Turnitin is widely used at The Ohio State University to help students submit written assignments and maintain academic integrity.
If you’re new to it, this guide will walk you through what Turnitin is, why OSU uses it, how to submit your work, and how to understand your similarity score—all in simple, friendly language.
About Turnitin
Turnitin is an online tool that checks your writing against a massive database of websites, journals, books, and past student papers.
It highlights matching text and helps ensure your work is original and properly cited.
Think of it as a safety net that helps you catch mistakes before they become problems.
Why Ohio State Uses It
Ohio State uses Turnitin for several key reasons:
- To support academic integrity – It encourages proper use of sources and clear citation.
- To prevent accidental plagiarism – Sometimes matches occur without you realizing it.
- To streamline feedback – Instructors can comment directly on your paper for easier grading.
How to Submit Your Assignment
Most OSU courses use CarmenCanvas (Ohio State’s learning platform). Your instructor will usually set up a Turnitin-enabled assignment inside the course module.
Submitting is easy:
- Go to your course in CarmenCanvas.
- Open the assignment that uses Turnitin.
- Upload your file (usually a Word document or PDF).
- Click Submit and wait for the confirmation message.
Turnitin will automatically check your work—no extra steps needed.
Viewing Your Similarity Report
Depending on your instructor’s settings, you may be able to see your similarity report. If viewing is allowed, you’ll see:
- Your similarity score (shown as a percentage)
- Highlighted sections of your paper that match other sources
- A list of websites or documents where those matches came from
This can help you improve your referencing and understand how to avoid unintentional copying.
Similarity Score Meaning
Your similarity score shows how much of your text matches Turnitin’s database. But the score alone doesn’t determine whether something is “right” or “wrong.”
Keep these tips in mind:
- Quotes and references almost always match — this is normal.
- Common academic phrases may show up as matches, especially in scientific writing.
- A high score doesn’t automatically mean plagiarism — context matters.
- A low score doesn’t guarantee perfect referencing — you still need correct citations.
Instructors at Ohio State look at what is matching, not just the number.
Using Turnitin Effectively
To get the most out of Turnitin, try these simple habits:
- Keep track of your sources while you write to avoid forgetting citations.
- Follow OSU’s citation guidelines (like APA, MLA, or Chicago, depending on your course).
- Avoid using paraphrasing or rewriting tools — they often create confusing or incorrect text.
- Reach out to your instructor early if you have questions—they’re there to help you succeed.
If Your Score Looks Higher Than Expected
Don’t stress! A high score isn’t always bad. Try the following:
- Review the highlighted sections.
- Make sure all quotes and paraphrases are correctly cited.
- Check if you’ve used long passages that are too close to the source.
- Edit and resubmit if your instructor allows multiple submissions.
If you’re unsure, your instructor can explain what the score means for that assignment.
Concluding Thoughts
Turnitin is simply a tool to help you learn and grow as a writer. At Ohio State, it plays an important role in supporting academic integrity while also giving you a chance to develop strong research and writing habits.
After a few uses, it becomes a normal part of the assignment process. And if you ever feel confused or worried, your instructor or academic advisor is always available to guide you.