How to incorporate high school experiences into a transfer college application?

I'm filling out a transfer college application and wondering if I should add my high school experiences. Do these experiences add value, or should I focus more on my college achievements? Any advice on what to include would be appreciated!

For a transfer college application, it's generally more relevant to discuss your college experiences, since you've had a chance to explore deeper academic pursuits and engage in higher-level extracurricular activities. That being said, if there are aspects of your high school experience that are particularly noteworthy, they can still be included to provide a more holistic picture.

In deciding what to include from high school, consider the following questions:

1. Do your high school experiences fit into your narrative? Does including them help tell a story about who you are, or where your passions lie?

2. Were your high school experiences at a level of achievement that differentiates you? For example, if you achieved at a particularly high level in high school—maybe you won a state-level championship, led a significant initiative, or had an internship at a reputable organization—these things could still be worth mentioning.

If your high school experiences fit the above criteria then you can consider including them. However, even when discussing these experiences, aim to draw a throughline to your current college endeavors. For example, if you led a climate action group in high school and you're now majoring in Environmental Science, this connection would bolster your application and add clear direction to your academic and extracurricular choices.

In your application, focus primarily on what you've achieved in college. Include your academic achievements, but also discuss any clubs, organizations, or jobs you've taken part in during your college career. Colleges are not just looking for high-achieving academic students, but also for students who can contribute to the school's community.

Remember, the transfer college application is a chance to show who you are now and how that aligns with the college you're applying to. While your high school experiences are part of your story, prioritize your college experiences first. Good luck with your application!