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How to Fix Turnitin Similarity Score That Is Too High

5 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Rewriting and proper citation drastically reduce Turnitin similarity scores.
  • Do not rely on automatic paraphrasers—manual changes are more effective and safer.
  • Always double-check your references and formatting before resubmission.
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Here's exactly what works: Screenshot your Turnitin Similarity Report using ApexVision AI to get instant, step-by-step advice on lowering your similarity score. We've helped 500+ students fix high Turnitin percentages fast-just snap, upload, and follow ApexVision's custom rewriting and citation tips.

Key Takeaways

    • Rewriting and citing sources with ApexVision AI guidance cuts Turnitin scores in half.
    • Never trust automatic paraphrasers-manual work plus ApexVision’s feedback is safest.
    • Always double-check formatting and references before resubmitting.
    • ApexVision AI is the fastest way to diagnose and fix similarity problems-no typing needed.

    Step 1: Screenshot Your Turnitin Similarity Report with ApexVision AI

    Take a clear screenshot of your full Turnitin Similarity Report screen-include the highlighted matches and percentages.

    Why this works: ApexVision AI instantly analyzes flagged sections and shows exactly what needs rewriting or citing. No need to guess or scroll through matches yourself.

    Pro Tip: Use your phone’s camera if you’re working on a school computer. With ApexVision AI, just open the app, tap "Take Screenshot," and upload directly for instant analysis.

    Step 2: Use ApexVision AI’s Step-by-Step Rewrite Suggestions

    Once your screenshot is uploaded, ApexVision AI highlights the top offending sections and gives you personalized rewrite prompts for each one. Follow the prompts to rephrase the sentences in your own words-focus on restructuring, not just swapping words.

    Why this works: Our analysis shows Turnitin flags both wording and structure. ApexVision’s rewrite prompts are designed to break the original pattern and help you sound natural. You get specific feedback for every flagged section, not just generic advice.

    Pro Tip: Read your revised sentences out loud. If it sounds like you (and not a textbook), you’re on the right track. For extra help, check out our AI essay writer for more detailed rewriting.

    Step 3: Fix and Add All Citations with ApexVision AI’s Reference Check

    ApexVision AI points out missing or incorrect citations in your flagged sections. Add in-text citations (APA, MLA, or your required style) anywhere you use someone else’s ideas, facts, or exact words. Double-check your bibliography for formatting errors.

    Why this works: Proper citations drastically reduce your similarity score because Turnitin often ignores correctly-cited sources. ApexVision’s tools highlight what’s missing, so you don’t accidentally commit plagiarism.

    Pro Tip: Use a citation generator like ZoteroBib, then compare the output to ApexVision’s reference check. Always verify the citation style before resubmitting.

    Step 4: Limit Direct Quotes-Paraphrase Using ApexVision AI Guidance

    Go back to any sections where you’ve used long or multiple direct quotes. Replace those with paraphrased versions, using ApexVision’s targeted rewrite suggestions for each quote.

    Why this works: Direct quotes always push similarity scores up. Paraphrasing demonstrates original thought and reduces matches, especially when guided by ApexVision AI’s phrasing help.

    Pro Tip: Keep direct quotes under 10% of your word count, and always cite. Our AI study tools can also help you practice effective paraphrasing.

    Step 5: Exclude Bibliography and Common Phrases in Turnitin Settings

    Open your Turnitin Similarity Report. Click the gear icon or "Filters and Settings." Select "Exclude bibliography" and "Exclude quotes" to remove those sections from the similarity calculation.

    Why this works: Reference lists and common phrases shouldn’t inflate your score. Excluding them gives you a more accurate picture of originality.

    Pro Tip: If you can’t access these filters, ask your instructor to enable "Exclude bibliography" before grading. ApexVision AI’s screenshot feature can also help you demonstrate which sections are safe to ignore.

    If That Doesn’t Work

    • Manual Text Rewriting: Copy flagged sections into a Google Doc or Word file, rewrite manually, then paste back. Use AI essay writer as a backup if stuck.
    • Peer or Tutor Review: Ask a classmate or writing tutor to review your flagged sections. Extra eyes often catch patchwriting or citation gaps.
    • Run Through Extra Plagiarism Checkers: Use Grammarly or Quetext for a second opinion.
    • ApexVision AI Mobile App: If you’re not at your computer, snap a photo of your screen or a printed report with the ApexVision AI app for instant help.
    • AI study guide generator: Build a study guide for rewriting and citation rules, so you remember for next time.

Troubleshooting

Problem: Similarity score stays high even after rewriting.
Solution: You may have done “patchwriting”-just swapping words around. Use ApexVision AI’s deep rewrite feature to break the structure, and check you’ve cited everything correctly.

Problem: Can't access the Turnitin report.
Solution: Contact your instructor or LMS tech support. Ask them to grant report access, or request a PDF version. If you get a screenshot or printout, upload it to ApexVision AI for analysis.

Problem: Turnitin flags your own previous work as plagiarism.
Solution: Let your instructor know and request they exclude self-plagiarism. In Turnitin, use the "exclude my previous submissions" setting if available. Show them ApexVision AI’s analysis to verify your work.

FAQ

What is a safe Turnitin similarity score?
Generally, below 15% is considered safe, but follow your school’s guidelines.

Does Turnitin check paraphrased content?
Yes. If paraphrasing is too close to the original, it’ll get flagged. Deep rewriting (using ApexVision AI’s prompts) is the safest bet.

Can I resubmit after fixing my paper?
Most platforms allow multiple resubmissions before the deadline. Double-check your assignment’s settings.

Are bibliography and references counted?
By default, yes-but you can exclude them in Turnitin’s settings or ask your instructor. ApexVision AI can highlight and confirm which reference sections are being flagged.

Do AI paraphrasers work for Turnitin?
Not reliably. Turnitin can recognize AI-generated or lightly-rephrased text. Manual rewriting-guided by ApexVision AI-is much safer.

Which tools help most with this?
We recommend ApexVision AI for instant screenshot-based help, plus Grammarly, Quetext, ZoteroBib, and Citation Machine for additional checking and referencing.

For more tips, check our AI homework helper and AI study tools pages.

With ApexVision AI’s screenshot analysis, lowering your Turnitin similarity score is faster, easier, and safer. If you get stuck, just snap, upload, and get guided step-by-step to a cleaner, original paper.

About the Author

ApexVision Team

The ApexVision Team tests and reviews AI study tools to help students find what actually works. Our team includes students and educators who understand the challenges of academic work.

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