<p>I am applying to state schools and they all have this prompt for the essay portion- </p>
<p>"Using the space below, please write between 250 and 500 words to describe a special interest, significant experience or achievement, or anything else that has special meaning to you or had a significant influence on you."</p>
<p>Would it be fine to just use my Common App essay because I mention everything that they want to hear in their prompt (Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence). I do it in a more creative fashion because I used one of the suggested prompts. I related myself to Queen Elizabeth and went on about one of my "special interests" and how it had "special meaning" to me, etc.</p>