<p>I'm a transfer for the spring, and I have a lot of essays to write. Transfer essays are different from freshman essays, and a little...er...repetitive. Here is a list of all the essays I've been writing:</p>
<p>Common app:
1. Explain any extra grade mishaps and withdrawals.
2. Expand on an extracurricular activity.
3. Provide a statement of your reasons for transferring.</p>
<p>Specific schools:
1. Why do you want to come to our school? (two of these)
2. Write an essay of your choice. (two of these, too...one's about Judaism and the other's about why I don't have a Facebook or cell phone)
3. Explain any grade discrepancies and withdrawals.
4. Why do you want to transfer?</p>
<p>I've been out of high school for about two years, so I'm not really involved in extracurriculars that colleges love to see. I heard, though, that they look more at grades and academics for transfers. That's totally fine with me (I never had extracurriculars...) But the problem is, in order to sound focused, I've been repeating myself a lot. Why do I want to transfer? To major in philosophy. Write an essay of your choice. My forays into philosophy. Why do you want to come here? I like your philosophy department. Why am I transferring? Because I'm going to a community college, and that's what you do. And also for philosophy. </p>
<p>You see? I mean, this really is all I do (I mean, I'm not in college because I <em>don't</em> like learning), and I don't want to write an essay about something I'm not interested in. I tried presenting different angles, but how many times can I say my career goal is teaching philosophy, without repeating myself? </p>
<p>My question is: Is this OK to do, or will colleges think I am too one-sided? I mean, I do write about other things (I like your internationalism, I like your values)...but in all of my essays, there is at least one mention of my major/career goal/love of philosophy etc. I'm applying to Mt Holyoke and Brandeis, two liberal arts colleges.</p>
<p>Bonus question: I'm applying in about a month; should I try to volunteer somewhere just to add it to my application?</p>