Hi all! I'm working on my college apps, and I'm wondering if colleges know when we re-use the same essay for different schools? I have a pretty solid essay that I think would work well for several prompts, but I don't want to hurt my chances by seeming unoriginal. Will colleges be able to tell? Thanks in advance!
Hi there! First off, congrats on working on your college applications. It's definitely okay to re-use an essay if it genuinely fits the prompt for multiple schools. College admissions officers understand that applicants are applying to several institutions and often face similar essay prompts. After all, they are looking to get to know you better, and using a solid essay to showcase your unique qualities and experiences is not a problem.
However, I would recommend making some adjustments and tailor the essay to the specific college you're applying to. Mentioning the unique aspects and opportunities of each college, along with how you'd like to contribute or take advantage of those, can make your essay stand out even more.
When my child was applying to college, they used the same essay for two different schools but made small changes to ensure it was personalized to each institution. It worked out well, and they got accepted into both colleges. Best of luck with your applications!
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