In many colleges, your personal statement is considered an essential document in your application. It is an integral part of your college application process.
The above dictates, you should be keen on your statement. Some people advise that before submitting your application, let two people read it. First, a person who knows how to write and proofread, and second, a person who knows you well.
The essay requires between 250-650 words.
It is essential to know how to edit your common app essay. In this article, let’s discuss making changes to your personal statement.
Can you Change Your Common App Essay for Different Schools
Yes, you can change.
Nonetheless, be careful when doing so. Don’t mess when applying what was meant for college A goes to college B.
Remember, in your essay; you are sharing your passions, interests, strengths, and experiences.
Whereas there are no rules on style or how you can tell your story, ensure your statement is in line with the prompt you have chosen.
Correspondingly, most colleges have unique requirements for personal essays, deadlines, application fees, writing supplements, portfolios, courses and grades, and recommendations.
You are permitted limitless editing to your essay after you submit your first application. Submit the correct essay to the right college by clicking the “my college” section.
To make changes in your essay, get back to the Common App tab and click on the writing section. Proceed to click on the text box and make the changes you want. To save your changes, click “continue.”
Reasons one can Change Common App Essay
Although it is possible to change the content in your common app essay, why would you like to change it?
The following are some of the reasons you can change your common app essay;
- When facing indecision- you might find yourself having written two or more versions of your personal statements ready to submit. However, you only need to apply with one. The question now becomes which one to use and which one not to.
- College requirements- as discussed earlier, some colleges have different requirements in their applications. To adhere to them, you will change your common app essay to fit and increase your chances of being selected for admission.
When you are making changes to your Common App essay, tackle the mistakes you want to edit. If you feel you want to write something new entirely, start from scratch.
Read also on College application tips to get more ideas and insights. Also, you can read about our common app application guide to learn more.
Examples of Common App Essay Prompts
The following are the common App essay prompts for this year;
- Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
- The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
- Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
- Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
- Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
- Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
- Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your designs.
The above prompts are the same topics discussed last year except for number four. The new prompt talks about kindness and gratitude. It intends to invite joy during the college application experience.
On the same note, the question on Covid-19 is still on the Additional Information section, and it’s optional. The question seeks to know how the pandemic has affected students.
Frequently Asked Question
Can You Use the Same Essay for Different Colleges Applications?
Yes. You can use the same essay for different colleges. Keep in mind your statement is discussing the prompt you’ve picked.
Can You Use Your School Essay for Common App
Yes, you can use your school essay. Your school essay is one of the prompts you can discuss as your topic on the Common Application.
How to Change Deadline on Common App Essay
The Common Application new edition opens on 1st August every year. Students applying for the early decision should apply in November. Similarly, those applying for the regular decision should have applied by December as the deadline is usually 1st January. Different colleges have different deadline dates.
