But at those top 20 schools if you do pass the academic benchmark essays can be a deciding factor. So extremely important!!
Sounds like we need a lot more info from the OP to offer informed advice (although customizing common app essay seems wasteful). It is probably not a good idea to suggest that essays aren’t important or read to a broader perhaps less nuanced group of HS students who may tune in.
Keep in mind OP didn’t ask if he/she should do it, they asked could they do it.