Since the Common App essay is sent to different schools, it is vital to tell an authentic, polished story that is both compelling and true to yourself. This is the way you need to separate yourself ...

and write the personal statement and any supplemental essays that might be required by schools. Applicants can find the various writing requirements for each school in the Common App's Student ...

UCAS refers to it as a personal statement, which is limited to 4,000 characters, while the Common App requires an essay of 650 words. "UCAS personal statement is all about 'why this course.' ...