I'm working on my transfer essay for Hunter College and want it to stand out. Does anyone have tips or insights on what Hunter looks for in a transfer essay?
When it comes to writing a transfer essay, it's important to focus on why you want to change schools and what you hope to achieve at the new institution. Since you're interested specifically in Hunter College, you should be sure to highlight reasons specific to Hunter that make it a good fit for your academic goals, interests, and career aspirations.
1. Academic Reasons: If your current institution doesn't offer the major or program you're interested in or if Hunter has a stronger program in your field, you should highlight this. Also, if you're attracted to Hunter's academic philosophy or teaching methods, that's something worth mentioning.
2. Campus and Community: You could also write about what you find appealing about Hunter's community and campus life. This could include extracurricular activities, clubs, community service programs, etc., that you intend to participate in at Hunter.
3. Geographical Appeal: Since Hunter College is located in New York City, the geographical appeal might be a reason for your transfer. If this city offers career opportunities related to your area of study, include this in your essay.
4. Personal Growth: In a transfer essay, it's important to show that you've grown during your time at your current school. Even if things didn't work out how you wanted, it's important to demonstrate that you learned valuable lessons and that you're ready to apply those lessons at your new school.
5. Your Contribution to Hunter: Finally, consider discussing how you plan to contribute to Hunter College. Colleges aren't just looking for students who will benefit from being there, they are also looking for students who will contribute something worthwhile to the college community.
Remember to be specific and genuine in your essay. Transfer essays that stand out are those that tell a unique and sincere story about the student's journey and future aspirations.
One last important tip: Make sure you don't bash your current institution in the process of explaining why you want to leave it. Try to focus more on the positives of the transfer rather than the negatives of your current situation. It's always beneficial to maintain a positive and forward-looking tone in your application essays.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.