<p>As far as I know, the main essay in the transfer common application (aside from school specific supplements) will be sent to all the schools you are applying to. But what if you are applying to 3 or more different schools? In this case, should my common application essay be specific to each school or should it be broad or genernal? (It's impossible to make it school-specified if it is sent to all the schools..so I am kind of confused. Some schools do not even have supplements then I have no chance to state why I want to attend this school) </p>
<p>Technically you can send 3 different common app essays. They allow for redrafts after you submit an application.</p>
<p>Personally I went with the broad approach and tried to specifically what I wanted from each school in the supplemental essay. </p>
<p>^ like bomerr says you can send 3 different main essays, but if you have more than 3 colleges you’ll have to prioritize. I know some people who write a specific essay tailored to one college, and others who group the colleges that don’t have supplements where you can talk about your academic plans etc. (eg. Stanford) and write a more detailed essay for those. It’s up to you I guess. Good luck!</p>
<p>@jellymuffin</p>
<p>What I did and what I would recommend doing for Stanford is reemphasizing the major in the “What matters to you, and why?” prompt. Put in that prompt your reasons for wanting to transfer into Stanford. </p>
<p>@bomerr
Oh was that what they were expecting? I was under the impression that the question was asked to see more of our character than our academics. But then again it depends on how you read it I guess. Are you applying for transfer too? I’m not sure if I’m the only one struggling under the load of applications. The transfer forum seems so peaceful</p>
<p>@jellymuffin</p>
<p>Well i talked about an important world event (current issue) and linked it to my major then concluded with how studying at Stanford would allow me to aid other people. i think that is kind of what they are looking for in that prompt. </p>
<p>Ya applying to transfer into Berkeley-Haas (again), Stanford and Yale. Maybe USC too.
Stanford was difficult to write because they ask so many questions. It’s taken me like a month to really work out what I wanted to convey in my essays. On the bright side Stanford asks so many different questions that I now have ample material to rework for the other universities. </p>
<p>@jellymuffin @bomerr Thanks guys this really helps. I guess I’ll be as specific as possible, taking advantage of the 2 chances to revise my main essay.
The schools I am applying to are Columbia, Upenn and Stanford. Maybe Harvard and Duke in addition. I’ll rule out some schools after I go more in depth into school research. I’m in WUSTL now but I think the environment does not fit me the best.</p>
<p>Basically I want a place where there is a thriving startup scene, like California in general. I’m also looking for a good Applied Math program, the flexibility to study a few minors in biophyiscs/BME/economics, a strong engineering and business graduate/undergraduate department becasue they are all important resources to me. In addition to those, a good social scene, more diversity, and passionate peers are ideal.</p>
@EricPhoenix1996 If you want those things, why are you applying to Harvard? lol