<p>With a bit of tweaking, the essay I wrote for the second UC prompt could be used to answer the first USC prompt. Do the colleges penalize you for using the same essay for more than one college? Is it possible for them to even know about it?</p>
<p>I'm using the same essay for both my "Why Grinnell" and "Why Brown" prompts.</p>
<p>Why? Because I'm applying to them for the same reason(s): Open Curriculum, location, academic intensity, etc.</p>
<p>There's no possible way for them to find out.</p>
<p>I'm still a little wary about whether or not the colleges can find out. Can anyone back up IlikeDice's comment?</p>
<p>In my opinion, the first essay prompt for the UC's is similar to USC's third option and for some reason (perhaps I'm just lazy or that I feel very strong about my essay) i think I am going to use the same essay for USC as i did for UC</p>