Are you allowed to use the same personal statement twice?
Asked by: Eric Dickinson | Last update: July 22, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (8 votes)
For many/most applicants, the prompts are similar enough that the same personal statement template can be used with minor adjustments for each school (see Tip #2 on personalization). For some applicants, however, the prompts are different enough that you should write multiple personal statements.
Can you use the same personal statement twice?
It's OK to reuse your previous statement if you have applied before. However, if you are now applying in a different name, make sure you fill in the 'Previous Name' box when completing your application.
Can you reuse a personal statement when reapplying?
Yes you can reuse your statement. Yes it will get picked up by the plagiarism detection software. It will then be checked by a person who will realise it's you again so it won't affect your application. You should consider updating it to reflect what you've done in the last year though.
Can you submit the same personal statement twice to law school?
Revising Your Law School Application
At a minimum, you should write a more compelling personal statement. There is no formal requirement to rewrite your essay, but admissions officers will have access to your previous applications, and recycling the same personal statement would appear lazy.
Is it okay to use the same personal statement for different universities?
Yes, you can use the same personal statement for all universities. The university part of the documents has to be modified according to the respective institutions.
Can I Use The Same Personal Statement For Different Universities? - CountyOffice.org
Can I use the same college essay twice?
The simple answer is yes, with a few caveats. While repurposing essays can be doable, it requires careful planning, choosing the right topic to write about, and careful attention to detail to ensure each application receives the attention it deserves.
Can I send the same personal statement?
As you rework your personal statement for subsequent applications, sometimes the quality improves as you reflect further and discover new subtleties. So, if various schools are asking similar questions, it's logical to consider using – or really, adapting – some or perhaps even much of your previous essay response(s).
Can you use the same personal statement for different schools on Reddit?
If it is your statement, and it speaks of you, and it's an admission letter, you are not plagiarizing if you use it for admissions.
How do I know if my personal statement is good?
Your personal statement should help the reader get to know you and make them want to learn more. Write about your unique achievements, interests, experiences, qualities, or opinions. Avoid irrelevant or inappropriate topics—they won't make you memorable for the right reasons.
Can you apply to Harvard law more than once?
Applicants may apply for admission to Harvard Law School through the regular J.D. application no more than three times. Applications submitted via the Junior Deferral Program (JDP) and the J.D. Transfer pathways do not count towards this cap.
Can I reuse my personal statement on Reddit?
Is it okay? Not really, it could be classed as self-plagiarism. Odds of them finding out would be low.
What happens if you copy a personal statement?
The UCAS Similarity Detection Service
2.3 If a personal statement shows 60% or more of plagiarised matter, the application will be considered by Admissions but the applicant will be informed of the detected plagiarism and the seriousness of this offence.
How many med students are reapplicants?
Didn't get into med school the first time? There's still hope! It's normal to have to reapply — after all, medical school acceptance rates are under 50% on average. About 25% of applicants every year are reapplicants.
Can you send 2 personal statements?
Although you can apply for up to five courses on your UCAS application, you can only submit 1 personal statement. So it needs to cover all your course choices.
What is copycatch?
Copycatch finds statements that show similarity, works out how much of the statement may have been copied, and reports the findings. This helps admissions staff at universities and colleges judge applications, and it is the providers who decide what action, if any, to take regarding notified cases.
How many people should edit my personal statement?
With that being said, you should have 2-4 trusted people to read your personal statement. Medical students, doctors, professors, or friends who are excellent writers are excellent editor options.
What phrases should I avoid in a personal statement?
- From a young age…
- For as long as I can remember…
- I am applying for this course because…
- I have always been interested in…
- Throughout my life I have always enjoyed…
Is it OK if my personal statement is short?
Even if you don't include an anecdote in the statement, the topic that you choose should, in a sense, “tell a story” about you in a way that captures and keeps the reader's attention. Some schools set no limit for personal statements, but most suggest either 2–3 or 2–4 pages. Aim for two pages, double-spaced.
What is a good opening sentence for a personal statement?
Start with why you chose it. The best personal statements get to the point quickly. Start with a short sentence that captures the reason why you're interested in studying on the programme you're applying for and that communicates your enthusiasm for it. Go straight in.
Are you allowed to use the same personal statement?
It's OK to reuse your previous statement if you have applied before. However, if you are now applying in a different name, make sure you fill in the 'Previous Name' box in UCAS Apply. We will then know it's you when we process your personal statement.
Can I use the same college application essay twice?
When it comes to using the same essay for multiple college applications, it's generally okay to do so, as long as the essay prompt is similar or the same. Keep in mind, though, that some colleges may have specific and unique essay prompts that you'll need to cater your response to.
Do colleges know if you reuse essays?
While colleges don't have a system in place to check if you've reused an essay across multiple applications, it's important to ensure that each essay you submit is tailored to the specific college and question being asked.
Should I reuse personal statement?
So if you are reapplying, you must 100% write a new personal statement. This is the same thing with secondaries and letters of recommendation. It's a new application. Rewrite your personal statement and don't be lazy.
What happens if someone copies your personal statement?
If they copy parts of your statement in their own then you could both get in trouble. Remember you can't control what other people do with your personal statement, so be careful about who you send it to.
Is it OK to use I in a personal statement?
Like many rules, there are exceptions to avoiding first-person usage. For instance, personal statements, reflections, opinion pieces, or any assignment directions that explicitly state using first person can and should freely use “I” statements.