A representative from one of the schools I applied to asked me to provide a timeline of the gaps in my education to get a better idea of what I was doing in the time I wasn’t attending school (the answer, if I’m being honest: not much). Is this typical? Is this a good/bad omen? I’ve applied to eight colleges and so far I’ve only gotten any sort of follow-up requests for information from that one.
Also, any tips on how to approach writing this? A bulleted timeline? A simple paragraph detailing pertinent events?
In whatever format you respond, make sure it comes off as an explanation, not an excuse. If you weren’t in school because you didn’t know what you wanted to do, say that, but include whatever happened that led you to the program you’re trying to get into. If you were working, say that. If you had a kid, say that. It’ll look better if you can frame whatever you were doing as a learning or personal growth experience. They’re probably just trying to make sure you’re not going to be one of those aimless students who float from department to department before dropping out. Alternately, they may be wanting to be sure you weren’t in jail or something.
I am not sure the format matters…but to try to show what you were doing.
If it was health issues and those are now addressed, then say that.
If you were working, then say that.
They basically want to know if you will stick with it if you come to their college.