Must the Common App essay be the same for every application?

<p>I have an application due on December 1st, and although I've completed the supplements I've yet to write the essay for Common App. Obviously in this short amount of time I can't write as good of an essay as I'd like. Am I able to submit this application with an essay I write tonight/tomorrow, and then change my Common App essay to use for the rest of my applications? Or once you submit an application is everything pretty much set in stone?</p>

<p>The common app allows you to create a 2nd version of your app, but it’s a complicated process and most colleges recommend you to not change your essay. If you are not able to create a 2nd version of your common app then you may not edit your essay after applying EA.</p>

<p>It’s actually super easy to create a second version of the common app (you can make up to 10 versions). I don’t think a college can tell it is getting a different version when you apply. Creating a new version transfers all of your information over except for the documents you upload, but you are free to change the rest of the application, too.</p>

<p>In other words, when I submit my first application through common app, all the information is locked. BUT they allow me to create another version that’s a replica of the first, but able to be edited? Also, WarmGesture, I’m not applying EA; the deadline for USC (regular admission) if you want to be considered for merit based scholarships is Dec 1.</p>

<p>Slimmeh, you are correct. Click on instructions in Common App and scroll down to get login URL for making a duplicate.</p>

<p>Oh yes, then you can move colleges not yet submitted to to the new version. You click on Remove and it gives choice of delete or move to new version.</p>

<p>Ahhh thank you I was freaking out.</p>