MIA durning undergrad

[Sorg1123]

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I took two years off from school before going back and graduating. Should I address this in my PS or not? I can envision it being a red flag for lack of sticktoitiveness, but I did go back. Anyone in a similar circumstance? Advice?

 

[YAVIS]

I'd think that if you did something life experience-wise during your hiatus (like travelling, volunteering, working in a certain field), you should play that up when you apply, it doesn't necessarily have to be a mark against you. Also, it depends on what you did once you came back to finish up your undergrad - i.e. did you volunteer in a lab, work as an RA, do any research, work at relevant positions etc. I did most of my really "hard-core" building up of experience and qualifications during my last 2 years anyways, and that's what the majority of programs look at.

 

[Sorg1123]

I'm fortunate then. When I returned I completed two directed studies under psych profs who are now, as we speak I hope, writing LORs for me. I think I will play up the life learning experience angle, the reason is I simply couldn't afford to enroll for those 2 years. Perhaps I'll write something like,

"While financial realities prevented me from continuing my education, I continued gain clinical experience at XXX as a Direct Care Couselor. In fact it was during this time that I decided to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology."

Thanks for the perspective!!