Should I send a recycled essay to GWU?

Applying to College
1

<p>I spent a long time writing my BU supplement essay (Why BU?). Everything came straight from the heart and I meant every word. BU is by far my top choice.</p>

<p>However, I am also applying to GWU, and I need to write another supplement essay. This one asks the same question as the BU supplement (Why GWU?) But I really do not have the time nor the inclination to sit down and write a completely new essay just for GWU.</p>

<p>My first thought was to reuse my BU essay and make it fit to GWU...but I'm a little hesitant.
I'm probably being a bit paranoid, but on the BU supplement, I identified GWU as another school I was applying to. (the first one on the list actually...) Is there any chance BU might notify GWU (or vice versa) and ask for admissions materials to get more information about me(specifically, ESSAYS)?</p>

<p>If this happened, BU would view my essay as insincere, which would greatly lower my admission chances.</p>

<p>Am I being paranoid, or is this something universities actually do? Or is there some sort of law that prevents universities from releasing materials to outside entities?</p>

2

<p>They won't do that - I don't think they're even allowed to. Some schools cross-reference applicants (like I would imagine Barnard/Columbia doing that) but I don't know about BU and GWU.</p>

<p>Recycle it if you must - but make sure you fit the essay more specifically to GWU. They certainly won't appreciate it if you don't.</p>

3

<p>I wouldn't see a real issue. Its your own work, not a rip off that has been recycled to fit another school, issues should be minimal. You're applying to a school, not recycling school work. Plus, that chances of schools contacting each other regarding your application essays is very minimal, say < 1%. </p>

<p>You'd be fine.</p>

4

<p>I am doing that tomorrow- changing my why BU essay to why GW essay.</p>

5

<p>it should be fine. we're all still teens here--we only have so many experiences and good college essay topics. i pretty much only wrote 3 essays, then recycled them for all the colleges i applied to.</p>