I am a sophomore chemical engineering major at NYU and am applying for transfer to UIUC and Virginia Tech. Both transfer essays are in the 250-300 word range and ask why I want to transfer.
My main reasoning is that I don’t feel that I’m practically applying my knowledge at NYU and actually learning anything. The two universities, apart from being top engineering schools, are among the largest spenders in engineering research and that suits my interests of practically implementing my knowledge. I want to work in renewable energy and research opportunities at these universities allow for that. Should I focus on this one reason specifically in my essays, or is it not strong enough?
Should I also mention the fact that NYU’s business and film schools are mainly responsible for NYU’s reputation as a university or is it bad to be too critical of my previous university?
Thanks.
I would mainly focus on your desire to work in renewable energy and the benefits of the universities you want to transfer to. But I also think you should mention why you don’t want to study engineering at NYU, your reasons being that you do not feel like your knowledge is being put into productive use. If I were you I wouldn’t mention the part about NYU’s reputation unless it’s a factor into why you want to transfer.
I’m also trying to transfer out of NYU, for a different field though. Feel free to PM me your essay and you can read mine!