"Bad" if schools know an essay is recycled?

College Essays
1

<p>Hey CCers. I'm in a little problem.</p>

<p>I applied EA Stanford and, in my opinion, wrote a very good "letter to roommate" that really shows who I am and how I relate to people around me. My teacher believes that the essay provides a decently clear picture of the type of person I am.</p>

<p>I'm currently working on my Harvard and Yale essays, which are practically open prompt. I've decided to "tweak" my letter to my roommate and change the focus/theme of the essay (from accepting who we are and what we have to become best friends to accepting and enjoying the abnormalities we may come across in life). However, I feel that this essay isn't as "personal", so to speak. Maybe because I'm no longer addressing an individual I'm supposedly close with, I'm not sure. The essay just doesn't feel the same, but then again, maybe it's not supposed to.</p>

<p>Would it reflect badly if I simply recycle the letter to my roommate? Or is reframing the essay the better choice?</p>

<p>I must mention that my idea, the physical entity that my essay revolves around, is unique. I can almost guarantee no one else will write about such an idea. I've never read an essay similar to one I'm trying to write, so maybe that's why I'm feeling so uneasy?</p>

<p>Thank you and I really appreciate any input.</p>

2

<p>How would they know that you had already written that essay for Stanford?</p>

<p>If it’s a good essay and fits the prompt, then you’re done, no need to worry at all. Since Harvard’s essay is open-ended, you could use it in its original form (well, make it longer, since Harvard’s essay is longer than Stanford’s).</p>

3

<p>Harvard and Yale adcoms (and others) are aware Stanford has a roommate essay. So, the question is, will they react with an oops, sounds like the S roomate letter? I think the safer bet is to rethink what you learned about yourself in writing for S- and then reframe, as an appropriate “personal statement” for the others. And, remember “show not tell.” That engages the readers better.</p>

4

<p>All things you write at the college level (and perhaps even lower depending on where you went to) are put on record in some form. What you can do is have a similar essay, put simply turning in the same essay will raise red flags no doubt.</p>