<p>Does it matter if I use the same application for the common app and an individual school application or is there some rule that they can't be the same?</p>
<p>Meant to say the same essay, not application.</p>
<p>I doubt that there is a rule, but by submitting the same thing twice to the same school you are definitely not helping your case. You should use every opportunity you have to say who you are, don't waste 50% of your chances.</p>