Yes, you can reuse parts of your essays when applying to different schools. You don’t need to worry about plagiarizing yourself. However, it’s important to read each prompt carefully. Even if two prompts seem similar, they might be asking different questions.
If you decide to reuse an essay, be sure to tailor it to each school. Adjust the details to reflect that institution's specific values, programs, or opportunities. Submitting the same essay without any changes is rarely a good idea and can make your application seem generic. Personalization shows that you’ve researched and are genuinely interested in the school.