Can You Repeat Ideas in the Common App and Supplements? (Spoiler Alert: It’s Complicated)
Okay, so you’re knee-deep in the college application process, and you’re staring at a mountain of essays. You’ve got the Common App essay, a whole bunch of supplemental essays, and you’re probably starting to feel like a human copy machine. You’re thinking, “Can I just recycle some of these ideas? I’m a busy person, I don’t have time to reinvent the wheel for every single school!”
Well, buckle up, buttercup, because the answer is a little more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.”
The Great “Repeat or Not” Debate:
The truth is, you can certainly reuse some ideas across your essays, but you need to do so strategically. Think of it like a well-crafted tapestry—each thread contributes to the overall pattern and beauty, but you wouldn’t want to use the exact same thread repeatedly, right?
Here’s the deal:
- Don’t Repeat Yourself Verbatim: This is a cardinal sin in the college application world. Repeating the same exact information word for word is a huge red flag. It shows that you’re either lazy or that you don’t have enough material to fill out your application.
- Show, Don’t Tell: Don’t just tell colleges that you’re passionate about social justice. Show them! Use your essays as platforms to illustrate your passion through specific examples of your actions, experiences, and insights.
- Rehashing is a No-No: If you find yourself constantly repeating the same personal motivations or ideas across different essays, you need to step back and rethink your strategy. Each essay should offer a unique perspective and add new layers to your application.
Navigating the Common App Essay Labyrinth:
Think of the Common App essay as the foundation of your application. It’s your chance to introduce your personality, values, and aspirations to the world. You want to make it count!
- The Foundation of Your Identity: This essay is like the cornerstone of your personal brand. It’s where you showcase who you are as a person, beyond your grades and extracurricular activities.
- A Look at the Big Picture: The Common App essay is your opportunity to provide a broad overview of your story and your goals. It’s your chance to address your overall personal narrative.
The Supplemental Essay Symphony:
Now, let’s talk about supplemental essays. These are your chance to show that you’ve actually taken the time to research each school and understand what makes it unique.
- The Fine Tuning: Think of supplemental essays as the fine-tuning of your application. They allow you to address specific aspects of your experience that align with a particular school’s values, programs, or culture.
- Each Essay is an Opportunity: Each supplemental essay is a chance to showcase a different facet of your personality or experience. It’s your chance to highlight specific skills, interests, or achievements that resonate with the school’s vision.
A Few Do’s and Don’ts:
- Do: Focus on different aspects of your experiences and interests in each essay.
- Do: Tailor each essay to the specific requirements and prompts of the college.
- Do: Show your personality and voice in your writing.
- Don’t: Just regurgitate information from your Common App essay.
- Don’t: Write the same essay for multiple schools. (Unless you’re a master of disguise, and even then, we wouldn’t recommend it.)
- Don’t: Forget to proofread your essays carefully before submitting them.
Example Time!
Let’s say you’re a passionate advocate for environmental sustainability. You could use your Common App essay to discuss your commitment to this cause and how it has shaped your personal values. Then, in your supplemental essays, you could:
- Highlight your experience leading a school recycling program at School A.
- Discuss your research on sustainable agriculture at School B.
- Showcase your volunteer work at a local environmental organization at School C.
This way, you’re weaving a consistent narrative about your passion for sustainability, but each essay focuses on a different aspect of your journey.
The Bottom Line:
Reusing ideas in your college essays is a delicate dance. It’s like trying to juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle—it can work, but it takes a lot of skill and precision.
Remember, the goal is to create a multi-dimensional application that truly reflects who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and where you see yourself going. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and show off your unique talents. And if you need extra help navigating the essay labyrinth, don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance!
Need More Help?
Still feeling overwhelmed by the essay process? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! At JobLoving, we have a team of experienced college admissions counselors who can provide personalized guidance and support to help you craft compelling essays that showcase your best self. We’ll help you find your voice, refine your stories, and present yourself in the best possible light.
So, what are you waiting for? Get started today and let us help you unlock your potential!