Hi all. I’ve written my UC Personal Statement #2 already about how for my second degree black belt test, my master made me lose a lot of weight and what I learned from that (describing my essay doesn’t do it justice though). Could it be possible to copy-paste that into Common Essay #1 with some revisions? The prompt is: Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story. If any of you want to see my essay first, please PM me! I’m not trying to be lazy but why write a whole new essay when you could’ve just recycled another one? Btw, the top schools I’m applying to are Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford so be as hard on me as you can 
You can definitely use the same essay since the prompts are similar! Saves time to double dip 
If you want me to critique it, just PM me!
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Don’t worry about it. You’re not being lazy. You’re being sensible and using your time wisely. Many schools that have essays separate from Common App have versions of that question, and I assume it’s because (a) it’s a good question, and (b) they’re well aware that students make more than one application and shouldn’t need to write 10 totally different, unrelated essays. They’re not looking to make extra work for you. They just want to see who you are and how thoughtfully / effectively you answer. Of course, the tailored version will need to respond appropriately to the specific prompt (or variation thereon), so that might mean a bit more than copy-and-paste plus another sentence LOL, but if you’re applying to Harvard et al I assume you’re a good enough reader / writer to know that
I’m in the same exact position OP. But yes, I’ve realized that you can (yay!). PM me your essay if you want an extra perspective.