Career gaps happen — and MBA admissions committees know it. What matters most is how you explain them. The most effective approach is to be transparent while focusing on the skills, experiences, or insights gained during that period.
A short, factual explanation in your résumé, optional essay, or interview can prevent unnecessary speculation. For example, you might share that you took time off for family responsibilities, health recovery, or a career transition, and then immediately pivot to the productive ways you used that time — such as earning a certification, volunteering in a leadership role, freelancing, or learning a new skill.
Omitting the gap entirely can raise red flags when dates don’t add up. Providing no explanation leaves the committee guessing, and giving a vague “personal choice” answer without context can seem evasive.
When you show that your gap was a period of growth rather than stagnation, you reassure the admissions team that you’re resilient, proactive, and ready for the challenges of business school. In many cases, the way you frame a gap can turn it from a potential weakness into a story of adaptability and initiative.