What does a good transfer college admissions essay look like?

A good transfer college admissions essay is definitely different from a freshman application essay. For transfers, admissions officers want to see not only who you are, but *why* you want to leave your current institution and, just as importantly, what draws you to the new school specifically.

Your essay needs to clearly address three things:

1. A thoughtful and honest explanation of your reasons for transferring. This shouldn’t bash your current school, but it should be honest about what you need that’s missing. Maybe you discovered a passion your current school can’t support—like a major, research, or club—or want academic rigor, campus culture, or location that’s a better fit. For example, if you realized environmental policy is your real interest but your school only offers general biology, mentioning this makes your academic motivations clear.

2. What you’ve learned or achieved so far at your current/previous institution. Briefly share how you’ve grown academically or personally in college so far. This shows you haven’t just been waiting to leave—you’ve been making the most of your experience, even if it wasn’t ideal. For example, maybe you took on a leadership role in a club or developed great study habits, despite not clicking with the campus culture.

3. Precise reasons for wanting to join the new college. Go beyond generic praise or copying the school’s marketing material. Mention specific professors, courses, research centers, or organizations that make sense given your goals. If your target school has a unique program (e.g., a Cognitive Science major, or an undergraduate research symposium you want to present at), explain how these directly support your ambitions.

In terms of structure, a proven format is:
- Opening: A moment or realization that captured the need for change. This could be a class or event at your current school that highlighted what you’re missing.
- Middle: Honest reflection on your time so far—including positive takeaways and what was lacking.
- Transition: Your research and reasoning for the new school, with specific connections between your past, present, and future.
- Conclusion: How you’ll contribute and what you hope to achieve at the new institution.

A strong example I’ve seen started with a moment in a general education class where the student realized their intellectual curiosity wasn’t being met. They told a short story: while building a biology model, they wished they had more access to neuroscience research—which their school lacks. The rest of the essay reflected on involvement in science clubs, but frustration at the limits. Finally, they explained how the transfer school’s faculty and labs would help them achieve their research goals. It felt personal and forward-looking, not just critical.

It’s very normal to feel awkward discussing why you’re transferring, but framing it positively—more as running *to* new opportunities, not just away from your current situation—will go a long way. Hope this helps, and good luck with your applications!