Is it okay to submit the same essay to more than one college?
I've started working on my college essays, and honestly, it's been a lot more challenging than I expected. I know some colleges have their own supplemental questions, but I'm specifically wondering about the main personal statement, like the one for the Common App or Coalition App.
Is it normal or allowed to use the same essay for multiple colleges, or do you really have to write entirely separate essays? I'd rather focus on making one great essay than spreading myself too thin, but I don't want it to look bad if a school finds out that I didn't write something unique for them. Has anyone done this before or have guidance from counselors about it?
Is it normal or allowed to use the same essay for multiple colleges, or do you really have to write entirely separate essays? I'd rather focus on making one great essay than spreading myself too thin, but I don't want it to look bad if a school finds out that I didn't write something unique for them. Has anyone done this before or have guidance from counselors about it?
5 months ago
•
35 views
Roger Lopez
• 5 months ago
Advisor
You’re completely in the clear to use the same main personal statement—such as the Common App or Coalition App essay—for multiple colleges. In fact, that’s exactly what those applications are designed for. When you submit your Common App essay, for example, it goes to every college you apply to through that platform, unless a college specifically requests its own separate personal statement (which is rare).
It’s normal, widely accepted, and even encouraged by counselors to focus your energy on making that one main essay as strong and authentic as possible. Colleges know this essay will be used across different applications. What they’re looking for is your unique voice and story, not exclusive content that’s just for their school.
Where you’ll need to tailor your writing is for supplemental essays. Those school-specific sections often ask you about why you’re interested in them, what you’ll contribute to campus, or particular prompts unique to that institution. For example, while your Common App essay might discuss overcoming a challenge or a personal growth experience, a school may then ask, “Why do you want to study engineering at our university?” That’s where you write something school-specific.
Many students do exactly what you’re considering: they craft one compelling main essay, then devote time to supplements. Focus on making that main piece the best version of your story, then save your energy for those unique supplement questions. You’re on the right track.
It’s normal, widely accepted, and even encouraged by counselors to focus your energy on making that one main essay as strong and authentic as possible. Colleges know this essay will be used across different applications. What they’re looking for is your unique voice and story, not exclusive content that’s just for their school.
Where you’ll need to tailor your writing is for supplemental essays. Those school-specific sections often ask you about why you’re interested in them, what you’ll contribute to campus, or particular prompts unique to that institution. For example, while your Common App essay might discuss overcoming a challenge or a personal growth experience, a school may then ask, “Why do you want to study engineering at our university?” That’s where you write something school-specific.
Many students do exactly what you’re considering: they craft one compelling main essay, then devote time to supplements. Focus on making that main piece the best version of your story, then save your energy for those unique supplement questions. You’re on the right track.
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Roger Lopez
Chicago, Illinois
Yale University BA, Political Science | Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Candidate |
Experience
4 years