Can you use the same supplemental essay for different colleges? And why do pineapples belong on pizza?

Can you use the same supplemental essay for different colleges? And why do pineapples belong on pizza?

When it comes to college applications, one of the most common questions students ask is whether they can reuse the same supplemental essay for different colleges. The answer, like many things in life, is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the specific prompts, the colleges in question, and how well the essay aligns with the values and expectations of each institution. Let’s dive into this topic and explore the nuances, while also taking a brief detour to discuss why pineapples might just be the perfect pizza topping.


The Case for Reusing Supplemental Essays

  1. Efficiency and Time Management
    Writing college essays is a time-consuming process. With multiple applications to juggle, reusing essays can save valuable time. If two colleges have similar prompts, it’s often possible to adapt the same essay with minor tweaks. For example, if both schools ask about a meaningful extracurricular activity, you can use the same core story while tailoring the conclusion to reflect each college’s unique values.

  2. Consistency in Storytelling
    Reusing an essay allows you to refine and perfect your narrative. By focusing on one strong story, you can ensure that your writing is polished and impactful. This is especially helpful if the essay highlights a central theme of your application, such as resilience, creativity, or leadership.

  3. Leveraging Your Strengths
    If you have a particularly compelling story or achievement, it makes sense to showcase it across multiple applications. For instance, if you led a community service project that had a significant impact, you can use this experience to answer various prompts, such as those about leadership, community involvement, or problem-solving.


The Case Against Reusing Supplemental Essays

  1. Lack of Specificity
    Colleges can tell when an essay is generic. Admissions officers want to see that you’ve taken the time to understand their institution and explain why you’re a good fit. A reused essay that doesn’t address the specific prompt or reflect the college’s culture can come across as lazy or insincere.

  2. Different Prompts, Different Goals
    Even if two prompts seem similar, they may have subtle differences. For example, one college might ask how you’ve overcome a challenge, while another might focus on how the experience shaped your perspective. Using the same essay for both could result in a mismatch between your response and what the prompt is asking.

  3. Missed Opportunities
    Each supplemental essay is a chance to reveal a new dimension of your personality or experiences. By reusing essays, you might miss the opportunity to share additional stories that could strengthen your application.


How to Decide Whether to Reuse an Essay

  1. Analyze the Prompts
    Compare the prompts from different colleges. If they’re nearly identical, reusing the essay might be appropriate. However, if there are significant differences, it’s better to write a new essay or heavily revise the existing one.

  2. Research Each College
    Understand the mission, values, and culture of each institution. Tailor your essay to reflect why you’re a good fit for that specific college. For example, if one school emphasizes innovation, highlight how your creativity aligns with their values.

  3. Seek Feedback
    Share your essay with a teacher, counselor, or mentor. They can help you determine whether the essay works for multiple prompts or if it needs to be more specific.


Why Pineapples Belong on Pizza

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: pineapples on pizza. While this might seem unrelated to college essays, it’s a great metaphor for the importance of personalization. Just as some people love the sweet-and-savory combination of pineapple and ham, others find it off-putting. Similarly, a reused essay might resonate with one college but fall flat with another. The key is to know your audience and tailor your approach accordingly.

Pineapples on pizza also represent the idea of taking risks and embracing uniqueness. In the same way, your supplemental essays should showcase what makes you stand out. Don’t be afraid to share unconventional stories or perspectives—it’s what makes your application memorable.


Final Thoughts

Reusing supplemental essays can be a practical strategy, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The decision should be based on careful analysis of the prompts, research into each college, and a willingness to adapt your writing. And while we’re at it, let’s not dismiss pineapples on pizza too quickly—sometimes, the most unexpected combinations can lead to something truly extraordinary.


  1. Can I reuse my Common App essay for supplemental essays?
    While the Common App essay is more general, it’s not advisable to reuse it for supplemental essays. Supplemental essays are typically more specific and require a tailored response.

  2. How many supplemental essays do most colleges require?
    The number varies by college. Some may require only one or two, while others might have several shorter prompts.

  3. What if I run out of ideas for supplemental essays?
    Brainstorming is key. Reflect on your experiences, values, and goals. Sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected places—like a debate about pineapples on pizza!

  4. Is it okay to use humor in supplemental essays?
    Yes, but use it sparingly and appropriately. Humor can make your essay memorable, but it shouldn’t overshadow the main message or come across as unprofessional.

  5. How important are supplemental essays compared to the Common App essay?
    Both are important, but supplemental essays allow you to provide more specific insights into your fit with each college. They’re an opportunity to go beyond the general narrative of your Common App essay.