<p>I've been looking through the threads on the transfer essay and I have yet to see a definitive general opinion as to how one should be written.
What should we hit on? I have many reasons, most of which are academic, but is there anything in specific anyone recommends mentioning?</p>
<p>What shouldn't we hit on? Much of my essay is reasons why I don't feel like I fit in my current university, without knocking on it too much. I have stated more than once that my current school is an excellent institution, but there are many things I am considerably unhappy with.</p>
<p>What would you recommend the tone to be? My essay is predominantly professional right now, but I would probably be able to change its tone without losing my points. Should I try a more familiar approach? A more humorous one, perhaps? I don't want to offend anyone and for some reason I get the feeling most admissions officers don't have a sense of humor (though I am probably just being prejudicial). I am especially interested in this question.</p>
<p>Finally, how long is too long? Common App set a minimum of 250 words, but what would you say is pushing the admission officers' patience? I have about 600 words at the moment but I definitely plan on trimming it down. </p>
<p>inb4 "use the search function." I did. I'm asking for personal opinions. Times change and I'd rather not have to use a recycled how-to guide when I can just as easily get opinions from people who are and were in my position.</p>
<p>No, it’s too risky and there’s not much to gain IMO.</p>
<p>You sound like you’re covering the necessary points. Reasons for transferring vary quite a bit between applicants, so I don’t think there are any specifics that everyone should include. You seem to be hitting the right balance between discussing what doesn’t work about your current school without bashing it.</p>
<p>If a school doesn’t have a Why college X? supplemental essay, be sure to include reasons why that college is a better place for you. You can make different versions of the CA, so you should customize the essay if necessary.</p>
<p>How personal should my essay be? I have written two completely different drafts: one is the one I mentioned in my original post, listing the specific reasons why I don’t want to stay at my current school and what I expect to accomplish at a new one. The other one, which I finished today, is much more about me than it is about my school and gives reasons why I did not do as well in high school as I had hoped and how I became a different person academically during my first semester.
I would combine them for a more complete essay, but I feel like it would be too long. How long would be safe?</p>
<p>Your transfer essay should show what you have to offer your target school. Keep it as positive as possible, focus on “why school x” rather than “why not school y.” If you have something like a low gpa, explain it in a seperate addendum rather than your main essay. If I remember correctly, the common app has a spot for other information you want the school to have.</p>