Summary of Considerations for Writing Transfer Application Essays
- Persuade the reader of your understanding of your choice of major. Description of classroom, volunteer, internship, or work experience can show that you understand what is involved in the study of your field.
- Convey your maturity with accounts of experiences that demonstrate some combination of:
- Initiative
- Commitment
- Self-awareness
- Assertiveness
- Resourcefulness
- Introspection
- Resilience
- Responsibility
- Self-reliance
- Receptivity to challenges
- Re-entry students do not need to worry about having interrupted their formal education. Your reasons for resuming your education are far more important than the reasons for having taking time off.
- Poor early academic records are best addressed with an emphasis on what is different about you or your circumstances now. Choose details about your current state that will convince your reader that what went wrong before isn't going to happen again.
- If discussing hardship or trauma, a description of how you have overcome the challenge should be emphasized; the details of the hardship or trauma should be kept to a minimum. Use description that communicates impressive coping, problem-solving and self-management skills.
- Avoid lists and generalities by describing relevant experience and discussing what you have gained from it. This conveys introspection and depth.
- Focus on a limited number of examples and provide description instead of trying to list everything about yourself.
- Even in "short" essays (sometimes 200 to 300 words), depth is important. Zero in on one main point immediately so there is still an opportunity to describe important examples with details. Formal introductions and conclusions are not necessary in the short essay format.
- Evaluators read hundreds or thousands of essays. Make it easy for them to read yours. Make sure your essay is not visually overwhelming.
If you would like to hire Marcie to critique your essay, please contact her at: (831) 588-5499 or 