Hey Christina! Great question, a lot of people wonder the same thing. Here are my thought bubbles:

1. While you may have liked your essay, we’ll never know if “they” liked your essay, which is the most important thing. Did you have other people read/edit your essay to make sure you were on the right track? The priority is that you’re answering the prompt. I see many applicants write a great essay, but they’re not answering the prompt. For example, if they said “Why do you want to be a CRNA” you need to be sure you’re answering THAT questions vs going off explaining all about the acuity of your ICU etc.

2. If you effectively answers the prompt, and you have room, I would include what you have done in the past cycle to improve yourself.

3. My thought process is – if you didn’t get an interview the first time, why submit the same essay where you didn’t get an interview? While your resume likely changed, they’re skimming the resume, your essay also needs to reflect the things you’ve updated (again, if the prompt allows space for you to work this in!) Just my two cents!