<p>All my friends are writing just one basic essay, and if they included the school's name they are just replacing it with the other college they are applying to. I am applying ED to one school, so I want to really focus on how that school ties into my life. Is it a good idea to write 1 specific essay for that school, and then the rest of the schools use a common essay?</p>
<p>p.s. I'm not applying to schools like Harvard,Georgetown, etc.. just an average student trying to do well in the college process.</p>
<p>You will have understand the requirements of the schools to which you are applying. Does your ED school use the Common App? If so, you will need to complete the “Personal Essay” using one of the topics on the Common App form (500 word max). There is also a “Short Answer” (150 words) describing an EC (extracurricular activity). But THEN, there may also be supplemental essays required for many schools which may have additional writing requirements. Most likely (though not always true), you will have to write on some form of “Why this school?”</p>
<p>For the personal essay, you CANNOT mention one particular school. ALL schools will get the same personal statement. I can’t imagine why you would want to mention the school anyway. For the SUPPLEMENTAL, you probably WILL have to write about the school.</p>
<p>But even if the school does not use the Common App, they will still require a personal essay in one form or another. Check the requirements carefully.</p>