When to Recycle or Re-Purpose an Essay?

By Quetzal Mama • September 16, 2015

“But Quetzal Mama, can’t I just re-use an essay
I already wrote, change a few words,

and re-purpose for other prompts?”

Well, yeah. You can cut and paste a few paragraphs. However, I don’t advise it. Here’s why. Re-purposing an essay is like borrowing your sister’s prom dress. Just because it fits, doesn’t mean you should wear it. You have your own style and her dress may not suit you. Same with a previously written essay: it was written to respond to a very specific question – not to cut and paste and force into a new response. I’m not a fan of recycling or “re-purposing” essays for 4 reasons:

·        It’s obvious when the writer borrowed from another essay;
·        It looks forced and awkward;
·        It doesn’t respond to the prompt in a natural way;
·        It will take more time to re-arrange text than starting from scratch;

Most importantly, you get one shot to tell your story. Do you want your story to be a cut-and-paste mock up job? Or, do you want to “nail it”?

Now, there are exceptions. I’m sharing below a few examples of prompts that can be recycled. Go ahead, recycle. It’s good for you.

Key Similarities "Achievement" = "Greatest Talent"
QuestBridge Do this essay first! Tell us about one of your proudest achievements and why it is important to you.	University of California Do this next Prompt #3: What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
Key Similarities “Context you grew up” = “Background”
QuestBridge Do this essay first! We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grow?	Common Application Do this next Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Key Similarities The new (2017/2018) Common App essay allows for "topic of your choice." Pair this with your Questbridge essay.
Questbridge Do this essay first. We are interested in learning more about you and the context in which you have grown up, formed your aspirations, and accomplished your academic successes. Please describe the factors and challenges that have most shaped your personal life and aspirations. How have these factors helped you to grow?	University of California Do this next Use the optional #7 prompt Share an essay on any topic of your choice.

Key Similarities “Failure” = “Difficulty” “What did you learn? = “How did you deal with it?”
University of California Do this first #5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?	Common Application Do this next 4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Key Similarities “When you challenged a belief or idea” = “Situation where one was treated unfairly.” “What prompted you to act?” = “How did you respond?”
University of California Do this first 2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.	Common Application Do this next 4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.