Plagiarism checks on the Common App?

This might come off as paranoid, but does the Common App have a system to check for plagiarism in essays? I've written all original content, of course, but just curious how they manage to ensure everyone else does too. Any insights?

It's not paranoid to be curious about the backstage of the application process. Yes, the Common Application, and many colleges individually, have access to systems that can check for plagiarism in applicants' essays. It's a standard protocol due to the high stakes of college admissions and the importance of maintaining academic integrity.

These systems can compare submitted essays against a large database of existing work to identify matches that may indicate plagiarism. Since you’ve written all original content, there's nothing to worry about for your application.

However, this should underline the importance of maintaining originality in your work. Even commonly repeated phrases or overused quotes could raise flags, so it’s always best to ensure your essays reflect your unique voice and experiences. Always double-check your work and perhaps run it through a plagiarism checker yourself before submission to be absolutely certain you're submitting original content.

This practice isn't just about following rules; it's about being fair to yourself and your own experiences, and ensuring the authenticity that colleges are looking for.