So, writing isn't exactly my strong suit, and I'm struggling with my essay. I heard that colleges check for plagiarism, but how exactly does that work? I'm not planning on copying anything; just want to understand the process so I know my essay will be considered unique!
Colleges take academic integrity very seriously, and this extends to the admissions process. Most institutions use various plagiarism detection software, such as Turnitin, which colleges use to cross-reference your essay against a massive database of works. This database includes previously submitted student papers, articles, and other content available on the internet. The software looks for matching phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to identify possible instances of plagiarism. If there's a significant amount of matched content, it could raise a red flag on your application. The exact threshold for what is considered 'too much similarity' can vary from college to college, but generally, original work with proper citations should not have issues. It’s important to write your essay in your own words and ensure any quotes or references are properly attributed. If you're worried about whether your essay will pass a plagiarism check, there are free or paid versions of plagiarism detection software available online that you could use as a precaution. Running your essay through one before submission can give you peace of mind. Remember, your essay is meant to be a personal reflection of who you are - your experiences, thoughts, and aspirations - so staying true to yourself and writing honestly is the best way to ensure your essay is unique.
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