<p>I am currently filling out transfer applications, and the essay is causing me a great deal of stress. The essay requests that applicants explain their reasons for transferring. I am debating whether or not I should tell; how much info is TOO MUCH info?
My reasons?
*I was assaulted at the university I am currently attending.
*The high-party "I only care about parties, I don't need to study" atmosphere is CERTAINLY not living up to the prestigious reputation the institution claims to have.
*I have always had trouble making friends, and I am afraid that out of desparation, I fell in with the wrong crowd here. </p>
<p>CONCLUSION: I want a fresh start.
Should I tell them this in my essay?</p>
<p>FURTHERMORE:
As a first-year applicant, I was accepted to all the schools I applied to. Now, however, my GPA is a bit lower; a 3.42 now compared to a 3.9 in high school. As a transfer student, I am applying to the same schools I was already admitted to. What are my chances now? Additionally, do the schools still have my original applications on file? Would they read both my current applications and my previous ones?</p>
<p>Be honest, but don’t be too overtly negative about your present situation. Things like wanting to get away from party culture can be phrased as “I’m looking for a school where students are motivated” rather than “everyone here parties all the time and nobody is motivated.”</p>
<p>Going from a 3.9 to a 3.42 could hurt you, but it all honestly depends on the school. Whether they have your application on file or not you’d have to email the school to find out.</p>
<p>I agree-putting a positive spin on it is the way to go. I can relate to your experience. You may not necessarily share the details of the assault, but even putting it like “my safety (or campus safety) is a priority to me” will let insightful admissions officers know what you’re driving at. They are adults who know what types of things go on at universities. As far as wanting a more studious atmosphere, something like “I look forward to connecting with students who share the same values, etc.” something like that. I think ultimately focusing on some academic reasons as to why you wish to attend augmented w/ your personal reasons would be helpful.</p>
<p>It wouldn’t be unusual for someone who went through that to want a fresh start. Good Luck:)</p>
<p>i think what you described was fine. but that GPA could hurt you a little bit, which school is that from and what major (if you feel comfortable sharing)?</p>
<p>well, you are still a first year, so your high school grades still matter, so I do’t think your GPA will hurt that bad. It all can pass as “the school wasn’t good” instead of “the student isn’t good”, because you still have an ok GPA in college.</p>
<p>Pinknebula, thank you so much! Your advice will be very useful to me in my essay.</p>
<p>NYorker, I wish to transfer from Clark University in Worcester, MA to either Smith College in Northampton, MA (which I was accepted to as a first-year student) or Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA. I am a prospective sociology/English double-major. </p>
<p>Pick up the phone and call the places where you were accepted last year. Find out what steps you need to follow in your applications. You may be able to “reactivate” your old applications rather than file completely new ones.</p>