Transfer Essay

When I applied to colleges as a high school student, I had little idea where I wanted to go or what I wanted to accomplish. I was living in Ethiopia, where things I take for granted now, such as internet connection, were very scarce. Therefore, as far as I was concerned, looking up and researching colleges was a luxury. My mother tried her best to help out, but since she hasn’t done this process in a very long time she could only offer me little advice. I was unsure about how to start the process and I felt very overwhelmed and hesitant. I was also afraid that I might end up in Addis Ababa University, where the standard is below par, if I failed in my college application to the US. I had to act fast because I knew that I would never forgive myself if I failed to grab the opportunity to come back to America for college. Since deadlines were approaching, I picked four schools based on superficial attributes and rushed myself into applying. I was accepted into three colleges which enabled me to relax a bit about my future. I applied for scholarships in each of the school, so when it came down to the financial aid, St. Johns University ended up giving me more so I headed there. I wish to transfer, mostly because I seek a greater challenge. Currently, I do work hard and it has paid off but in the end I wish to challenge myself more and I believe I can obtain that through a transfer. Since last year I have taken much consideration and time to choose which schools can provide greater opportunities and challenges that I want and need to obtain a successful education; the opportunity to learn through the diversity and wider selection within the psychology department, and the challenge that comes with the prestigious reputation of each school. I also sought variety when I considered schools; I wish to transfer to a school that can offer variety both academically and socially, academically with the larger psychology department and socially with the size of the school. I believe variety is important, especially in a broad major such as psychology, for it will help me narrow down a specific area that I wish to further study. Social variety can provide much opportunity to find my place in a larger school. Another factor I wish to achieve from a transfer is control. Last year I felt I had little control of where I could go. My options were limited and I was forced to choose; therefore, there options were not what were best suited for me and my major. Now with proper time and management I can give myself the choice. Finally, College was completely unknown to me a year ago but now I have a successful first semester done and ready to start the next. Unfortunately, I don't envision myself graduating from my current university because the only factor I have become a part of is my studies, I haven't found any place where I feel comfortable and included, but with the size of my university options are limited. The universities I am applying to have an enthusiasm spirit that comes with pride. Each has a community of students who have taken much pride in their work. If admitted, I know I can contribute my own enthusiastic pride for the school and my work. Although my current university wasn't my ultimate choice I have made the best of it and it has helped me to know what to expect from college and what I wish to obtain from a transfer. I am confident in my decision for each of these schools because each can offer me challenges, opportunities, variety, control, and a chance to have a more productive college experience. As my transcript shows, I have done well at Amherst and I am convinced I can meet the academic challenges of Penn. I know I would grow at Penn, and your program in anthropology perfectly matches my academic interests and professional goals.