<p>So the college I'm applying to says:</p>
<p>Please include a personal statement with your transcripts. Be sure to include your full name and address on the statement. Explain your reasons for seeking admission, including what you believe are your academic strengths and interests. Be certain to explain any situations that may have had an impact, either positively or negatively, on your academic record. List significant activities in which you have participated, both in school and out of school. </p>
<p>I really don't feel like writing a personal statement but I have written a terrific, strong essay for CommonApp and I was wondering if I can send that essay to the college rather than having to write a personal statement.</p>
<p>…the personal statement IS the college essay.</p>
<p>^No, you don’t get it. The personal statement for the college I’m applying to asks WHY i’m seeking admission there and my academic strengths and interests. So all the significant things about me. On CommonApp, I wrote an essay of my choice which was on “Second Chances” describing MYSELF on a non-academic side and how valuable the second chance I received was. (Nothing connected to academics at all) … So I was wondering if I can send THAT ESSAY rather than following the college’s request of writing a PERSONAL statement, which involves the reasons why I’m seeking admission, my academic strengths, and the whole academic side to it.</p>
<p>oh, my bad. in that case…no. u can’t answer a different question than the one asked. u need to stick to what they tell u.</p>
<p>Agree. If you really like the college, you better to write a specific personal statement for that college. This school tells you what you should write - in this sense, it should be easier to write than the common essay.</p>
<p>Of course not, that’s called ‘unable to follow directions.’ You will have to write the essay that they asked for. If they allow a second essay, use the one you have.</p>