<p>I just submitted my app to rice, and about two seconds after submitting it, I realized that I had written "or" where "of" should be on my essay. Do you think this would have a significant impact on my application? Should I call or email or send them a correct version of the essay? I'm really worried, especially since the other areas of my application are strong but not especially strong, and essays are my strength in an application.</p>
<p>I did the same thing–forgot an “S” for three applications before I noticed it. </p>
<p>I would NOT call or email them, because there’s a good chance they won’t notice, and calling them would definitely make sure they do. The problem with leaving a typo in not a reflection on your writing ability (it’s obviously a typo) but an impression that you didn’t go over it closely in the first place, so maybe not vested enough in that application, so sloppy, lazy, and a procrastinator. Calling them would do nothing to fix that problem but only make it stick in their minds (especially if they didn’t notice it in the first place). </p>
<p>If they do notice it, it’s not a big deal. The purpose of the essay is 95% to find out about you as a person, 5% test your writing ability, and 0% to find out if you make typos. It’s only if the entire application is obviously sloppy that they would be put off. I can’t imagine it making a difference on the acceptance. (one college counselor actually said including a typo could make you seem more human!) But again, don’t draw emphasis to your mistake.</p>
<p>Good luck! (:</p>