Plagiarism?

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi all,
I wrote my personal statement all by myself (meaning, with no help from these essay-writing books/internet/etc..). However, when I showed it to my friend, she said that my introduction is similar to this one essay from a book. I was so shocked! I asked her what book it was from, but she couldnt remember anything.</p>

<p>I really do not want to change my essay (I like it the way it is), but I'm also worried if all the colleges will reject me because of this.</p>

<p>Help?</p>

<p>Oh, I can PM you the intro...</p>

2

<p>anyone? I don't want to be rejected by every school because of "plagiarism"...</p>

3

<p>I have no idea what to say. Unless your friend can point out the exact book, it should be okay. Essay inroductions are similar in any one of the millions summitted every year.</p>

4

<p>I really doubt you have anything to worry about</p>

5

<p>I really doubt you have anything to worry about. And I know quite a bit about plagiarism.</p>

6

<p>Google the key phrases from your introduction--just three or four words at a time--with quote marks around them. That might help you find something that you inadvertently recycled in your writing. </p>

<p>Also ask your English teacher (or your friend's English teacher) to take a look at your essay and see if anything seems familiar. Have you read a lot of college essay books? If so, go back and look at them again to see if you picked something up subconsciously.</p>

7

<p>you can PM me, I have read lots of those books</p>

8

<p>My guess: your friend is pulling your leg or plain lying...</p>

9

<p>Thanks everyone!</p>

<p>wackymother: I googled the phrases and nothing matched up exactly. I also asked my english teacher, and she said it's probably fine, but I could rewrite it if I want to.
I have only read a couple of sample essays, but I think you are right-- I probably picked something up subconsciously.</p>

<p>citygirlsmom: thank you SOO much!! :)</p>

<p>CollegeBound2007: she doesn't seem like that kind of person. I've known her for 4+ years and she has never lied to me...</p>