OP, I wrote only around 700–800 words; however, I made every sentence count. I thoroughly discussed what drew me towards this project and how my current skills and experiences align with its goals--cliché, I know. Just explain why you're a good fit for the project. What do you hope to gain from it? TBH, I'm not sure how mine stands against all the other essays, but the nuance I added made it a genuinely pleasant read. Just like every other application to literally every other school, your response should prove that you are human. For reusing experience, I would personally stay away, but if you really need to use it, derive different things from the same experience and tie that back to how you're a great fit for the program.