<p>I recently finished applying to all my colleges. This was done in a bit of a rush, to meet self imposed deadlines. Upon submitting the applications, I realized that the essay I had sent was not the one that I had intended to send, nor was it even an original work. I'm not sure how this happened, but I need to know how I can fix this or cancel all my apps so that I am not accused of plagiarism.</p>
<p>Do that immediately and contact the colleges you sent it to. It’s really serious that you do it as soon as possible and explain your mistake because common app has an automatic background checker that compares your essay with things posted online and previously submitted online (starting last year). I’m sure they will understand that it was a mistake and you can submit a different copy (likely through email) but it is absolutely crucial that you contact them and correct it immediately.</p>
<p>I’m honestly surprised this happened considering there is the option to preview each submission before you send it</p>
<p>Thank you, I will make sure to do this. I just rushed through the preview without thinking because I was so tired and eager to get it done. I caught it as soon as I reviewed them after sending.</p>
<p>And I am assuming I would email to admissions office?</p>
<p>Man I’m freaking out I probably really boned myself here</p>
<p>I don’t know if you are being honest but if you are then just let it go. </p>
<p>If you email the universities it’ll draw a HUGE red flag to your application.
First they won’t delete your old essay.
They will print out your new essay and/or add it to your file.
So the admissions officer will still read both essays.</p>
<p>More importantly think how crazy what you are saying sounds. You submitted an application without even proof reading the essay for spelling and grammar. That along is a huge strike again. Most likely they’ll think you are just trying to change your essay or that you really did plagiarize and now are worried some filter will catch you.</p>
<p>Like I said I can’t tell if you are being serious because of how bad this sounds so just let it go. </p>
<p>I’m absolutely serious. Its a passage from a pretty obscure book so it may pass through the system. Still it wouldn’t make total sense to the reader, and it will almost certainly screw me over at the more challenging schools where essays are scrutinized.</p>
<p>But there is no way I just cancel an application once it has been sent?</p>
<p>No matter what the admissions officers may think of you for failing to proofread, you certainly do not want them to think that you plagiarized an essay.</p>
<p>Contact them ASAP, and give them the right copy of the essay. Hopefully they’ll be understanding, if not, I guess it’s just tough luck, then.</p>
<p>They will not read both essays if you say that one was not yours, for why would they?</p>
<p>Hopefully, the college(s) you are applying to will just file this off as an example to give in presentations of what not to do. Just try not to stress over it, though. Contact them ASAP, and then know that it’s out of your hands.</p>
<p>You can withdraw an application, but I would not recommend it if you are applying to colleges you actually care about. I would do as @Tiberium suggested and be much more careful during regular decision if you choose to apply that round. I see no reason why they would read another essay that is not yours or you have said is not part of your application. You notifying them is better than them realizing and possibly penalizing you for the mistake.</p>
<p>Yes it may show carelessness on your part, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be admitted. If you withdraw, it takes out all chances of you being admitted. If it is a passage from a book, hopefully it is clear that it is not your college essay and it was an honest mistake. You have time on your side if you message them immediately. It will show that you are being proactive and it is before the review of applications actually start.</p>
<p>@Raizau As others have suggested, email the admissions office immediately and notify them of this error. Apparently your error is a common one. Below is a page taken directly from an admissions officer regarding this…</p>
<p>“Submit the Right Essay: Another common mistake students make- submitting the wrong essay. Students will have several different college essays saved to their computers and will accidentally submit the wrong one. My tip for this problem- always clearly name your documents and label each essay for the appropriate college. If you’re using the same essay for several schools (which is fine to do if the essay is appropriate for each one), be sure to switch out the school’s name or any specific information that would apply to one university. If you do by chance send in the wrong essay, email your admission counselor right away to see if you can correct your mistake.”</p>
<p>Source: <a href=“College Essays | College Admission at Loyola”>http://blogs.luc.edu/uao/2013/09/03/college-essays/</a></p>
<p>Hope this helps. Good luck! : )</p>