So my friend wants to copy my essay idea… He’s not going to copy word for word for sure but he wants to copy the central idea behind it. However he is EDing to Penn and I am EDing to Hopkins. Will it hurt my chances in any way? Is there a way for them to check through common app how similar our essays would be if we don’t apply to the same schools at all? Mine is really unique and it’s pretty hard to come up with that idea so I feel like the colleges would be suspicious…
Wow. Your friend doesn’t seem much like a friend. I seriously would try to talk your friend out of using your idea. But, even if you do, you will never truly know if he actually changed his topic. It’s hard for anyone to answer the question as to how similar your essays will be and if it will be challenged by either college. I suggest writing your essay, possibly changing the topic to be safe, and do not share any details about your essay to anyone. It’s hard enough trying to stand out amongst the thousands of applicants, give yourself some breathing room. @noicen
The common app doesn’t have a system to detect whether essays are similar, but if you have overlapping schools in RD, it’ll certainly raise questions from the admissions officer, especially if it’s a unique essay idea. At that point, there is a possibility that they might contact your school or other schools and blackball you. If I were you, I would ask your friend to come up with his own essay idea.
Why did you tell him your idea in the first place?
Bad idea. Very bad idea. First, it is just wrong. And from a practical standpoint, what if you both don’t get into your ED school and apply to some overlapping colleges?
I’d tell him in no uncertain terms not to use your idea. A dude who can’t come up with his own essay idea isn’t Ivy material. You can’t really stop him, but I’d sure tell him it is a dishonest plan and could put both your applications at risk. I assume you learned a lesson about sharing your essay ideas, too.
A few years ago the Common App was looking at offering plagerism checking as a product to colleges using the Common App. It isn’t clear whether they are doing it yet, but I’d assume if they do (1) top colleges are the ones that can afford the service and would care the most, and (2) they will check across colleges.
If they were to find a match between you and your “friend”, they’d probably just reject you both.
A plagiarism algorithm won’t catch it assuming it’s just the idea that’s stolen. It would be another issue if the friend is lifting sentences straight from OP’s essay. That being said, it’ll be an issue if you apply to the same schools.
They can only copy it if you give it to them. Don’t give it to them. Problem solved.
Sounds like that horse has left the barn for the OP.
What matters isn’t the idea, but the way it’s done - the structure, the sentences. Thousands and thousands of stusents write about the same thing, but very few can pull off something unique and told in an honest, clear voice.
I seriously doubt someone else’s life and experiences would sound honest.
True, but hopefully others will learn from this.
ADCOMs have probably seen and read everything. There must be many essays with the same theme out there. But hopefully it is personally and uniquely yours, and it will be well-written. That may be the difference.
First talk to your friend and try to convince her/him not to use your idea in her/his essay (but you will never be sure what s/he will do). Then, if I were you, I would bring the issue to your guidance counselor. If you don’t solve this issue it will always disturb you, especially if you cannot get in to your first choice. If you decide to do something, act fast. This issue will bug you until it is solved for good.
By the way, maybe your friend (!) is trying to make a joke, maybe s/he is not serious about using your idea.