Meet the Transfer Interns: Alex Chong

Hello, future transfer students! My name is Alex Chong! This year, I have the honor to work with an amazing group of people as part of Team Transfer. Today, I am very excited to share my transfer story and my life at the place I will soon call my ‘Alma Mater’.

Who am I? I am from Fairfax, VA. I transferred from a 4-year institution and joined the Tribe family in the Fall of 2021. I am a senior studying Biology on the Pre-Med track. On campus, I am involved with Club Tennis, W&M Health Occupation Students of America, Orientation Aide, and of course, the Office of Undergraduate Admission.  

My first tennis tournament teammate! #teamF #BestTeam

Before I came to William & Mary, I always wondered if transferring would be the right decision for my life. I felt like I rooted myself in my old school enough that I would succeed. There, I had the honor to serve on the 2nd highest office of the student government association fighting for students and the community’s rights, and I found an amazing brotherhood through my fraternity and cherish the support from my brothers. However, there was always something I felt missing: the ability to grow and prepare for the professional world. So, I made the biggest decision of my life, to leave the school that gave me two wonderful years with lots of memories.

My wonderful co-Orientation Aides! #Erin #Charlotte

When I started my transfer application, I spent immense time researching various schools that were able to offer me what I felt my old school lacked. After careful research, William & Mary really spoke to me. So, without hesitation, I signed up for the Tribe Transfer Day to learn more about the application process. Sadly, due to the pandemic, I was not able to meet the admission committee in person, but they made the best of the situation by providing personal stories along with core information. That’s when I knew what William & Mary could offer me to succeed academically and professionally.

After arriving at W&M, I met so many people who are passionate about different fields. It was a very different environment, but definitely in a good way. I was able to join a tight community where everyone is rooting for you and supporting what you do. When I was having a bad day and questioned my future, I was able to find fellow students who had the same concern and helped each other out by giving resources and sharing information in the idea to succeed together. I can proudly say that transferring was the best decision of my life. 

More Orientation Aides content! #Mateo #LionK

So, that was my short story. But, before closing off, I want to share some tips for your application. First of all, breathe. I know college applications are very stressful, and I have never thought of filling out a new one. Trust me, I was in your shoes not too long ago, and I felt the stress. Second, continue the hard work in the courses you are taking. Building a concrete transcript is one of the most important factors in a transfer application. Upward trends in your grades are always promising. If you feel like you need to talk to someone about your grades, reach out to the admission office and chat with an admission officer. Trust me, they will help you. Third, share a story in the essay portion. This might be a cliché, but it is really important to share something about YOU rather than what you have done. Connect your accomplishments or activities to your personal values and show a story of how that will help you succeed in college. Not everything has to be related to academics. Lastly, talk to us! All of our interns are here for you and our job is to help you. Send us a quick email to set up a meeting and we will talk with you. You can reach out to me at achong@wm.edu!

If you have any questions, please feel free to talk to us; it is better to ask than assume. You are special and you deserve to show that to the admission committee. For those who are admitted for Spring 2023, Congratulations! Welcome to the Tribe! For those who are aiming for the Fall semester, I wish you the best of luck and hopefully, we can chat soon!