<p>So, the National Merit essay prompt is as follows:
Describe an experience you have had, a person who has influenced you, or an obstacle you have overcome. Explain why this is meaningful to you.</p>
<p>I wrote my common application essay responding to this prompt:
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within you culture, community, or family.</p>
<p>Is it recyclable? I assume they have no way to check for that, but I would like to write a specific essay for the National Merit essay. However, I really don't have the time to do so.</p>
<p>Also, for people who have recycled essays in the past, did it work out? Or did it sound a little out of place, even with some editing to make it fit the prompt?</p>
<p>I don’t /think/ they can check, but with this deadline I just don’t have time to write another essay.</p>
<p>The prompt you wrote on falls under “experience you have had,” so I would think you wouldn’t have to edit much or even at all if it turns out we can recycle essays.</p>
<p>Last year I recycled mine (after editing it some, but it was still mostly the same essay) and I made it to finalist without any issues. So I’d agree with atomom and say it’s probably fine :)</p>
<p>Think it would be possible to use the common app essay about failure on this? I mean, I’ll have to do something like this for the UC app anyways, but I feel I did a good job on my common app one.</p>