<p>I know that the responses for this thread are going to be that I'm pretty dumb, what was I thinking, etc., but I am extremely concerned, so I just wanted to ask the members of college confidential..</p>
<p>What happens in someone plagiarized my essay?
Basically what happened is I finished my app for UPenn Early Decision and submitted it. A day or two later someone asked me if they could read my essay just as a guide via a PM on college confidential, and I wasn't thinking too much about it, and sent off my Why UPenn essay to him. I was fortunately accepted to Penn early decision, and didn't think much about the incident until my friend told me that he found an essay very similar to mine (I had shown him my essay so he could edit it) on essay forum dot com, and I took a look and realized it was basically written off of mine (mostly changed, but still the same idea sequenced exactly the same and 2 phrases still completely intact). This kid turned in his essay early decision, and I have no idea if he got in or not, but my question now is: Will I get rescinded because someone copied my essay and turned it in? I have since proved to essay forum that the essay posted on its site was copied, and they have taken it down. Sites like turnitin and Viper have shown me that online, there remains nothing that is similar to my essay at all, but in Penn's database, I'm guessing that the copier's essay is still in there, and can be checked against mine for whatever reason. Should I contact Penn or what other options are there for me?</p>
<p>UPenn actually doesn’t believe in checking for plagiarism. I remember reading an article that Common App wished to use TurnItIn with all essays. However, Penn clearly stated that they use the honors code and had no intention in checking. If it bothers you, you may email the admissions office. I would say to ask the person on that forum whether or not they were accepted. Obviously, if I were you, I’d be extremely bitter if they were to get in. Just check their acceptance decision first. You’re already accepted, so don’t worry about it bring rescinded.</p>
<p>That’s what I read as well, but I heard in some cases, any college is liable to check for plagiarism. Especially if two pieces of writing sound extremely similar with one another. I just don’t know if I’m rightfully freaking out as much as I am because if I were to get rescinded, I wouldn’t be able to apply anywhere else, and therefore I would have to go to community college which would be a huge change in expectations from Penn. And I’ve PM’ed them countless time already to the point where it would be annoying, but I have not had any response. I expect that it was a throwaway account in case I were to actually find it for some reason, I could not directly report him to Penn. And even if he got in, I don’t care. I’m of the firm belief that if you have to cheat to get into a school, you’re going to fail out eventually when you cheat again.</p>
<p>You really should relax. You’re admitted and you should be proud of youself and enjoy it.Nothing is going to happen to your offer of admission. Let it go.</p>
<p>I really, really hope you guys are right. I’ve worked so hard for this, and when my friend mentioned to me that he saw an essay like mine on a forum, I was extremely confused, then scared when I found out. </p>
<p>Just as one more question. I’ve been reading a lot into what happens to people who plagiarized or get plagiarized off of (Because there’s no extremely solid proof that I wrote mine first, colleges can not assume anything) and they get their admissions rescinded. This apparently isn’t unheard of, but regardless, still happens. I know it’s kind of annoying to hear me rant about something that probably is really dumb in the eyes of others, but is there a chance that I might be rescinded? It just wouldn’t feel right if I did…</p>
<p>@rebel11 haha that’s actually such a reassuring line. Thank you! I’ll try to stop worrying about it, but looking back at all the hyperlinks I’ve clicked on that have told me I’ll be rescinded, it’s just a scary, embedded thought :/</p>
<p>Daniel: You should be relishing the fact that you didn’t have to spend your Xmas break applying to 10 RD schools. You are now a member of the Penn class of 2017, as is my son. Congrats</p>
<p>Actually I’m going to have to go the opposite direction. Elouie do you know where you read that because I find it kind of strange to believe a college wouldn’t check for plagiarism. Additionally Daniel you should be worried because I also have read the articles you are talking about and people have been rescinded after acceptance. Does anyone know anyone who got rescinded for plagiarism at Penn or any other school?</p>
<p>Leave it alone. You were the victim here, not the perpetrator. The guy who PMed you stole it from you. If you open Pandora’s Box, you both could end up with problems. You got in, celebrate, relax and consider it a lesson learned. DON’T SHARE YOUR ESSAY…
What if you call Penn and they decide to rescind both of you? Are you better off then??? Forget about it…</p>
<p>Here are two articles that mention it. I do believe that the latter is a little more satirical, but nonetheless true. Daniel, calm down. You’re in and that’s it. Enjoy your break and relax. </p>