Plagiarism Concerns

College Essays
1

For one of my short answer college supplemental essays, I subconsciously copied a part of a famous person’s quote. The quote stuck with me originally when I heard it a few months ago and I unknowingly put a part of his quote as part of my answer. It’s a very small part that includes somewhat general terms (EX: “unconquerable obstacles”) but it reads as I made it like something that I said.

I am deeply remorseful and I feel so depressed, hopeless for being careless. Is there anything I can do to better this situation?

2

I wouldn’t worry about what has been submitted already. Schools know that kids are overwhelmed/stressed at this process and they may be less concerned about quoting part or a phrase - especially when they are reading 1000’s of supplemental essays for the same prompt.

If you had copied the entire quote, you may have cause to worry more, but as you describe it, there is nothing you can do at this point. Focus on the rest of your applications and enjoy your senior year