<p>so, i'm applying to a school as a transfer that waitlisted (and eventually rejected me) last year. i wrote a really good essay that i thought tells a lot about me, and that i'm really proud of. i used this essay last year when applying, and because i like it so much and think it's really me, i'd like to use it again this year for my transfer app. I contacted the school and they told me that anything i submitted last year would have to be re-submitted if i want to use it for my transfer app. a friend told me it would be too risky to use this essay b/c they might think i was too lay to write another one (assuming that they did, indeed, have my app from last year). </p>
<p>If you still have a strong faith on your essay, try getting some objective viewpoints from others. I also fell in love with my trasfer essay but after opening up to many peer revisions, I was able to see many weak sides of the essay. I wish you the best of luck.</p>
<p>I wouldn't do it. Unless it's an amazing essay, I think you will seem lazy. It depends on the school too. If you are thinking of a small school with not a lot of applicants, then they will probably remember you more than schools like NYU, but that's not to say that there is no risk with big schools. Even if one of the adcoms remember it, then it's kind of a bad position, especially if they can check your old app. If you really believe in your essay, and there are more essays that your sending, send it, but I'd still write another one.</p>
<p>i wouldnt be sending the exact essay, verbatim, cause i did find structure mistakes and that sort of thing. it's a fairly large school to which i'd be applying, very well known (lots of applicants), though they could still remember me. the essay is about my heritage and how i embraced it and also my desires in life. may sound cliche from that brief decription, but i assure you, it isnt.</p>
<p>As Benjamin Franklin once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." You can use last years essay as a starting point, but surely in the past year your experiences at your current school have made you a more viable candidate. Take this opportunity to tell them how your outlook has changed in the past year. Talk about new extra-curriculars, volunteer opportunities, etc.
I'm not sure if schools retain last years applicants in their files, but if they do, they will certainly see your previous essay at the time they read your next one. If they are more or less identical, it could adversely affect their decision.</p>