So, as I'm working on my college apps, I've got a solid essay that I really like. Is it cool to send the exact same one to different schools, or should I be personalizing it for each college? Don't wanna mess this up.
Using the same main essay for multiple applications is actually quite common and totally fine, as long as the essay prompt is the same or very similar. My son also did that last year when he was applying and it worked out well for him. However, if a college asks for a supplemental essay that's specific to their institution (like 'Why X University?' essays), you'll need to tailor those to each school. Schools want to feel like you've put thought into why you're applying there and how you'll fit into their unique community.
For instance, my son wrote a general essay about a leadership experience he had, which was sent to several colleges. But for the supplements, he researched each college's programs and values, then connected those to his experience and goals. It may sound like a lot of work, but it can really pay off. Admissions officers can usually tell when they're reading a generic essay, so adding that personal touch can make a big difference. Just make sure to double-check that you've sent the correct essays to each college!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.