Keep Calm And Transfer
Source: keepcalmandposters.com

So, you’ve done your best.  You chose your college wisely.  You prepared for the transition to college. You got out of your dorm room and tried to build a life that was fulfilling academically, socially and personally.  But, no matter how hard you have tried, you realize now this is not the right college for you.  You made a mistake.  No biggie.  We all make mistakes.  Instead of burying yourself under your covers and retreating from life, it’s time to stand up straight and fix it.  It’s time to transfer.  (See Part 7: Transferring Out for your transfer plan.)  If you have done all of the things outlined in Parts 1 through 6 of the Transferring to College Playbook, you should be in a position of strength.  You have prepared for and taken advantage of academic resources at your current college so you should have a strong college transcript to submit.  You have made the most out of the college’s social opportunities and extra-curricular activities so you should be able to discuss how you have made an impact on your community.  You have reflected on what you really want in a college education and why your current college just isn’t the right fit for you.  Now, you need to put this all into a well-crafted essay to convince your target transfer colleges that you will be happier and more successful there than you are now.

Here is your outline for your transfer personal statement:

  1. What you were initially looking for in a college (aspects that will still apply to your new college)
    • Academic
    • Extra-curricular
    • Cultural
  2. Why you chose your current school
    • how your current school initially met the requirements you outlined above
  3. Why your current school no longer meets your academic and personal needs:
    • Curriculum/academic reasons
    • Extra-curricular reasons
    • Cultural/social reasons
  4. What you are looking for in a new school (along similar lines of original thinking but more targeted now, with your current insights and/or future goals in mind):
    • Academic
    • Extra-curricular
    • Cultural
  5. Conclusion:
    • The impact you hope to have in the world
    • The way you will remain a part of your new college community long after you graduate

Now that you have a plan, find the school where you will gain the experiences, skills, relationships and knowledge to achieve your goals. Happy writing!

Mauler Pattern Thin
Mauler Pattern Thin