Can I reuse my college essays for multiple schools?

Yes, but don’t get lazy. Your Common App personal statement can (and should) be used across applications. But the supplemental essays? Those need tailoring. A “Why This School” essay for Rice should not read like a “Why This School” essay for NYU with the names swapped out. Colleges want to know you’ve done your homework and aren’t just applying for their ivy-covered walls. Mention specific programs, professors, campus vibes—whatever truly speaks to you. It’s kind of like dating: if you’re copy-pasting the same love letter to everyone, someone’s bound to notice. Reuse thoughtfully, personalize obsessively, and always double-check that you didn’t leave in the wrong school name. (Yikes.)