This year, as a junior, I applied to the USC Resident Honors Program and got accepted. I ultimately chose not to go, however. I still want to apply to USC next year for regular admission. I am wondering if I can reuse the supplementary essays I wrote this year again.
some schools change their common app questions year to year (im not sure if USC is one of those schools) but I would assume that there is a good chance that they have some sort of plagiarism check.
it would be smart to write about the same topic, take what you liked about your previous essay, but reword it. I’m sure in a years time you’ll have ideas and transitions that may very well make your essay stronger.
hmmm, so here is how I see it. You applied, got accepted and turned it down. Now you want to use the same essay when you apply again, it comes off as a bit lazy and not that committed. I am not sure I would take you too serious if I saw that essay again if I were your admissions advisor. Your area rep will likely be same person that read your first application. In a year, you should have grown and have new perspective to offer even within the supplemental essays. If you really want to go this time, you should probably update them at least with some adjustments. You also may want to establish communication with your admissions advisor (if you have valid question for them for example), especially since you applied and didn’t go this time. They will want to know you are serious about attending if applying again.