Can You Change Your Common App Essay for Different Schools? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not as Complicated as You Think)
So, you’re knee-deep in the college application process, staring at the Common App and feeling like you just swallowed a dictionary. The dreaded essay looms large, and the question you’re desperately searching for the answer to is: Can I write different essays for different colleges?
Hold onto your hats, folks, because the answer is a resounding YES! But remember, college admissions are a bit like a game of chess; every move matters. You wouldn’t just randomly fling your pawn around the board, would you? No, you’d strategize, calculate, and aim for that sweet, sweet checkmate.
The same goes for your Common App essays – they’re your pawns, and the colleges are your opponents. You want to craft essays that resonate with each school’s unique personality, making them think, “Wow, this applicant is perfect for our campus!”
Let’s break down how to pull off this essay magic trick, because trust me, it’s not rocket science.
1. The Common App Essay: Your Base Camp
Imagine your Common App essay as your base camp – the starting point for everything else. It’s a solid, well-written foundation that you’ll tweak and refine for each college. Think of it as your trusty backpack, filled with all the essential gear you’ll need for your journey.
Here’s the good news: you can change your Common App essay as many times as you like before submitting it to any college. So, if you’ve already submitted to a few colleges, you can still go back and change your essay for the remaining schools. But, and this is a big BUT, these changes won’t be reflected in the applications you’ve already sent. Think of it like sending a postcard – once it’s in the mail, you can’t change the message.
2. Targeting Your Essays: The Art of Tailoring
Now, the fun part: tailoring your essay to each college. This is where you get to be a strategic essay ninja. Each college has its own personality, values, and goals. You need to show them that you’re a perfect match, a kindred spirit, a soul mate (okay, maybe not a soul mate, but you get the idea).
Here’s how to tailor your essays like a pro:
- Research, Research, Research: Before you even think about touching your keyboard, dive into each college’s website. Get to know their mission statement, their values, their favorite colors (just kidding, maybe).
- Find Common Ground: Seek out common ground between your interests and the college’s programs, values, or even just its general vibe.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Don’t just say you’re passionate about environmental sustainability; tell a story about how you started a composting program at your school.
- Use the Right Words: Each college has its own vocabulary, so sprinkle in some of their keywords to show you’ve done your homework.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Start Over (Sometimes)
You know that feeling when you’re staring at a blank page and your brain feels like a scrambled egg? It’s okay! Sometimes, a fresh start is exactly what you need. Don’t be afraid to scrap your existing essay and start from scratch if it’s not working.
4. Examples: The Proof is in the Pudding
Let’s say you’re applying to two colleges:
- College A: Known for its strong environmental program and emphasis on community service.
- College B: A liberal arts college with a focus on creative writing and the arts.
Essay for College A: You could focus on your experience volunteering at a local environmental organization, highlighting your passion for sustainability and your desire to contribute to a college with a similar mission.
Essay for College B: You might choose to write about your creative writing journey, mentioning how you’ve been inspired by the works of the college’s renowned faculty.
5. The Common App: Your Ally (Not Your Enemy)
The Common App platform is your friend. It’s designed to make your life a little less chaotic. You can save different versions of your essays, so you don’t have to rewrite everything from scratch.
6. Remember: Quality Over Quantity
Don’t feel pressured to write completely different essays for every college. A few key changes can make a big difference. Focus on quality over quantity – it’s better to have one well-crafted essay than five mediocre ones.
7. Don’t Forget the Proofreader
Before hitting submit, have a trusted friend, parent, or mentor review your essays. They’ll catch any typos, grammatical errors, and make sure your voice is clear and engaging.
The Bottom Line:
Crafting different essays for different colleges is a great way to show each school that you’re genuinely interested in them. It takes a bit more work, but it’s worth it. Remember, colleges want to see that you’ve put thought and effort into your application.
Still have questions about the Common App or college essays? Check out the Common App website for FAQs and guidance. You can also connect with us at JobLoving community for personalized advice and resources.
Good luck!