Hey guys thanks for clicking my link. I've written the following essay to explain why I took a gap year for the Common App Education Interruption Section. My only worry is that it is too long. Can you tell me what you think and what I should cut out to shorten it. There is no word limit but I just didn't want to write something too long. Currently its 574 words
Life can be full of many obstacle and surprises. It is not always the obstacle that we have been faced with that defines us, but rather how we overcome it and what we become from it as a result. This is what makes us distinctive and unique. The obstacles that I have faced and overcome helped shape me into who I am today.
Before my extensive college marathon began, I thought there was only one barrier - an academic one, consisting of standardized tests and rigorous coursework - standing as an obstacle between me and going to college. Unfortunately, I was wrong, because there was definitely another hurdle. The second one doesn't require any scholarly attributes at all to leap over, just the money in my family's pocket. In April, my dad had lost his job due to the collapsing economy. This was around the time when students were to begin notifying schools about their intention to enroll or not for the coming fall. Given my father's situation, I was faced with the inevitable realization that I won't be able to begin college this fall, and I that had to take a gap year.
Nevertheless, I didn't allow what I missed out on affect the opportunities I did have at my disposal. Determined not to waste my year off, I decided to use this time to pursue all the activities my high school schedule would not permit. In high school, French was one of my favorite subjects however I had to drop it because it clashed with two of my other classes. So now that I have the time, I have enrolled in an intermediate French program hosted by the French Embassy, where my interest in the French can grow. This 4-month class has been truly enriching because as I was learning French, French was teaching me life lessons and the importance of self-motivation, listening, humility, humor, responsibility and passion. Through French, I have become a completely independent student, which has enabled me to teach myself and retain information whenever I came across something undiscovered. I was and still am in my own world of this language, which is especially beneficial for learning any subject. Subsequently, I am now fervently interested in pursing a double major in French and Biochemistry, something that I would not have done if I had not been on my gap year.
Moreover, as a responsible and self-motivated student, I wish to take an active role in my medical education and learn for my future to become the best Internist I can be. My high school science education has done an excellent job of equipping me with the knowledge I need to begin pursuing my goal. Thus, through the six-month Congestive Heart Failure Volunteer Program at New York Methodist Hospital, I hope to bridge theory and practice as I apply my knowledge and skills in a clinical setting. As a volunteer I will work alongside physicians to enhance patients' understanding of chronic heart failure and to teach them practical techniques and skills to help manage their disease. Again, this is an opportunity that I feel would not have been available if not for my gap year.
The reason for my gap year is less than ideal, but I have learned about resilience and about being steadfast in the face of adversity. I know these qualities will help me excel in college as they have helped me arise triumphantly in my turbulent years.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Hi! I took a gap year myself and I think you did a great job writing how you used this as an opportunity to grow, but my only comment is to get the point directly. You dont need to mention that the way people handle hardships diffrentiates them- they already know that. Let them see through your essay how you have handled this circumstance effectively- donot tell them that.
Life is unpredictable; it's hard to tell what the next moment will bring, but amid all of that uncertainty I have found comfort in knowing that I will make the most of my year. The reason for my gap year is less than ideal, but I have learned about resilience and about being steadfast in the face of adversity. I know these qualities will help me excel in college as they have helped me arise triumphantly this year.
Hey guys I've tried to tweak the ending so tell me what you think.
