How do you approach writing supplemental college essays for multiple schools?

Feeling overwhelmed by supplemental essays is super common, especially since each school seems to want something just a little bit different. The key is to get organized early and find ways to work smarter, not just harder.

First, make a spreadsheet or document listing all your schools and the supplement prompts for each one. Sort them by deadline so you know which essays need to come first. Then, look carefully for overlapping topics. For example, many schools ask some version of “Why do you want to attend our school?” or “How will you contribute to our community?” When you spot similar prompts, you can often reuse the core of an essay as long as you tailor it specifically to each college. I normally tell students to mention details that show they've researched each school, like unique programs, campus culture, or traditions. Copy-pasting a super general answer without any school-specific detail can hurt your chances.

When I went through applications, I drafted answers to the most common types of questions first. For instance, I had a base version of my “Why this major?” essay and would adjust it with specifics for each college. For a "community contribution" essay, I wrote a few paragraphs about experiences I've had with student leadership and tailored them to match what each school values.

It also helps to break the process into batches. Set a goal for yourself, like outlining all your essays one weekend, drafting a certain number the next, and revising after that. Staying consistent with these mini-deadlines can keep things manageable.

To recap: get organized with a master list, look for essay overlaps, make sure you personalize every supplement, and space out your work so you don’t get overwhelmed right before deadlines. Many people successfully reuse and adapt essays, as long as you avoid copying and pasting generic responses. You'll definitely notice patterns after your first few drafts, and this makes the process less intimidating over time.

Lastly, ask a friend, counselor, or an essay reviewer to look over your essays to check for personalization and polish. You’ve got this! A plan, an early start, and a little flexibility will get you through.