<p>1) There are many sample essays that recommend students to write down the specific college name, but it says on the commonapp that students should write a general essay for every college. So, which one should I follow? (considering I'm only applying for one collge only)</p>
<p>2) Some sample essays explain reasons why they want to transfer
and some talk about what they have experienced first and why they want to transfer.
Should I make my essay more explanatory or creative?
How many reasons do you suggest? Would two to three reasons be good enough?</p>
<p>IMO the CA exists to make college applications easier for the student and college, not to make rules and restrictions. While they say to write a general essay for all schools, you can in fact make different versions of the CA and change essays or whatever else you like. The fact of the matter is, not all colleges ask the ‘Why College X?’ question in their supplement, so it makes sense in those cases to address that college specifically in the main essay and make alternative versions of the CA with different essays as necessary.</p>
<p>If you are only applying to 1 college, it’s a moot issue. If the college asks for specifics in their supplemental, address those details there and write a more general main essay; if they don’t ask why you want to attend in their supplemental, include the reasons why you want that college in the main essay.</p>
<p>In general, due to the nature of the prompt, transfer essays tend to be more explanatory than creative.</p>
<p>I don’t think there’s a limit on reasons, it just depends on your essay and if you run up against the word limits. However, I would suggest you support your reasons and not just list them.</p>