<p>Isn't it so easy to recycle essays from schools such as MIT (that gives you 2 specific choices) for schools using the common app since "Essay of your choice" is an option? Or, if I felt like I could write (or have already written) a very good, personal essay on a topic that's not covered by any of their other choices, what setbacks are there for choosing that? Doesn't this kinda make applying to schools a little easier since...u can easily recycle essays between schools easily?</p>
<p>Well with the common app, that essay goes to every school so you really can't recycle (because that one school would see that same essay twice if they're allotted to get the Common App + some kind of essay supplement.) I chose the essay of your choice and did exactly what you said. The only setback is figuring out WHAT you're going to write about. It doesn't make it that much easier...considering you can't recycle too much. Only with a school you barely care about should you risk copy/pasting.</p>
<p>The common app "essay choices" are just suggestions... you simply need to write a personal statement.</p>