Can we reuse the same essay for multiple San Diego schools?

Reusing essays? Tempting. Efficient. Sometimes even helpful. But only if you’re careful. While many San Diego private schools ask similar questions, they each have their own culture, values, and admissions priorities. If your child’s essay screams “generic,” it won’t connect.

The trick is to start with a flexible core—a story or message that feels true—then tweak it to match each school’s tone and expectations. Swap in specific details. Adjust the focus. Personalize the pitch. At the very least, make sure the right school name is in the right place.

Done well, repurposing saves time without losing impact. Done lazily, it shows. Admissions readers notice. So yes, reuse wisely, but don’t go full copy-paste.