Introducing the Transfer Essay A "Personal Statement"
Entering the Ngepi Lodge with our low-profile 2WD Polo Vivo - Ngepi, Namibia
Don't let a scary entrance intimidate you. Drive slowly, be patient, and watch out for dips along the way. You can get through your transfer essays following the same advice.
The required Apply Texas Essay A "Personal Statement" reads:
"The statement of purpose will provide an opportunity to explain any extenuating circumstances that you feel could add value to your application. You may also want to explain unique aspects of your academic background or valued experiences you may have had that relate to your academic discipline. The statement of purpose is not meant to be a listing of accomplishments in high school or a record of your participation in school-related activities. Rather, this is your opportunity to address the admission committee directly and to let us know more about you as an individual, in a manner that your transcripts and the other application information cannot convey."
Reviewers have a higher standard for transfer applicants than first-time freshman. You will have spent at least a year after high school. Some applicants will have many years of post-high school experience under their belts.
Your essays should reflect this additional experience and, hopefully, maturity. Think of the expectations for essay quality as something between a high school senior writing about what they think they may want to study (hint: most don't really know, and that's okay.) and a prospective doctoral or medical school candidate discussing what they want to research.
As a transfer applicant, you should have a more clear vision of where you have come from, where you currently are, and where you want to go. You will presumably have less time to complete your four-year degree than someone entering as a first-time freshman.
UT admissions reviewers expect you to identify resources in classrooms, on campus, and in the city of Austin that appeals to your specific goals and ambitions. Since you have already taken at least some college level courses, it may be important to identify and describe one or two that inform your chosen major.
You should also highlight particular characteristics that highlight your story and may set you apart from other applicants. Since there are no standardized exams or a class rank to quantitatively compare you to other applicants, it is particularly important to use your personal statement as an opportunity to stand apart from the pack.