Hi CC, I have questions regarding Common App Main essay (why want to transfer) and Recommendations

Transfer Students
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<p>Hi transfer student thread.</p>

<p>Deadlines for many colleges (03/01) is approaching quickly!
I am in middle of writing essays and plan on writing/editing all of them by February just to be safe.</p>

<p>Now, small talk aside, I have some questions I need to ask you.</p>

<p>First of all, the main essay on Common App (not a school specific supplement), do they need to be same for all schools?
Say I am applying to Cornell and Stanford, I would like to customize my essays so that one for Cornell conveys what I like so much about Cornell and the same for the one for Stanford.
Is that possible?
I am wondering, because I am pretty sure when I was applying to colleges as a high school senior, the Common App said not to change the main essay per college.
Does it apply to transfer App as well?</p>

<p>The second and the last question I have is about recommendations.
Most schools I am applying ask for two recommendations from previous(current) professors.
Since I am double majoring here (Math and Econ), and am planning to retain those same majors wherever I end up to be, I am thinking of asking one faculty from each department to write me a letter.</p>

<p>Econ one was easy, since I am very involved in the department with research and many ECs. I will get a phenomenal recommendation from a very respectable professor who I am currently taking a class with.</p>

<p>Now, Math department on the other hand, I have taken 3 courses (Calc 3, Linear, and Diff Eq) and am taking 3 more classes this semester.
The problem is, although I have received A+s and A in those classes, two professors I got A+ and A do not feel like writing me a letter (I could almost force them to, but I don't think that is a good idea) and the other classe where I got A+ in was taught by a Ph.D candidate (he knows and likes me best though).
Our math department is kinda weird that they don't even care to write a recommendation letter who is ranked in top 10 in the class.
Now with that said, if I get a recommendation from the said Ph.D candidate, would it be less convincing that one from a real professor?
I can possibly get a recommendation letter from a professor in one of the three math courses I am taking this semester, but we haven't even had a test yet, and they won''t be able to vouch for my academic strength.
If you face a dilemma like this, how would you handle it?</p>

<p>Thank you so much for reading this long, long rambling, and I would appreciate any input.
May you get into the top choice school of yours.</p>

<p>Peace,
Ryan </p>

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<p>Do either C or S ask a Why us? question in their supplemental essay? If so, your CA main essay can be general and you can write school specifics in the supplement. If not, once you submit the CA to one school, you can make additional versions and change the essay. Check the CA website or the CA forum here; the CA used to permit up to 10 versions, but I hear that’s been cut back on the new CA, I’m not on it so I can’t give you specifics.</p>

<p>As far as LORs, check the college websites to see who they permit to send LORs. Most include Instructors, but not all. As far as who’s best, it’s whoever will write you the strongest LOR, that’s more important than their title. I wouldn’t recommend the Math prof as it’s difficult to see them knowing you well enough to write a good LOR. I will add, while it would be nice to get LORs from different departments, I would say that it is more important to get an excellent one, so if someone else in Econ can address other aspects of you in a very strong way, consider it.</p>