Copied Common App Essay

Recently I posted my Common App Essay on Quora (without thinking) to get feedback and it got several views. Now, I’m afraid someone might plagiarize the essay and make it their own which would be annoying af. What should I do? Would colleges be able to find out that it was my essay and not theirs?

I’d recommend you use a different essay. I think it’s unlikely that somebody will steal your essay (although possible) but it is more likely that your essay could show up plagiarized since it’s now on the Internet if a college were to check.

The reality is that most essays aren’t copied. And adcoms going through thousands may recognize a theme, but not be able to confirm that. They don’t have time to go back over hundreds of apps, looking for the match. Nor do they use plagiarism checkers as much as CC states.

But the concern is, this wasn’t wise. You don’t need feedback from the general public, other hs kids or inexperienced folks with time on their hands. Posting an essay usually just results in unsupportable praise or criticisms and suggested changes, from the unknowing.

So take a breath and think about what you’re doing and why. Be savvy. Refine your essay from the one you posted and try to focus on what you can do to make your app and supps stronger. Use your knowldge of what your targets look for. Not what John Q Public thinks.

@lookingforward what does CC states mean? Also, like what @hardboiledegg said, should I use a different essay now? I thought they do plagiarism checks on every essay. im freaking out cause I spent so much time on my essay and was close to submitting it. what should I do?

CC = College Confidential. And to be clear, which @lookingforward correctly state, it is users on this site stating that, not the site admins or mods.

I will also agree with @lookingforward on another point. Almost to a one, every essay that I have read on this site has not been one that anyone in their right mind would plagiarize. Since I have been known to visit other sites, including Quora, the statement still applies.

Take it as a lesson learned. And follow the points the @lookingforward lists. Good luck.

They do not do plagiarism checks on every essay.

IF an admissions officer thinks an essay sounds familiar, or if the quality of the writing seems out of sync with the level of academic achievement of the student, they might copy and paste it into google to see what pops up.

@janjmom @skieurope thank you! but I thought they did plagiarism checks on everything according to https://www.businessinsider.com/colleges-mba-programs-plagiarism-turnitin-2012-1 Also I put my essay on cause I wanted feedback but I was obviously really dumb for this

The article is specific to graduate schools which get much fewer applications that the 37K applications that Duke (a school you frequently mention) received last year.

Your teacher can use Turnitin on her hundred of so students. I doubt a college is using it on 40K applications, although they may spotcheck. But if they do, they will likely only find your own posting. Personally, I wouldn’t worry about it. But if you’re so concerned, start from scratch. There is no option C that I can see,

@skieurope Thanks for your help! but im still scared they may do plagiarism checks since im applying ED which is only 1000 applicants. either way, the thread will still lead back to me but I deleted it so idk.

Yes, I meant users. Sorry for the confusion.

You cite what’s essentially the common media and took it as fact.

“Larry Gordon reports that more than 100 college and university programs are now using the software to screen applicants’ essays. UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and Stanford University are among the schools doing so–and turning away applicants whose work is not their own, Gordon writes.”

More than 100? That’s a far cry from substantial number. And “using” a program doesn’t mean in every app/supp or even more than a few. I personally doubt Stanford, with it’s Everest level standards, is stopping to run a plagiarism check. Not when so many can’t meet those standards, in the first place.

Also note they reference business schools and some grad programs. And that Gordon is no longer at LAT.

Possible? Yes. But the worry would be to kids who polish an essay with substantial help, then can’t write a clear sentence in the rest of the app/supp. Or whose LoRs reference mundane struggles with writing.

But OP, your stress is showing. Best place to learn about colleges and practices is from what they write and show. And rather specific interviews with their staff.

And make sure you understand what the essay is meant to convey.