<p>The common application requires a "why transfer" essay. What should I write in it? A personal statement as in freshman application? If I write my reasons for transferring in this essay, how should I write in every school's supplement?</p>
<p>Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>Here’s what I did and I know that other people may tell you differently.I applied to numerous schools on the Common Application. One school (William and Mary) only had one essay. I wrote it and personalized to William and Mary about why I wanted to transfer. I then created a new version of my application (Link below) and wrote my essay for UVA, basically changing a few things around and then writing their supplement essays. </p>
<p>Some people say that you don’t have to do this, as it makes it more complicated, but I was admitted to both schools so it worked for me. </p>
<p>Creating multiple versions:
You must log out of the application then go to this special URL: <a href=“http://app.commonapp.org/application...allowcopy=true[/url]”>http://app.commonapp.org/application...allowcopy=true</a> and login using your existing User Name and Password.</p>
<p>^ditto, customize your essay(s) for each school you apply to.</p>
<p>You’ll get mixed responses on this one. I followed the Common App’s guidelines and wrote a general essay explaining the reasons why I wanted to transfer. I then provided specific details in the supplement essays for each school.</p>
<p>Ultimately, you want to strategically portray yourself in the best light possible–for some, the multiple versions method works well; for others, the single general essay bolstered by the supplements may be a more effective option.</p>
<p>My essay was very general – about why I felt that a (… any…) very competitive school was a better fit than the state I was at the time attending. I remember being worried that it would come off badly, but was accepted at one of my top choices. I guess it worked out.</p>
<p>I do not think you need to personalize the common app “why transfer” essay for each school, just as you did not necessarily personalize your personal statement on your freshman application. You will have the opportunity to answer the “why this school” on each school’s supplement. </p>
<p>The key point here is that as a transfer student you must have reasons for wanting to transfer from your current institution–why you don’t feel your particular needs are being met there and why you seek another educational setting. Remember to never denigrate your current school, speak to what it is that you are looking for that you are not currently receiving. That is key! Good Luck with the process!</p>
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<p>It’s fine to write a general transfer essay for the main CA if there is a supplement that asks “Why school X?” or something similar, but not all schools do. </p>
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<p>As stated in the OP, there’s a big difference between the main CA essay for fr and transfer applicants, thus the advice to customize if necessary.</p>
<p>@psiovana, I was just looking at the transfer application and it specifically states:</p>
<p>“Your Common Application essay should be the same for all colleges. Do not customize it in any way for individual colleges. Colleges that want customized essay responses will ask for them on a supplement form.”</p>
<p>I hope this helps!</p>
<p>Yes, but the OP should customize essays where there are no supplements.</p>