How to Write a Convincing Study Gap Statement

If you need a study gap statement for your education abroad, then you are in the right place. Most students need a study gap statement because, while many have a smooth transition from primary to secondary school education without interruption, others do not have the same luxury. These gaps can be caused by either: 

• sickness to a family member,
• unavailability of a sponsor,
• school closure, 
• the decision to change your program.
• work and study education and
• voluntary jobs.  

In this article, we look at how to write a convincing study group and the best practices. 

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What Is a Study Gap Statement?

For international students who need to take a year or two before they finish their secondary school education, they need a study gap statement. Therefore, you must write a study gap statement that is convincing as well as compelling. 

Even though your statement of purpose should have details of your study gap, it is better to write out a designated study gap statement. This is because it gives the admissions board an idea of what you learned during your time away from school. 

Note that the need for a study gap statement depends on the institution, as some require a separate study gap statement while others want you to combine the information in your Statement Of Purpose. 

What to Know About Study Gaps

1. It is advisable to write a study gap chronologically. This means that you should write it like a story, from one event to the next. Moreover, this gives the reader a vivid view of how your life went. 

2. You should write straight to the point; this is because most universities and colleges are not looking for lengthy study gap statements. Additionally, you can check their website for the recommended number of words. 

3. In Canada, schools consider 150 days away from school as a study gap. However,  a study gap can impact the duration of your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). 

4. An unauthorized study gap can make you ineligible for a PGWP.

6 Steps to Writing a Convincing Study Gap Statement

Here are the six steps to creating an impressive and convincing study gap statement:

#1. State the Reasons for the Study Gap:

In the study gap statement, you must make sure that you inform the admissions committee of the reason for your study gap. Therefore, you can mention various reasons, from taking a trip to learning a profitable skill. Note that this treason can end up working in your favor, especially when it shows that you are hardworking. 

Furthermore, medical issues or financial restrictions can be convincing proof of your study gap. This is because these are situations that you have little or no control over. 

Additionally, some of the most common reasons behind study gaps are:

• Employment
• Financial Restraints
• Investment in Personal Growth
• Medical Issues 
• Entrance Exam Preparation
• Study Abroad Preparation
• Pursuing of Hobbies 
• Chasing Personal or Mental Growth
• Other Personal Reasons

#2. Write about the Effect of Taking a Study Gap: 

After you have stated why you took a study gap, the next step is to write about how the study gap has affected you, either positively or otherwise, and how you managed to grow. Additionally, 

• You should also write about how the experience has contributed to your overall learning. 
• You should discuss how much you have gained professionally. 
• Write about your goals and how the study gap has contributed to them. 
• Share the fun experience you had through the course of the study gap. 
• You can also share the financial growth you had during that period. 

Overall, you must explain how the experience gives you motivation and changes you. 

#3. Review its Influence on Your Personal Development

Most times, study gaps inspire you. This means that your study gap should provide how you have developed: 

• enterprise, 
• independence, 
• maturity and faced challenges 
• maturity, and 
• commitment.

Furthermore, you should also state how the experience will help you contribute to the university if they offer you admission. 

#4. Ensure a Personal Tone of Dialogue:

Next, you must make sure that your study gap statement sounds personal. This means that it should take account of your own life. 

For this reason, 

• You must use a first-person writing style
• a semi-formal tone to the conversation. 

Note that these two components help you create a connection with the admissions committee and your essay. Lastly, your study plan must sound more convincing and true.

#5. Check for grammar, Word Count, and Essay Flow

Your essay must have correct grammar and not be lengthy. Therefore;

• It should be straightforward. 
• It should not exceed 100 words. Note that the ideal word count should be 600 to 800 words. 
• You should distribute your content in paragraphs, and presentations.
• Your essay should flow with the use of transitional words like: additionally, however, furthermore, moreover, etc. 

#6. Proofread and Edit

To proofread your essay, you should: 

• Submit your study gap essay through two proofreads and three edits before submitting. 
• You should seek the help of a professional, like an editor or a study abroad expert like AfterschoolAfrica to help check your essay.
• Fact-check your work to make sure that your documents support your claims, and also if the information is valid. 

Contact AfterSchoolAfrica For Your Admission

For international students looking to get a quality education, it can be financially demanding. At AfterSchoolAfrica, we understand that education should be based on the potential for value creation to build an inclusive global economy. 

Furthermore, we can help make this dream a reality by offering scholarships, loans, and work-study programs for financial assistance. Therefore, by exploring these avenues, you can focus on your studies without worrying about financial burdens.

Additionally, through our global education lending partners, we now help and support African students to fund their graduate education in the US, Canada, or the UK. You don’t need collateral or a Cosigner.

Read Also:

How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose (with samples) 

3 Proven Steps to Write an Excellent MBA Essay

Should You Use ChatGPT for Your Study Abroad Application?