<p>Can I use the same personal essay I used as a freshman (I know it was polished, great, proof-read). All of these applications ask for the exact same personal essay that I used for all of my freshman aps? What you guys think? Can I make a new essay (on the same topic), but write a new essay. Basically, I have had one definining life experience, which has definetely shaped me, and I can't think of anything else to write. Would a college like Northwestern would be ****ed b/c they have all of my stuff in a folder (i was accepted last year)</p>