<p>I am planning to apply for transfer admission to a number of selective and financial aid-grantor schools (Harvard, Yale, Darthmouth, Cornell, UPenn, Brown and Amherst to be exact). I know these schools are really selective and I have known that from you guys so no need to go on that. (Nevertheless, these schools are worth the effort).</p>
<p>a. On my question, I would like to know the parts of the application that are always there so I can prepare them by now. (For example, recommendation letters, grades etc) And are there essay questions that are always given? (Ex. Your compelling reasons to transfer, plans if the school accepts you, objective statement etc.)</p>
<p>b. I'd like to know the format of teacher/professor recommendation letters (Sorry, in my country this is not a staple requirement). I mean, does it need to have the school logo above and such? Does it need to be dated? Or can it be simple with no school logos and such. And does it need to have a signature? Because I am planning to ask my professors a recommendation letter and I would give them less hassle by letting them to just email me the letter. Anyways if a signature is needed, I'll print them and have them sign it. </p>
<p>c. Can I prepare my common app now if I'll apply for the next spring/fall transfer admissions. If the answer is not exactly a No but a slight yes, Why? Are there questions in the common app that are repeating? Specifically for the essay parts at common app? This question also applies to the schools I mentioned (are there questions in their supplementary forms that repeat every year - essay prompts, questions etc). </p>
<p>EDIT:</p>
<p>d. If I could remember, I tried to answer the common app but the ECs part didn't have a portion for my senior year HS and college activities and ECs. Where do I fit them in?</p>
<p>Sorry to ask these questions but I do hope the experienced and knowledgeable ones would shed light on this. Also, I am not native to the US application process so your high input on this will be very appreciated.</p>
<p>For my question at section c. , I do not mean that I will answer the common app now because that would be useless. What I mean is that I’ll save my answers to some parts of it so I have them prepared for the next issue of the commonapp.</p>
<p>To quickly answer your question:
A) See link.
B) There isn’t a standard format for recommendation letters. Generally, the letter should be written on stationary from the college you are attending, and like any good letter, it should be dated and signed.
C) Certainly.
D) See the pdf link.</p>
<p>Thank you for the answers! Would the 2013-2014 common app transfer forms be up soon? I can prepare my answers by now, but my move to ask for recommendation letters+common app supplement to recommendations would be delayed.</p>
<p>The Common Application usually posts drafts of next year’s forms in June or July, as they open up the new year starting August 1st. Transfer applications are not due until March 1st of 2014.</p>
<p>It eventually popped into my mind that some Ivy/Ivy-esque schools are open for Spring transfer Admissions! Does anyone have an idea which of the following open applications for a. Spring transfer b.Fall Transfer c.Both:</p>
<p>On the other hand, I am planning to boost my extracurricular and merits with regards to writing/creative writing, is anyone familiar with international online artistic contests wherein you can submit a written work, essay etc. I heard of the Gold Key, however I am already in college and I would not be eligible.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I am planning to boost my extracurricular and merits with regards to writing/creative writing, is anyone familiar with international online artistic contests wherein you can submit a written work, essay etc. I heard of the Gold Key, however I am already in college and I would not be eligible.</p>
<p>I don’t think you understand transfer admissions, which are quite different than freshman admissions. For transfer admissions, colleges are NOT really looking for outside extracurriculars, so writing/creative writing contests will not be of much use. Yale’s website has some good information on transfer applications that would be of use for any college that you are seeking to transfer to: [Transfer</a> Program | Yale College Admissions](<a href=“Transfer Application Process | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions”>Transfer Application Process | Yale College Undergraduate Admissions)</p>
<p>"A transfer candidate’s academic strength is our first consideration. An applicant for transfer admission should have an outstanding academic record. The average GPA of admitted transfer students is usually 3.8 and above in a demanding selection of courses. </p>
<p>Transfer candidates should also have particularly compelling and well-defined academic reasons for wishing to attend Yale.</p>
<p>Wanting to leave one’s current school is not a sufficient argument for admission to Yale. Transfer candidates should explain in their application essays how studying at Yale would give them an educational opportunity particular to their interests that could be experienced nowhere else.</p>
<p>The Admissions Committee also gives serious consideration to a transfer applicant’s motivation, curiosity, energy, leadership ability, and distinctive talents. The personal essays and evaluations from college faculty members, deans, and secondary school counselors provide a great deal of insight into these qualities. We hope to find students who have made significant contributions to their college and local community."</p>