Can I Recycle My Common App Essay for the National Merit Scholarship? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated)
You’ve got a ton of essays to write – college applications, scholarship applications, even your grandma’s birthday card needs a heartfelt essay these days. And you’re thinking, “Can I just use the same essay for everything? Especially for the National Merit Scholarship?”
The short answer is yes, you can use your Common App essay for the National Merit Scholarship, but it’s not as simple as copying and pasting. Think of it like a fancy restaurant. You can order the same dish, but you’ll need to make sure it’s presented in a way that’s appropriate for the occasion.
Here’s the lowdown on why you can use your Common App essay for National Merit and how to make it shine:
Why You Can (Probably) Reuse Your Essay
- The National Merit Essay Prompt is Broad: The National Merit Scholarship application asks you to “describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you.” This is a classic “tell us about yourself” prompt, and it’s pretty similar to a lot of the Common App essay prompts.
- Your Common App Essay is Already Well-Written: Remember, you’ve already spent hours agonizing over your Common App essay, making sure it’s perfectly polished. Why reinvent the wheel?
- You’re Already Talking About Yourself: The National Merit essay is all about you. It’s a chance to showcase your personality, your values, and your experiences. Your Common App essay is already doing that, so you’re starting from a great foundation.
But Here’s the Catch:
- The National Merit Essay Has a Specific Word Limit: The National Merit essay has a strict word limit, so you might need to trim your Common App essay down.
- Make Sure It Directly Addresses the Prompt: While the National Merit essay prompt is broad, it’s still important to make sure your essay directly answers the question. Don’t just copy and paste your Common App essay and call it a day.
- Focus on the “Why It’s Meaningful” Part: The National Merit essay is all about the meaning behind your experience. Make sure you spend time explaining why this particular experience, person, or obstacle is so important to you.
- Show, Don’t Tell: The National Merit folks want to see that you’re a well-rounded individual with interesting experiences. Use vivid language and concrete details to bring your story to life.
How to Tweak Your Essay for National Merit Success
- Read the Prompt Carefully: Make sure you understand the specific requirements of the National Merit essay prompt.
- Review Your Common App Essay: Look for any parts that might not be relevant to the National Merit prompt or that don’t fit the word limit.
- Revise and Edit: Strengthen your introduction and conclusion to focus on the meaning and impact of your experience.
- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Make sure your essay is free of errors. This is your chance to make a great impression, so don’t let typos ruin it.
Don’t Be Afraid to Get Creative
The National Merit Scholarship is about recognizing students who are academically gifted and well-rounded. Your essay is a chance to show them who you are.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your essay. Think about your personality, your passions, and your goals. What makes you unique? What are you most proud of?
Use your essay to tell a compelling story that highlights your strengths and your potential.
In Conclusion:
Reusing your Common App essay for the National Merit Scholarship is totally doable. But don’t just copy and paste. Take the time to tailor your essay to the specific prompt and word limit. Most importantly, let your personality shine through!
Remember, the National Merit Scholarship is a prestigious award, and your essay is a key part of the application process. Put in the effort, and you’ll increase your chances of being selected.
Need More Help?
If you’re still struggling to write your National Merit essay, don’t hesitate to reach out to your guidance counselor or a writing tutor for help. They can offer valuable feedback and advice.
And remember, if you need help with any aspect of the National Merit Scholarship application process, you can always reach out to our amazing team at JobLoving. We’re here to support you every step of the way!