The Common Application Transfer Essay

The transfer essay may be one of my favorite admissions essays to work on. The applicant is already in college, proving they could get there. Suddenly, circumstances changed in their life, their focus, their major. Now the school they are in no longer meets their needs. With the transfer essay, the applicant needs to tell admissions officers several key important things. After articulating why they want to transfer, this essay then turns forward-looking asking applicants to share their future goals, what they wish to accomplish, what kind of individual they hope to become, and most importantly, what their new career goals are. As an admissions essay advisor, I have brought my very best results with applicants I worked with successfully getting accepted to: UPenn, Columbia, Cornell, Northwestern, UChicago, and others.

The Process:

• Our process for the Common Application transfer essay begins with a phone consultation where we learn about the applicant’s reason for transfer. Once we determine why the applicant wishes to transfer, we are onto part two: “future goals and dreams.” Since transfer applicants have one or two years of college behind them, schools expect them to have a better idea of what they wish to study and what career path they will seek post-graduation.
• I then assist them in creating an outline which they use to write a first draft.
• Once I receive the first draft, we have a second consultation to discuss what is working, what is not, and what can be done to elevate the essay. I suggest notes and comments the applicant uses to write another draft.
• The applicant then sends me this last draft where we discuss any more changes that make their case to be accepted to the schools or school they wish to transfer to.

The weight of the transfer essay in the application process cannot be underestimated. I see it as a powerful tool: One where applicants can state in unequivocal terms why they wish to transfer and how their new school will better help them achieve their future goals and dreams. Work with a transfer admissions professional to achieve your transfer dreams.