How important is it to write about high school vs. college experiences in a transfer application?

I'm writing my transfer application essays and not sure if I should highlight more of my high school or college experiences. Will colleges care more about what I did in high school or focus on my college achievements?

When evaluating transfer applicants, colleges typically place more emphasis on your achievements and experiences in college than in high school. This is because your college performance is likely to be a better predictor of how well you'll do at their institution. It's not that your high school experiences are irrelevant, but your current academic and extracurricular activities in college usually carry more weight.

Your transfer application presents an opportunity to show how you've grown and thrived in a college environment. This includes discussing the challenges you've faced, the leadership roles you've held, the internships or research opportunities you've undertaken, and the tangible achievements you've made. These experiences give admissions officers a clear picture of what you can bring to their college community.

However, if you have significant achievements from high school which highlight your unique qualities or interest in your intended major, you should also mention them. The key is to balance high school experiences with what you've done in college. For example, you might use a high school experience to outline your original interest in a field, and then show how your college courses or internships have deepened that interest.

Remember that all aspects of your application, including your essays, should work together to paint a full picture of who you are and what you can bring to the institution you're applying to. Think of your application as a story where each part contributes to the overall narrative, and your high school and college experiences are different chapters that highlight your growth and potential.