<p>How many essays should an applicant write? If he's applying to 8 schools, does he need 8 different essays? Or, can he recycle essays when they fit the prompt?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>Recycle unless they're school-specific. And by school specific I mean more than just sticking "University of ___" at the end. If you're applying with the Common App, you can use that essay for every Common App school.</p>
<p>Well, with the common app, you have one big essay and one/two mini ones about activities. Then, you got the supplements and the occasional college that doesn't use the Common App. Basically, you can recycle. But, make sure the wording fits the place and you change the name. You might be better just rewriting it...</p>