Im applying to transfer to UConn in the fall, I already wrote an essay and sent in my application but when I checked the status it said they require an explanation of that semester gap. Should I write another entire essay? Should I talk about the benefits of it, there was a crisis in my family so my mother and I spent that time in Mexico with family.
I don’t think you necessarily have to put a positive spin on it - I would reply with a letter explaining that you had to attend to a family emergency and offer to provide documentation. Usually that means someone not in your family - is there a social worker, physician, or pastor (for example) that would write a letter for you to back up your account, if necessary? UConn simply wants to know whether you dropped out, were asked to leave school, or what happened.