Explaining Rehab on a College Application

Let’s be real—staring at a college application and wondering how to explain a “gap” spent in rehab is nerve-wracking. You’re sitting there thinking, “If I tell them, will they just toss my application?” It’s a valid fear, but in 2026, the academic world is actually shifting. Admissions officers are human, too. They aren’t looking for a robot with a perfect 4.0; they’re looking for someone who has the grit to handle the pressure of campus life without folding.

Owning the Transformation

At Casa Leona Recovery Center, we’ve seen that the trick isn’t “confessing” to rehab—it’s about owning your growth. You don’t need to give them a play-by-play of your darkest days in Leona Valley. Instead, you want to show them the person you became while you were here. Think of it as a transformation story. You aren’t “the kid who went to rehab”; you’re a student who had the maturity to step back, handle a health crisis, and come back stronger.

The “Additional Information” Box

When you get to that “Additional Information” box on the Common App, don’t overthink it. Keep it lean. Just say you took time for a personal health matter. But then—and this is the important part—hit them with the “rebound.” Mention the discipline you learned at Casa Leona or any volunteer work you did during your transition. As highlighted in APA guidance on recovery-oriented practice, focusing on your “functional capability” and strengths is the most effective way to demonstrate readiness for a new chapter.