you, and who you are. 

2. Writing about too many events or experiences. 

Similarly, another common mistake is to make your personal statement a resume or recap of all your high school accomplishments. The Activities Section of the Common App is the place for listing out your achievements, not your personal statement. Focus on one specific experience or a few related experiences, and go into detail on those. 

3. Using cliche language.

Try to avoid overdone quotes from famous people like Gandhi or Thoreau. Better yet, try to avoid quotes from other people in general, unless it’s a message from someone you personally know. Adding these famous quotes won’t make your essay unique, and it takes up valuable space for you to share your voice.

You should also steer away from broad language or lavish claims like “It was the best day of my life.” Since they’re so cliche, these statements also obscure your message, and it’s hard to understand what you actually mean. If it was actually the best day of your life, show us why, rather than just telling us.

If you want to learn more about personal statements, see our post of 11 Common App Essay Examples .

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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Applying to University After a Gap Year

14th November 2023

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Embarking on the journey to higher education after a gap year can be both exciting and challenging. Whether your time away was spent travelling, working, or gaining valuable life experiences, the process of applying to university after a gap year demands careful consideration. Let’s explore how to navigate this unique path and ensure a successful return to academic pursuits.

1. Reflect on Your Experiences:

One of the key advantages of a gap year is the opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Take the time to reflect on your experiences, identifying the skills and insights gained. Universities value candidates who bring diverse perspectives and a mature approach to their studies.

2. Highlighting Your Achievements:

During your gap year, you may have achieved significant milestones, whether in your professional life or personal development. Ensure that these accomplishments are highlighted in your application. Showcase how your experiences have contributed to your overall readiness for university life.

3. Tailor Your Personal Statement:

Crafting a compelling personal statement is crucial when applying after a gap year. Address the reasons behind your break and emphasise how it has enriched your perspective. Share how your experiences align with your chosen course and university. If you find articulating your journey challenging, our personal statement writing or editing service can help you create a standout narrative.

4. Connect with Your Chosen University:

Reach out to the admissions team or attend university open days to establish a connection. Explain how your gap year has influenced your decision to pursue a degree and inquire about any specific requirements or considerations for applicants returning after a break. This proactive approach demonstrates commitment and enthusiasm.

5. Demonstrate Transferable Skills:

Highlight the transferable skills acquired during your gap year, such as time management, adaptability, and problem-solving. Universities appreciate candidates who bring a range of skills beyond academic achievements. Showcasing these attributes can set you apart in the competitive admissions process.

6. Seek References Wisely:

Choose referees who can speak to both your academic abilities and the skills you’ve developed during your gap year. This might include employers, mentors, or individuals who have observed your personal and professional growth. A well-rounded reference can reinforce your readiness for university life.

A Resilient Return to Academia

Embarking on the path to university after a gap year is a testament to your resilience and commitment to personal development. As you prepare your application, remember to celebrate the unique journey you’ve undertaken. The skills and insights gained during your time away can be powerful assets, enriching not only your academic experience but also contributing to the diverse tapestry of university life.

Start your academic comeback journey with a professionally crafted personal statement. Share your requirements with us and discover how we can support you.

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How to Explain a Gap Year on Your Resume

Tips and Examples for Explaining a Gap Year

Madeleine Burry writes about careers and job searching for The Balance. She covers topics around career changes, job searching, and returning from maternity leave, and has been writing for The Balance since 2014.

Create a Non-Chronological Resume

List your gap year under experience.

• Include a Breakout Section
• Highlight Gap Year Accomplishments

A gap year can take many forms: A year in a kibbutz in Israel. Volunteering in Guatemala. Teaching English in Vietnam. Skiing on slopes across the globe. Caring for a sick parent post-college. This year can often be a world-opening, beneficial experience. While they primarily occur in the year preceding or following college, you may also choose to take a gap year between jobs. That can seem particularly appealing if you are laid off with generous  severance  or quit a high-stress job that doesn’t feel like the right path forward.

A gap year can be, as its name implies, a year long. When you end your gap year and seek to return to the workforce, you might find it challenging to figure out how to list this time on your resume. It won’t necessarily fit into the “ experience ” and “ education ” sections.

And yet, you likely gained a lot of experience and knowledge during your time away from the workforce.

Here is some key advice on how to approach mentioning your gap year on your resume.

One option, of course, is to leave your gap year off your resume and diminish its visibility. There are many  different types of resumes , and while a  chronological one , which lists your most recent experience first, is most common, it’s not the only option. You can also create a  functional resume , which focuses on your skills and experience, rather than when you gained them.

A functional resume might be particularly appealing if your gap year has a more recreational feel or if it happened because of personal family circumstances that you’d prefer not to detail.

With a functional resume, you can include any skills you picked up during your gap year while not listing how you spent the time outright.

If you worked, taught, or volunteered, this is a valuable experience. Why hide it? You can list this just like any other role in the “experience” section of your resume. Your gap year may also show that you’re a leader, independent, or possess other qualities desired at many companies.

As you write up a description of your gap year experience, take note of the job posting. Tailor your points to emphasize the skills mentioned in the job description as well as the required tasks. (Here's advice on how to  match your qualifications to a role .)

Aim to use  powerful, action-oriented verbs  and  quantify  your accomplishments and tasks as much as possible.

Here are examples of how to list a gap year in your experience section:

ESL Teacher — September 2018-August 2019

• Taught conversational English to adult learners in Tokyo, Japan.
• Developed curricula for two levels of English speakers, basic and intermediate
• Taught 6 three-hour classes per week
• Brainstormed and implemented program improvements during weekly meetings

Volunteer at California Resettlement Nonprofit Organization — August 2018-December 2018

• Worked to coordinate volunteer efforts in the wake of the California wildfires.
• Assigned tasks and work rotations to 500+ volunteers
• Coordinated with FEMA and other organizations to find shelter options for people displaced by wildfires

It can sometimes be helpful to include only the year (and not the month) when you worked or volunteered at jobs for short periods of time.

Include Your Gap Year in a Breakout Section of Your Resume

If your gap year time feels discordant with the rest of your resume — for instance, if you have a string of accountant jobs and then spent a year building access to clean water — you might want to set it off in a different section.

You might call this section “International Experience,” “Volunteer Experience,” “International Travel,” or “Additional Activities & Experience.”

Do Highlight Gap Year Accomplishments Throughout Your Resume

Most likely, you learned and grew a lot as a person during your gap year. And while some of what you learned may not help in the business world (like the ability to find the cheapest hostel, say), other skills may be applicable.

Add Skills to Your Resume: Some skills you may have gained are: speaking a foreign language,  communication , planning and coordinating, and budgeting. Depending on how you spent your gap year, you may have other skills to add (or remove) from this list. You can include these skills in the write-up of your gap year experience as well as in the  skills section of your resume .

Use the Summary Section: Think of this section as telling a (short) story about you — who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you want to work on next. In that framing, it makes logical sense that your gap year might be helpful to include. For instance, your  summary section  may read: “World-traveler and experienced ESL teacher looking for a role teaching the Spanish language to middle school students.”

Bottom line

Go beyond thinking of your gap year as a fun break and consider what achievements and skills you’ve gained along with how they potentially apply to your next role. Then, include this insight on your resume. 

How to write the best personal statement

A great personal statement will help your university application stand out and get those offers rolling in. We cover everything you need to know about writing your personal statement. 

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A personal statement is meant to show off YOU. You’ll need to think about why you want to study the course you’re applying for, what you’ve done to work towards that already, what transferable skills you have and what you want to do after university. It’s a lot to think about and squish into the strict UCAS character and line limit, but don’t worry, we’ve got all the tips and advice you could want.

Personal statement all finished? Read more about applying to university.

CONTENTS: 

• When’s the deadline to finish my personal statement?   
• How to get started on your personal statement  
• Tailoring your personal statement to your subject choice
• How to structure your personal statement  
• What to include in your personal statement

Can you use AI when writing your personal statement?  

Things to avoid in your personal statement  , how long should your personal statement be  .

• How to edit your personal statement

Are you ready to submit your personal statement?  

Ucas proposed reform  , when’s the deadline to finish my personal statement .

The UCAS deadline for 2024 entry is 31 January 2024 at 6pm UK time. You can submit applications after this, but you won’t be covered by the Equal Consideration Policy and some courses may be full. Any applications received after 6pm on 30 June 2024 will be entered into Clearing.  

It’s best to have your personal statement drafted a couple of weeks before the deadline so you have time to get feedback on it and edit it. 

How to get started on your personal statement 

Before you even think about writing, you’ll have to research the courses you’re applying for. This can give you some inspiration on what to write about, and if you see you’ve already covered some of the first-year material, even better. 

After research comes planning. You’ll want to plan out paragraph by paragraph what you’re going to include to make sure you don’t repeat yourself or miss anything out. 

If you have your research and plan completed, it’s time to start writing!

How to start writing your personal statement.

Tailoring your personal statement to your subject choice   

Admissions tutors want to see why you’d be a good fit for the course you’ve applied for on your personal statement, so you’ll want to make sure the things you’re mentioning link back to the course you’ve applied to. For example, if you’re applying to study psychology, there’s not much point going on about how much you love watching Great British Bake Off. However, if you’re a huge fan of Milton’s Paradise Lost and you’re applying to study English literature, that’s a great thing to mention. 

 Not everything you mention has to be directly linked to your chosen course, but it should either link or demonstrate transferable skills useful to university study such as time management, leadership, balancing responsibilities or independent research.  

Tailoring your university personal statement to your subject  

How to structure your personal statement  

There’s no set way you have to structure your personal statement, but if you read a few examples online, you’ll probably notice a bit of a pattern occurring. The main thing to do is to open your personal statement by introducing yourself and why you want to study the course you’re applying to. You might then want to talk about: 

• Your academic qualifications 
• Any work experience or volunteering  
• Extracurricular activities  
• Any reading you’ve done around your subject (and what you learned from that reading!). 

 A good way to close your personal statement is to talk about what you’d like to do after university, and how the subject you’re applying for will help you get there.

Ashley Harrison-Barker, Home Admissions Manager at  University of Hertfordshire , says "We want you to give us a summary of you as an individual and your journey up until this point... Think of it as a timeline that explains your journey to-date and how you would use this course as a springboard to achieve your desired career aspirations."

How to structure your personal statement.

What to include in your personal statement  

Your personal statement should be just that – personal! Exactly what you should include depends on what you’ve done. However, some areas that you might want to cover in your personal statement include: 

• Work experience 
• Part-time work or volunteering 
• What you’re studying now 
• What topics within the subject particularly interest you 
• Your future career goals 
• Extracurricular activities or reading you’ve done relevant to your course 

Simone Wilson, Careers Manager at Wirral Grammar School for Boys, says it's important to, "explain what interests you about particular topics and how you have gone above and beyond to learn more about it."

Essential topics to include in your personal statement.

ChatGPT and AI is a hot topic right now, so you might be wondering whether it can help you write your personal statement. In short, you have to be careful if you’re using AI to help you with your personal statement.  

Your personal statement must be original work, which means you can’t copy and paste chunks from an AI. UCAS checks personal statements and can detect AI-written content, so using AI-generated paragraphs could harm your application. As Harrison-Barker says, "AI won’t know all your personal experiences so there is no substitute for the real thing."

However, AI can be helpful for the planning stage as it can generate personal statement examples that you can use for inspiration on what to cover and how to structure your own personal statement. It can also help you to brainstorm topics related to your subject that you could relate to your experience when it comes to writing your personal statement. 

Using AI and ChatGPT when writing your personal statement.

It probably goes without saying that you shouldn’t use any inappropriate language such as swear words in your personal statement. You should also avoid slang, or language that comes across as too informal (the admissions tutor is not your ‘mate’).   

Be wary of using cliches or buzzwords if you don’t have the experience and evidence to back them up, and of course you should avoid lying about anything. It’s also wise to avoid discussing anything that you can’t link to either the subject you’re applying to study, or a transferable skill you learned that’ll be useful at university.  

Words you should never use in your university application.  

The limit for your UCAS personal statement is 4,000 characters (not words!) including spaces or 47 lines, whichever comes first. To check the length of your personal statement, copy and paste it into the UCAS application form as character count may vary a little bit between your word processing program and UCAS, and the only way to check your line count is to put it into the application form. 

Read more about the length requirements for personal statements .

How to edit your personal statement 

Once you’ve got a first draft of your personal statement, it’s time to get feedback and redraft. One of the first things you’ll want to do is check how it compares to the UCAS character and line limit. You can’t go over the limit, but you want to get as much in as possible.  

You’ll also want to show it to a few people and get some feedback. You could ask your parents, friends or a teacher at school to read it over for you – the more eyes you can get on it the better. It’s good to show your personal statement to whoever is writing your UCAS reference so they can mention some of the things you’ve put into your personal statement.  

You’ll need to proofread it to make sure it all makes sense and there aren’t any spelling or grammar errors before you send off your final draft. 

How to tell if your university application is good.  

Have you drafted, redrafted and drafted your personal statement again? Have you checked for any spelling and grammar mistakes? Have you got a few people to look it over and give you feedback? If you answered yes to all of these questions and your personal statement fits within the UCAS character and line limit, all that’s left to do is go through our application checklist and send it off… 

University application checklist.  

For 2026 entry onwards, UCAS are changing the way the university application process works. For those applying for entry in 2024 or 2025, the personal statement will not be changing. We’ll bring you more information about the application reform when UCAS release the details of the updated process.

Read more about applying to university.

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Addressing Gaps in Your Personal Statement

Many residency candidates have some aspect of their application background that may be perceived as a gap, weakness, or red flag in the eyes of those who review application materials.

Some examples of red flags are:

• Attempts on USMLE exams
• A gap in medical education or professional career
• Low test scores
• Lack of US clinical experience
• Failing a class, or former residency

The presence of these circumstances is an understandable– and often unavoidable, part of life, but it can be hard to find the right time and place to explain to programs what happened. There are a few appropriate places for you to talk about your gaps such as the ERAS Common Application, but this may not feel sufficient. You may feel the need to make your case in your Personal Statement.

While it is not suggested to bring up these weaknesses in your Personal Statement , sometimes it can work in your favor to identify what parts of your application may raise red flags for programs. This way, you can answer any questions programs may have as they review your credentials and soothe any misgivings about your worthiness as a candidate. With the right wording, you can even show programs you are capable of taking a bad situation and turning it into an opportunity for growth, improvement and resilience.

When writing about gaps, there are three rules to keep in mind:

• Keep it brief.

Limit the whole disclosure to 2 or 3 sentences maximum . It’s best not to write any more than you have to. There isn’t a lot of space to work with in your Personal Statement and you don’t want to waste any more than strictly necessary on something that could be perceived as negative.

• Stick to the facts

Keep it honest, but don’t get wrapped up in the emotion of the circumstances. Programs don’t really want a bunch of sad excuses, and you could make your red flag sound worse than it is are by showing your negativity, bitterness or frustration through your writing. Programs want candidates who can face challenges with maturity and strength, and rise above.

• Make it positive.

Show the programs you have grown from your experiences, that your struggles have made you stronger. What did you learn from the experience? Are you a better, stronger, smarter or wiser person?

Being able to clearly address red flags in your application is vital to clearing up any potential misunderstandings programs may have about your credentials, and can also show you are honest and reflective about your past mistakes.

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Hi, Thank you for the informational article. While explaining the reason for the gap, do I have to mention “this reason caused a gap in my career”?For example:- I had a surgery.Can I just write this made me a stronger and determined person or do I have to write that because of this surgery I had a gap?Thank you

Great question! You would first mention you had a surgery, which caused you to have a gap, but then you would end the section by explaining how this experience getting a surgery has made you stronger and a better doctor.

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