<p>I know these questions have probably been asked countless times on this forum, so sorry for repeating it.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Is it wise that I include the specific schools I am applying to in the transfer CA essay? Or should I make the CA essay completely generic for all the schools? I've heard some pretty convincing reasons for both sides and I don't know who to believe. What did/are you going to do?</p></li>
<li><p>Can I change the CA essay after I submit one application that includes the name of a specific school in it? I know the common app says to make it totally generic, but I've heard from many not to. I don't know what to do.</p></li>
<li><p>About how long should the CA essay be?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>If a college asks a ‘Why college X’ on their supplement, then I think it’s fine to stick with a more generic CA essay. However, if it doesn’t, recommend customizing the CA essay to include some aspects of why College X works for you. </p>
<p>Yes, once you make and send the CA to one school, you can make alternate versions and change anything you want. I know that the CA says that the essay should be the same for all schools and that different colleges will ask other questions in their supplement, but why you want to attend a school is particularly important for a transfer.</p>
<p>Just did a word count on D1s CA essay, about 500 words. I’m guessing you should try to stay in the 500 to 800 word range, maybe 1000 max.</p>
<p>Thank You very much! </p>
<p>Since all of the schools specifically ask “Why college X” in the supplements, I think that a generic essay for the CA essay would be fine.</p>
<p>I may change a few sentences or possibly even a paragraph if the Common App permits me to change it once I submit one application to one of the schools.</p>