Does the common app essay have to connect to the other parts of the application in any way? Is it normal to use different common app essays for different schools?

I agree, College Essay Guy is good.

A couple of "rules" that I've heard from articles and podcasts that I thought were good: It should shine a light on something that wouldn't necessarily come through in other parts of the application. For example, if the kid was heavily involved in service organizations, and all that is already listed, they shouldn't write the essay about service.

They should focus on a small moment rather than a big, sweeping idea.

They should avoid tragedies and the pandemic as topics.

Some people say not to write about a sport, but that seems too restrictive, as a lot of formative moments come from sports.

There are lots of approaches and lots of right answers. Personally, I'd check out the College Essay Guy website. He has a pretty cohesive idea of what works for personal statements.

The college specific essays - why xxx college, activity you enjoyed, etc. are clear in terms of what they are looking for. However, I'm not sure what the common app essay is looking for. Or rather, what do College Admissions folks look for in this essay? Any dos/don't? Does the essay have to tie into the kid's academic interests or ECs? I've read articles about 'tying things together'. How does one tie the common app and specific college essay responses if we were applying for different areas of interest at different schools? Appreciate any thoughts..