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How could I explain a 2 year gap in obtaining a degree due to dropping out and then returning?

I've been doing my engineering degree since 2007. I did very poorly on my first year and it wasn't a really good time in my life, so I took a break and returned in 2009. It took me until 2011 to finish my first year. Currently, I'm in my 3rd 2nd semester. In my resume, I list I started enrollment in 2007. My transcript states this too.

Should I add an explanation in my cover letter for my delay, or should I only bring it up if they ask?

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I had a similar thing (repeated first year), I find not highlighting it is better but be ready to talk about it if/when they ask. – Michael Jan 18 at 9:49
Just list that you are currently in school and what year you are in ( freshman, junior, senior, ect ). Furthermore if you find somebody that codes care, then you don't want to work there, since how long you took to graduate is a trivial thing to complain about. – Ramhound Jan 18 at 19:01

marked as duplicate by jcmeloni Jan 18 at 13:45

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I'm currently doing an internship at an IT company.

I found they didn't ask me about the amount of time I'm taking for my study. Currently about to start my 4th year in my 5th year of study. They don't seem to mind. They did ask about extra work I might've done during my study, which could be conceived as a subtle way of asking about the additional time for a study that should be finished within 4 years. I however did see this coming and answered with an avoiding response about the part-time jobs I've and projects I've done during the study, and then volunteered some information as to why I'm taking longer than usual.

So I would agree with Michael. They tend not to mind all too much, however having an answer or two ready isn't a bad idea. Bad time in your life, taking time away, all relevant. No-one really studies well when their head is tangled up. Plus you can then use that to explain that you started again at a later point in time, which would shorten the amount of time actually spend on doing the study considerably. If they ask at all that is ;)

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