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Duplicate checks, explained.

You may have heard the term “duplicate checks” before and wondered what they were. Duplicate checks are a potentially useful accounting and record-keeping tool that could help you keep track of spending, provide proof of payment and catch accounting errors or fraud. Let’s take a closer look at what duplicate checks are, and how they work.

What are duplicate checks?

Duplicate checks are carbon copies of standard checks. They’re usually created from an original or single check, using a sheet of carbon paper inserted between them in your checkbook. The carbon paper transfers all your mark-making onto the duplicate check, leaving it with the same information as the original check including the check number, payee, date and amount.

What is the difference between single and duplicate checks?

Single checks are what you typically receive in a standard checkbook; a series of individual checks ready to be written out and used for payment. Duplicate checks come in a special checkbook pre-fitted with carbon paper and two copies of every check. If you’re having trouble deciding between single or duplicate checks, there are a few potentially helpful points to consider. 

Benefits of duplicate checks

• Keeping tabs on spending: Having a physical copy of each check for record-keeping purposes might help with tracking your expenses and understanding your spending habits better.
• Account reconciliation: Duplicate checks can be used to reconcile bank statements and help ensure that all transactions have been accurately recorded.
• Fraud prevention: Having a duplicate check may help spot potential check fraud as you can see if the check has been altered.

Downsides of duplicate checks

• Added fees: Carbon paper-fitted checkbooks with duplicate checks may cost more than standard checkbook options. Contact your bank for more information on their specific fees.
• Storage requirements: Because they have twice the number of checks, duplicate checkbooks take up more space than a standard checkbook.
• Potential privacy risk: A check contains a great deal of information about you. From your bank to your spending habits, two copies of a check means two sources of potentially sensitive information.

How do duplicate checks work?

Ordinarily, duplicate checks come in custom-fitted checkbooks designed to create them automatically as you write checks out. Duplicate checks have carbon on the back of the original check. As you date it, sign it and write out the amount and name of the payee, the pressure of your pen transfers your marks onto the duplicate through the carbon paper.

Where to get duplicate checks

Nowadays, some financial institutions no longer offer duplicate checks. Nonetheless, their simplicity and familiarity among many consumers has helped sustain their demand in certain places; speaking with your bank or credit union is the first step in obtaining a checkbook, whether filled with single or duplicate checks. 

Duplicate check alternatives

If you prefer single checks or are unable to purchase duplicate checks from your financial institution, there are a few duplicate check alternatives to consider:

• Online banking: Many financial institutions offer online billing systems that allow you to make payments, deposit checks and maintain an electronic record of each transaction.
• Digital copies: Some customers might consider keeping digital records of their checks as they use them.
• Accounting software: Personal accounting software and some budgeting apps may help aid in the record-keeping process in a similar fashion as duplicate checks.

A duplicate check is a copy of a standard check. It has the same check number and other information as the original and is usually made through a carbon paper insert fitted into a special checkbook. Duplicate checks are commonly used for record-keeping and account reconciliation. To get a set of duplicate checks for yourself, you can try speaking to your financial institution to see if they provide them.

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What Are Duplicate Checks?

Definition and Examples of Duplicate Checks

• How Do These Checks Work?
• Pros and Cons

Alternatives to Duplicate Checks

Frequently asked questions (faqs).

Duplicate checks are a type of checkbook that makes it easier to keep track of the checks you write. Behind each check is a thin sheet of paper that records what you write.

When you order duplicate checks, you get a checkbook that keeps a copy of every check you write. These copies are recorded onto thin pieces of paper that are behind every check. Those pieces of paper are the "duplicates."

Having a duplicate makes it easy to see who you paid, how much you spent, and when the check was written. The entire check is copied, so can also see anything you've written elsewhere, such as if you added your phone number to the top of the check. However, your signature is generally blocked to prevent someone who steals your checkbook from duplicating your signature.

You could access your online account or order cleared checks from your bank to get this information, but if you like having the ability to see your previous payments easily, you might like having duplicate checks.

How Do Duplicate Checks Work?

Duplicate checks come in the same type of binding as single checks. This allows them to fit wherever you had been storing your regular checks. With duplicates, each check is followed by a thin sheet of paper that serves as a carbon copy. The copy has the same  check number  printed on it for reference. As you write a check, the pressure from your pen transfers everything you write to the duplicate.

After you write the check, you only tear out the check, leaving the duplicate sheet attached to your checkbook. This way, you always have a copy on-hand for easy reference. You're left with a record of everything you wrote on the check, including the payee, amount, date, and any memo you may have included.

Where to Buy Duplicate Checks

Your bank should have a check catalog at the branch or on its website. Use this catalog to view and purchase checks for your account. Reputable  online check printers  tend to offer lower costs for duplicate and single checks, so it pays to shop around.

Pros and Cons of Duplicate Checks

Easy to use

Allows you to control recordkeeping

Offline access to records

Security and privacy risk

More expensive

Checks becoming increasingly uncommon

Pros Explained

• Easy to use: The carbon copy is created automatically by the pressure you put on the pen to write the check. It's easy to see check amounts and recipients.
• Allows you to control recordkeeping: You're the only person who controls these duplicates. You can include as much detail on them as you want, and store them for as long as you want.
• Offline access to records: Much of the information provided by duplicates is available online, but duplicates allow you to access the same information offline.

Cons Explained

• Security and privacy risk: Duplicates have a lot of personal information about you, so if a bad actor obtains them, it could be troublesome for you. Duplicates contain your bank information, as well as information like how much you spend in a given week and where you spend it.
• More expensive: Duplicates may be more expensive than single checks, depending on your bank or check provider.
• Checks becoming increasingly uncommon: A major downside to all of this is that checks are becoming increasingly uncommon. If you hardly use checks, it might not be worth investing in duplicates. You might be better off simply building a habit of checking your account online more often.

If you like the idea of keeping records, but you don't want to keep the paper, there are other options. Most banks have an  online bill payment system  that creates an electronic record of every payment you make. The record should include all of the information you'd typically find on duplicate checks.

Using online banking to make bill payments allows you to keep everything you need to know about each expense in a format that's easy to search and sort. Keep in mind that you might not be able to get an unlimited history of your checks online. You may want to download your transactions periodically from your bank to have a full record of your purchases.

You can also snap a picture or scan a copy of every check you write. With powerful cameras on most mobile phones, getting a good image should be simple. Make sure to store those images somewhere safe to avoid security and privacy risks.

Check registers are another option , whether you do your register on paper or electronically. Instead of a full-size copy of each check, you copy down the important details of each purchase. You'll be less likely to  bounce a check  if you  balance your account  with a check register.

Key Takeaways

• Duplicate checks are a type of check that includes a small piece of paper behind each check that serves as a carbon copy.
• Duplicates are automatically created for every check written, making it easier for someone to control their recordkeeping.
• Much of the information included in duplicates can be accessed online, but some people may prefer to have a hard copy.

What's the difference between a single check and a duplicate check?

The appearance and information included on a single check and a duplicate check are the same. The only difference is that duplicate checks are bound with a separate sheet of paper that makes a carbon copy as you write.

How do I dispose of duplicate checks?

Duplicate checks contain your personal and financial information, so they should be disposed of carefully. It's good practice to shred them, as you would with any other sensitive paperwork . If you have many years of duplicate checks to get rid of, you may want to hire a document disposal company to handle them to make sure that your information is kept private.

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A good personal statement should set out your qualities, qualifications, experience, and ambitions in a clear, concise manner. Needless to say, it should also be completely error free. And that’s where our expert personal statement  editing services  come in, giving your application the edge you deserve.

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And when we’re done, we’ll provide two copies of your document:

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Single vs. Duplicate Checks: What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re concerned about tracking your transactions or looking for a convenient way to keep records, understanding the pros and cons of single and duplicate checks will help you decide which is best.

In this post, we will explore the key differences between these two options and help you make an informed decision that fits your needs.

Single vs. Duplicate Checks

You may not think twice about the kind of check you use, but there are two main kinds of business and personal checks to consider.

Whether you’re writing a check to yourself to transfer funds between accounts or writing a check to someone else for bill payment or other purposes, it’s important to keep track of where your money is going.

How Single Checks Work:

Single checks are the traditional and most commonly used type of checks. You only create one paper copy when you write a check using a single checkbook. This original check contains all the necessary information, such as the payee’s name, the amount, and the purpose of the payment.

It also contains sensitive information, including checking account numbers , which can pose a privacy risk if it falls into the wrong hands.

Many people keep track of their single checks in a check register, a record of cash and check transactions.

How Duplicate Checks Work:

You might wonder how they work if you’ve never used or heard of duplicate checks. When you write a check in duplicate checkbooks, a permanent reference copy is automatically created underneath it on a small piece of carbon paper. Instead of creating just one copy when writing a regular check, duplicate checks allow you to create two.

Duplicate checks usually come in the same type of binding as single checks. Unlike a single check, duplicate checkbooks pair each check with a thin piece of carbon paper behind it. This sheet of carbon paper records the information from your original checks so that you can keep a backup copy of every check for later.

With duplicate checks, you give the top check to the payee and retain the bottom check for recordkeeping purposes.

Because there’s a duplicate sheet attached to each original check, duplicate checkbooks are usually much thicker and more expensive than single checkbooks.

Pros & Cons

Deciding whether to use duplicate checks will depend on your circumstances. Weighing the pros and cons could help you determine what’s right for you.

• Record keeping : Duplicate checks automatically back up every check you write, making tracking your transactions easier.
• Fraud prevention: A duplicate copy simplifies reconciling your bank statements and ensures the transactions match up.
• Dispute resolution: If you have any questions or disputes about a specific check, having a duplicate copy can provide valuable evidence.
• Cost: Duplicate checkbooks are usually more expensive than single checkbooks due to the additional carbon copies.
• Storage demands: Because of the carbon copies, duplicate checkbooks tend to be thicker and bulkier, which may not be convenient for carrying around or storing if you want to minimize clutter.
• Outdated: Check-writing isn’t as necessary in the modern world, so duplicate checks are made redundant by software, mobile apps, and online banking

Alternatives to Duplicate Checks

Let’s explore alternative options to duplicate checks for those who prefer a more streamlined and paperless approach to managing their finances.

Duplicate checks are a common solution for ensuring payment security and accuracy. However, there are alternative methods available that can provide similar benefits. Here are three alternatives to duplicate checks:

1. Online Budget Tracker

With technological advancements, online budget trackers have become popular for managing finances. These platforms offer features like expense tracking, bill reminders, and budgeting tools.

Using an online budget tracker allows individuals and businesses to easily monitor their financial transactions and keep track of payments without relying on duplicate checks.

Online budget trackers provide a user-friendly interface that allows you to categorize expenses, set budget goals, and generate reports. Additionally, many of these platforms offer mobile apps, making it convenient to access and manage financial information on the go. You may even get free resources through your online banking account .

Utilizing an online budget tracker can streamline your payment processes, reduce the risk of duplicate payments, and gain better control over your financial decisions.

2. Accounting Software

Accounting software has revolutionized the way businesses handle their financial transactions. These software solutions offer comprehensive features that automate various accounting processes, including payment management.

By leveraging accounting software, businesses can minimize the chances of duplicate payments and improve overall financial accuracy.

Accounting software enables businesses to create and manage digital payment records, track receivables and payables, and generate financial reports.

With advanced features like payment alerts and transaction matching, businesses can easily detect and prevent duplicate payments. Furthermore, the integration capabilities of accounting software allow seamless synchronization with other financial tools, enabling users to have a centralized and organized payment management system.

3. Excel Spreadsheet

For individuals or small businesses seeking a simple yet effective method of managing payments, an Excel spreadsheet can also serve as an alternative to duplicate checks.

By setting up a structured spreadsheet, you can maintain an electronic record of payments, bank account balances, and due dates.

Excel spreadsheets offer customizable templates that users can modify according to their specific payment management needs. With built-in formulas and functions, users can easily calculate totals, track expenses, and flag potential duplicates.

Although not as automated as online budget trackers or accounting software, an Excel spreadsheet provides a budget-friendly option for organizing payment records and reducing the risk of duplicate payments.

While duplicate checks have long been relied upon for payment management, exploring alternative options that can simplify and enhance the process is essential.

Online budget trackers, accounting software, and Excel spreadsheets offer viable alternatives that provide efficiency, accuracy, and control over financial transactions. By leveraging these tools, individuals and businesses can minimize the risk of duplicate payments while effectively managing their finances.

4. Use A Debit Card

Businesses and individuals can purchase and pay bills electronically with a debit or credit card. Check-writing predates electronic payment methods, and some prefer the analog approach.

However, not all merchants accept paper checks anymore, and they present a privacy risk to your bank account information if you’re not careful.

Both credit and debit cards  maintain detailed records of your transaction history the same way a duplicate check or check register would.

Are single or duplicate checks better?

Single checks are the basic checks you’re probably familiar with. Single checks create one copy of each check to give to the payee. They are ideal if you don’t need to keep track of multiple copies.

On the other hand, duplicate checks create a carbon copy of each check you write, allowing you to keep a record for yourself while still providing the original to the recipient. This process can benefit those who require more detailed record-keeping or want extra security offline. Ultimately, the choice between single or duplicate checks depends on what works best for you.

As debit and credit cards have become the most common form of payment, paper check-writing has largely fallen out of favor. Individuals and businesses can minimize privacy risks and complex record-keeping processes by moving to online banking and budget tools.

What happens if you duplicate a check?

Duplicating a check intending to cash it can lead to serious consequences. If you accidentally duplicate a check, it can result in the check being deposited or cashed twice, causing an overdraft or a potential financial loss.

Duplicating a check can also raise suspicion of fraudulent activity, as banks and financial institutions have strict protocols to prevent check fraud . It is crucial to exercise caution and double-check before submitting a check to avoid the complications and potential legal ramifications of duplicating a check.

Duplicating a check for recordkeeping is different from duplicating a check for fraud. You can’t cash a carbon copy of a check.

Who is responsible if a check is cashed twice?

If a check is cashed twice, the responsibility lies with the bank that processed the duplicate transaction. The bank is accountable for verifying and ensuring the accuracy of each check presented for payment.

Customers should promptly notify their bank if they discover a duplicate transaction, providing relevant details to aid in resolving the issue. The bank is then responsible for investigating, rectifying errors, and reimbursing the customer for any financial loss.

The bank will pursue legal actions against the party who cashed the check twice if it can be proven the person did it intentionally.

How long should you keep duplicate checks?

You should keep duplicate checks for at least three years.

This timeframe allows for sufficient record-keeping while also considering space limitations. Keeping duplicate checks for this duration ensures you have a record of your financial transactions in case of any discrepancies or audits.

However, it is essential to note that certain circumstances, such as legal or tax requirements, may necessitate longer retention periods. You can discuss your options with an accountant or financial advisor to find the best record-keeping and storage methods for your needs.

Single vs Duplicate Checks: Which is Best?

The choice between single vs duplicate checks ultimately depends on your preference and needs. The main difference between single and duplicate checks is how your transactions are recorded.

Duplicate checks can be helpful for individuals and small business owners who want to keep track of their transactions and have a backup hard copy of each check. However, they can also be more expensive and bulky compared to single checks.

If you prefer a paperless and more streamlined approach, you can use online budget trackers, rely on accounting software, create your own Excel spreadsheet, or switch to electronic payment methods. These modern payment and expense tracking methods can replace check-writing.

Ultimately, weighing the pros and cons is important, and choosing the option best suits your financial management style.

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How to Write an Amazing Personal Statement (Includes Examples!)

Lisa Freedland is a Scholarships360 writer with personal experience in psychological research and content writing. She has written content for an online fact-checking organization and has conducted research at the University of Southern California as well as the University of California, Irvine. Lisa graduated from the University of Southern California in Fall 2021 with a degree in Psychology.

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Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.

Bill Jack has over a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. Since 2008, he has worked at Colby College, Wesleyan University, University of Maine at Farmington, and Bates College.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

The personal statement. It’s one of the most important parts of the entire college application process. This essay is the perfect opportunity to show admissions officers who you are and what makes you stand out from the crowd. But writing a good personal statement isn’t exactly easy. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide on how to nail your personal statement, complete with example essays . Each essay was reviewed and commented upon by admissions expert Bill Jack. Let’s dive in!

Related: How to write an essay about yourself  

What is a personal statement? 

A personal statement is a special type of essay that’s required when you’re applying to colleges and scholarship programs. In this essay, you’re expected to share something about who you are and what you bring to the table. Think of it as a chance to reveal a side of yourself not found in the rest of your application. Personal statements are typically around 400 – 600 words in length. 

What can I write about? 

Pretty much anything, as long as it’s about you . While this is liberating in the sense that your writing options are nearly unlimited, it’s also overwhelming for the same reason. The good news is that you’ll probably be responding to a specific prompt. Chances are you’re applying to a school that uses the Common App , which means you’ll have seven prompts to choose from . Reviewing these prompts can help generate some ideas, but so can asking yourself meaningful questions. 

Below you’ll find a list of questions to ask yourself during the brainstorming process. For each of the following questions, spend a few minutes jotting down whatever comes to mind. 

• What experiences have shaped who you are? 
• What’s special or unique about you or your life story? 
• Who or what has inspired you the most? 
• What accomplishments are you most proud of? 
• What are your goals for the future? How have you arrived at those goals? 
• If your life was a movie, what would be the most interesting scene? 
• What have been some of the biggest challenges in your life? How did you respond and what did you learn? 

The purpose of these questions is to prompt you to think about your life at a deeper level. Hopefully by reflecting on them, you’ll find an essay topic that is impactful and meaningful. In the next section, we’ll offer some advice on actually writing your essay. 

Also see:  How to write a 500 word essay

How do I write my personal statement? 

Once you’ve found a topic, it’s time to start writing! Every personal statement is different, so there’s not really one formula that works for every student. That being said, the following tips should get you started in the right direction:  

1. Freewrite, then rewrite 

The blank page tends to get more intimidating the longer you stare at it, so it’s best to go ahead and jump right in! Don’t worry about making the first draft absolutely perfect. Instead, just get your ideas on the page and don’t spend too much time thinking about the finer details. Think of this initial writing session as a “brain dump”. Take 15-30 minutes to quickly empty all your thoughts onto the page without worrying about things like grammar, spelling, or sentence structure. You can even use bullet points if that helps. Once you have your ideas on the page, then you can go back and shape them exactly how you want. 

2. Establish your theme 

Now that you’ve got some basic ideas down on the page, it’s time to lock in on a theme. Your theme is a specific angle that reflects the central message of your essay. It can be summarized in a sentence or even a word. For example, let’s say you’re writing about how you had to establish a whole new group of friends when you moved to a new city. The theme for this type of essay would probably be something like “adaptation”. Having a theme will help you stay focused throughout your essay. Since you only have a limited number of words, you can’t afford to go off on tangents that don’t relate to your theme. 

3. Tell a story

A lot of great essays rely on a specific scene or story. Find the personal anecdote relevant to your theme and transfer it to the page. The best way to do this is by using descriptive language. Consult the five senses as you’re setting the scene. What did you see, hear, taste, touch, or smell? How were you feeling emotionally? Using descriptive language can really help your essay come to life. According to UPchieve , a nonprofit that supports low income students, focusing on a particular moment as a “ revised version of a memoir ” is one way to keep readers engaged. 

Related: College essay primer: show, don’t tell  

4. Focus on your opening paragraph

Your opening paragraph should grab your reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your essay. In most cases, this is the best place to include your anecdote (if you have one). By leading with your personal story, you can hook your audience from the get-go. After telling your story, you can explain why it’s important to who you are. 

Related:  How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)

5. Use an authentic voice 

Your personal statement reflects who you are, so you should use a tone that represents you. That means you shouldn’t try to sound like someone else, and you shouldn’t use fancy words just to show off. This isn’t an academic paper, so you don’t have to adopt a super formal tone. Instead, write in a way that allows room for your personality to breathe. 

6. Edit, edit, edit…

Once you’re done writing, give yourself some time away from the essay. Try to allow a few days to pass before looking at the essay again with fresh eyes. This way, you’re more likely to pick up on spelling and grammatical errors. You may even get some new ideas and rethink the way you wrote some things. Once you’re satisfied, let someone else edit your essay. We recommend asking a teacher, parent, or sibling for their thoughts before submitting. 

Examples of personal statements 

Sometimes viewing someone else’s work is the best way to generate inspiration and get the creative juices flowing. The following essays are written in response to four different Common App prompts: 

Prompt 1: “Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.”

When I was eight years old, I wanted a GameCube very badly. For weeks I hounded my dad to buy me one and finally he agreed. But there was a catch. He’d only get me a GameCube if I promised to start reading. Every day I played video games, I would have to pick up a book and read for at least one hour. At that point in my life, reading was just something I had to suffer through for school assignments. To read for pleasure seemed ludicrous. Needless to say, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about this proposed agreement. But I figured anything was worth it to get my hands on that shiny new video game console, so I bit the bullet and shook my dad’s hand. Little did I know that I had just made a life-changing deal. 

At first, the required hour of reading was a chore — something I had to do so I could play Mario Kart. But it quickly turned into something more than that. To my complete and utter surprise, I discovered that I actually enjoyed reading. One hour turned into two, two turned into three, and after a while I was spending more time reading than I was playing video games. I found myself captivated by the written word, and I read everything I could get my hands on. Lord of the Rings , Percy Jackson , Goosebumps — you name it. I was falling in love with literature, while my GameCube was accumulating dust in the TV stand. 

Soon enough, reading led to writing. I was beginning to come up with my own stories, so I put pen to paper and let my imagination run wild. It started out small. My first effort was a rudimentary picture book about a friendly raccoon who went to the moon. But things progressed. My stories became more intricate, my characters more complex. I wrote a series of science fiction novellas. I tried my hand at poetry. I was amazed at the worlds I could create with the tip of my pen. I had dreams of becoming an author. 

Then somewhere along the way my family got a subscription to Netflix, and that completely changed the way I thought about storytelling. My nose had been buried in books up until then, so I hadn’t really seen a lot of movies. That quickly changed. It seemed like every other day a pair of new DVDs would arrive in the mail (this was the early days of Netflix). Dark Knight, The Truman Show, Inception, Memento — all these great films were coming in and out of the house. And I couldn’t get enough of them. Movies brought stories to life in a way that books could not. I was head over heels for visual storytelling. 

Suddenly I wasn’t writing novels and short stories anymore. I was writing scripts for movies. Now I wanted to transfer my ideas to the big screen, rather than the pages of a book. But I was still doing the same thing I had always done. I was writing, just in a different format. To help with this process, I read the screenplays of my favorite films and paid attention to the way they were crafted. I kept watching more and more movies. And I hadn’t forgotten about my first love, either. I still cherished books and looked to them for inspiration. By the end of my junior year of high school, I had completed two scripts for short films. 

So why am I telling you all this? Because I want to turn my love of storytelling into a career. I’m not totally sure how to do that yet, but I know I have options. Whether it’s film production, creative writing, or even journalism, I want to find a major that suits my ambitions. Writing has taken me a long way, and I know it can take me even further. As I step into this next chapter of my life, I couldn’t be more excited to see how my craft develops. In the meantime, I should probably get rid of that dusty old GameCube. 

Feedback from admissions professional Bill Jack

Essays don’t always have to reveal details about the student’s intended career path, but one thing I like about this essay is that it gives the reader a sense of the why. Why do they want to pursue storytelling. It also shows the reader that they are open to how they pursue their interest. Being open to exploration is such a vital part of college, so it’s also showing the reader that they likely will be open to new things in college. And, it’s always fun to learn a little bit more about the student’s family, especially if the reader can learn about how the students interacts with their family. 

Prompt 2: “The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?”

I remember my first impression of Irvine: weird. It was foggy, stock-full of greenery and eucalyptus trees, and reminded me of my 5th grade trip to a “science camp” which was located in the San Bernardino mountains. Besides Irvine, that was one of the few places in Southern California where you’d find so many non-palm trees. 

Of course, perhaps my initial impression of Irvine was biased, motivated by a desire to stay in my hometown and a fear of the unknown. While that was true to an extent, Irvine was certainly still a little peculiar. The city itself was based on a “master plan” of sorts, with the location of each of its schools, parks, shops, and arguably its trees having been logically “picked” before the foundation was poured. Even the homes all looked roughly the same, with their beige, stucco walls almost serving as a hallmark of the city itself.

Thus, this perfectly structured, perfectly safe city seemed like a paradise of sorts to many outsiders, my parents included. I was a little more hesitant to welcome this. As I saw it, this was a phony city – believing that its uniformity stood for a lack of personality. My hometown, although not as flawlessly safe nor clean as Irvine, was where most of my dearest memories had occurred. From the many sleepovers at Cindie’s house, to trying to avoid my school’s own version of the “infamous” cheese touch, to the many laughs shared with friends and family, I shed a tear at the prospect of leaving my home.

Moving into the foreign city, remnants of the hostility I held towards Irvine remained. Still dwelling in my memories of the past, I was initially unable to see Irvine as a “home.” So, as I walked into my first-ever Irvine class, being greeted by many kind, yet unfamiliar faces around me, I was unable to recognize that some of those new faces would later become some of my dearest friends. Such negative feelings about the city were further reinforced by newer, harder classes, and more complicated homework. Sitting in the discomfort of this unfamiliar environment, it started to seem that “change” was something not only inevitable, but insurmountable.

As the years went on, however, this idea seemed to fade. I got used to my classes and bike racing through Irvine neighborhoods with my friends, watching the trees that once seemed just a “weird” green blob soon transform into one of my favorite parts of the city. While I kept my old, beloved memories stored, I made space for new ones. From carefully making our way over the narrow creek path next to our school, to the laughs we shared during chemistry class, my new memories made with friends seemed to transform a city I once disliked into one I would miss. 

Through this transformation, I have come to recognize that change, although sometimes intimidating at first, can open the door to great times and meaningful connections. Although Irvine may have once seemed like a strange, “phony” place that I couldn’t wait to be rid of, the memories and laughs I had grown to share there were very real. As I move onto this next part of my life, I hope I can use this knowledge that I have gained from my time in Irvine to make the most of what’s to come. Even if the change may be frightening at first, I have learned to embrace what’s on the other side, whether green or not.

One huge plus to writing an essay that focuses on a place is that you might have it read by someone who has been there. Yet, what’s really helpful about this essay is that even if someone hasn’t been there, a picture is painted about what the place is like.  Admission officers have the hard task of really understanding what the student sees, so the use of adjectives and imagery can really help.  It’s also really clever to see that the green that’s mentioned at the beginning is mentioned at the end.  It’s a nice way to bookend the essay and tie it all together.

Prompt 6: “Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?”

I like getting lost. Not literally, of course, but figuratively. Whether it be in the story of a love song by Taylor Swift, or in the memories brought back by listening to my favorite childhood video game’s background music, I’ve always appreciated music’s ability to transport me to another place, another time, another feeling. 

Alas, I cannot sing, nor have I practiced an instrument since my middle school piano class days. So, perhaps Kurt Vonnegut was right. As he puts it, “Virtually every writer I know would rather be a musician.” While I cannot speak for others, I have certainly not debunked his theory. Writing allows many, including myself, to attempt to mimic the transformative power of music – even if our singing voices aren’t exactly “pleasant.” Just as you can get lost in music, you can do so in a story. Whether it is in George Orwell’s totalitarian Oceania, or Little Women’s Orchard House, the stories outlined in novels can provide an amazing look into the lives and worlds of others, and an escape from the worries and problems of those in your own.

While I am certainly not claiming to have the storytelling abilities of the Orwells or Alcotts before me, I’ve had fun trying to recreate such transformative feelings for others. When I was nine, I attempted to write a story about a little girl who had gotten lost in the woods, only managing to get a couple pages through. As I got older, whenever I was assigned a creative writing assignment in school, I wrote about the same pig, Phil. He was always angry: in my 8th grade science class, Phil was mad at some humans who had harbored his friend captive, and in my 9th grade English class, at a couple who robbed him. 

Thus, when I heard about a writing club being opened at my school in 11th grade, I knew I had to join. I wanted to discern whether writing was just a hobby I picked up now and then, or a true passion. If it was a passion, I wanted to learn as much as possible about how I could improve. Although my high school’s writing club certainly wasn’t going to transform me into Shakespeare, I knew I could learn a lot from it – and I did. The club challenged me to do many things, from writing on the spot, to writing poetry, to even writing about myself, something that’s hopefully coming in handy right now. 

From then on, I started to expand into different types of writing, storing short ideas, skits, and more in appropriately-labeled Google Drive folders. At around the same time, I became interested in classic literature, which largely stemmed from a project in English class. We had been required to choose and read a classic on our own, then present it to the class in an interesting way. While my book was certainly interesting and unique in its own right, nearly everyone else’s novels seemed more captivating to me. So, I took it upon myself to read as many classics as I could the following summer.

One of the books I read during the summer, funnily enough, was Animal Farm, which starred angry pigs, reminiscent of Phil. I had also started going over different ideas in my head, thinking about how I could translate them into words using the new skills I learned. While the writing club helped reaffirm my interest in writing and allowed me to develop new skills, my newfound affinity for classics gave me inspiration to write. Now, I am actually considering writing as part of my future. In this endeavor, I hope that Phil, and the music I inevitably listen to as I write, will accompany me every step of the way.

Admission officers might read 70 (or more!) essays in one day. It’s not uncommon for them to start to blend together and sound similar. This essay might not make you laugh out loud. But, it might make the reader chuckle while reading it thanks to the subtle humor and levity. Being able to incorporate a little humor into your essay (if it is natural for you to do… do not force it), can really be a great way to shed additional light into who you are. Remember, the essay isn’t merely about proving that you can write, but it should also reveal a little bit about your personality.

Prompt 5: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.”

I learned a lot of things during the summer I worked at Tropical Smoothie. I discovered the value of hard work. I figured out how to save money. I even mastered the art of the Mango Magic smoothie (the secret is lots of sugar). But most importantly, I learned the power of perspective. And I have Deja to thank for that. 

Deja was my shift supervisor, and one of Tropical Smoothie’s best employees. She was punctual, friendly, and always willing to lend a helping hand. She knew the store from top to bottom, and could handle pretty much any situation thrown her way. She made everyone around her better. On top of all that, she was four months pregnant! I was always impressed by Deja’s work ethic, but I gained an entirely new level of respect for her one day.

It was a Friday night, and Deja and I were working the closing shift together. It was very busy, and Deja and I were the only ones on shift. We managed to get by, but we were exhausted by the end of the evening. After wiping down the counters and mopping the floors, we closed up shop and went our separate ways. I was eager to get home. 

I walked a couple blocks to where I had parked my car. Well, it wasn’t my car actually. It was my dad’s ‘98 Chevy pickup truck, and it was in rough shape. It had no heat or A/C, the leather seats were cracked beyond repair, and the driver’s side door was jammed shut. I sighed as I got in through the passenger side and scooted over to the driver’s seat. The whole reason I was working at Tropical Smoothie was to save up enough money to buy my own car. I was hoping to have something more respectable to drive during my senior year of high school. 

I cranked the old thing up and started on my way home. But soon enough, I spotted Deja walking on the side of the road. There was no sidewalk here, the light was low, and she was dangerously close to the passing cars. I pulled over and offered her a ride. She got in and explained that she was on her way home. Apparently she didn’t have a car and had been walking to work every day. I couldn’t believe it. Here I was complaining about my set of wheels, while Deja didn’t have any to begin with.

We got to talking, and she confessed that she had been having a tough time. You would never know from the way she was so cheerful at work, but Deja had a lot on her plate. She was taking care of her mother, her boyfriend had just lost his job, and she was worried about making ends meet. And of course, she was expecting a baby in five months. On top of all that, she had been walking nearly a mile to and from work every day. The whole thing was a real eye opener, and made me reconsider some things in my own life. 

For one, I didn’t mind driving my dad’s truck anymore. It was banged up, sure, but it was a lot better than nothing. My mindset had changed. I appreciated the truck now. I began to think about other things differently, too. I started making mental notes of all the things in my life I was thankful for — my family, my friends, my health. I became grateful for what I had, instead of obsessing over the things I didn’t. 

I also gained more awareness of the world outside my own little bubble. My encounter with Deja had shown me first-hand that everyone is dealing with their own problems, some worse than others. So I started paying more attention to my friends, family members, and coworkers. I started listening more and asking how I could help. I also gave Deja a ride home for the rest of the summer. 

These are all small things, of course, but I think they make a difference. I realized I’m at my best when I’m not fixated on my own life, but when I’m considerate of the lives around me. I want to keep this in mind as I continue to grow and develop as a person. I want to continue to search for ways to support the people around me. And most importantly, I want to keep things in perspective.

Too often we can be focused on our own problems that we fail to realize that everyone has their own things going on in their lives, too.  This essay showcases how it’s important to put things in perspective, a skill that certainly will prove invaluable in college… and not just in the classroom.  Another reason I like this essay is because it provides deeper insight into the student’s life.  Sure, you might have mentioned in your activities list that you have a job.  But as this essay does, you can show why you have the job in the first place, what your responsibilities are, and more.

A few last tips

We hope these essay examples gave you a bit of inspiration of what to include in your own. However, before you go, we’d like to send you off with a few (personal statement) writing tips to help you make your essays as lovely as the memories and anecdotes they’re based off of. Without further ado, here are some of our best tips for writing your personal statements:

1. Open strong

College admissions officers read many, many essays (think 50+) a day, which can sometimes cause them to start blending together and sounding alike. One way to avoid your essay from simply fading into the background is to start strong. This means opening your essay with something memorable, whether an interesting personal anecdote, a descriptive setting, or anything else that you think would catch a reader’s attention (so long as it’s not inappropriate). Not only might this help college admissions officers better remember your essay, but it will also make them curious about what the rest of your essay will entail.

2. Be authentic

Perhaps most important when it comes to writing personal statement essays is to maintain your authenticity. Ultimately, your essays should reflect your unique stories and quirks that make you who you are, and should help college admissions officers determine whether you’d truly be a good fit for their school or not. So, don’t stress trying to figure out what colleges are looking for. Be yourself, and let the colleges come to you!

3. Strong writing

This one may seem a little obvious, but strong writing will certainly appeal to colleges. Not only will it make your essay more compelling, but it may show colleges that you’re ready for college-level essay writing (that you’ll likely have to do a lot of). Just remember that good writing is not limited to grammar. Using captivating detail and descriptions are a huge part of making your essay seem more like a story than a lecture.

4. Proofread

Last but not least, remember to proofread! Make sure your essay contains no errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. When you’re done proofreading your essay yourself, we would also recommend that you ask a teacher, parent, or other grammatically savvy person to proofread your essay as well.

Final thoughts 

With those in hand, we hope you now have a better sense of how to write your personal statement. While your grades and test scores are important when it comes to college admissions, it’s really your essays that can “make” or “break” your application. 

Although this may make it seem like a daunting task, writing an amazing personal statement essay is all about effort. Thus, so long as you start early, follow the advice listed above, and dedicate your time and effort to it, it’s entirely possible to write an essay that perfectly encapsulates you. Good luck, and happy writing!

Also see:  Scholarships360’s free scholarships search tool

Key Takeaways

• It may take some people longer than others to know what they want to write about, but remember that everyone, including you, has something unique to write about!
• Personal statements should be personal, which means you should avoid being too general and really strive to show off what makes you “you”
• Time and effort are two of the most important things you can put into your personal statement to ensure that it is the best representation of yourself
• Don’t forget to ask people who know you to read your work before you submit; they should be able to tell you better than anyone if you are truly shining through!

Frequently asked questions about writing personal statements 

How do you write a powerful personal statement, what makes an amazing personal statement, how do you start an amazing personal statement, scholarships360 recommended.

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The Best Place To Order Checks Online

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They say it takes money to make money, but spending it shouldn’t cost any more than necessary. If you’re ordering personal checks through your bank, chances are you’re overspending.

Team Clark analyzed the best prices available for both single and duplicate checks online from 10 different retailers, and then we ordered checks from a few of the best:

• Sam’s Club
• Super Value Checks

If you’re looking for cheap checks online, we found that Sam’s Club, Super Value Checks and Checks.com all offer options for less than $0.09 per single check and around $0.11 for duplicates.

In this article, I’ll break down the best buying options from these stores and examine customer service options, delivery times and more ways to save.

This article was updated in April 2024 and I review it every six months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here .

Where To Buy Cheap Checks

The price of checks can vary greatly, and often you can find cheaper alternatives online compared to what you can get through your bank (even one of Team Clark’s best online banks ).

Below are the prices we found on April 1, 2024, for personal checks at a selection of popular retailers.

Single Checks

The Top Five Places to Order Cheap Checks Online:

• Super Value Checks : $0.0325 per check
• Sam’s Club : $0.0362 per check
• Checks.com : $0.0618 per check
• Costco : $0.0808 per check
• Walmart :  $0.0817 per check

You can find single checks for less than $0.04 at both Super Value Checks and Sam’s Club. There are also low prices at Checks.com and Walmart.

If you’re a Costco Executive member , the price for one pack of single checks drops to $8.09, which brings the per-check price to a more competitive $0.0647. Of course, these numbers don’t factor in the annual membership cost.

If ordering duplicate checks makes it easier for you to keep track of your finances , it may be worth the extra dollar or two to purchase them. Here are the prices we found at the same online retailers for duplicate checks:

Duplicate Checks

The Top Five Cheapest Places to Order Duplicate Checks Online:

• Sam’s Club : $0.0571 per check
• Super Value Checks : $0.079 per check
• Checks.com : $0.0743 per check
• Walmart : $0.094 per check
• Costco : $0.1035 per check

Sam’s Club and Super Value Checks hold their top two places for the cheapest duplicate checks available.

Other online retailers like VistaPrint , Current Catalog , Checks Unlimited and Carousel Checks turned out to be more expensive per check for both singles and duplicates. Although the stores’ base prices are higher, you should still consider checking these websites for discounts before ordering checks online.

Occasional promotions (like getting a free box with a purchase, percent-off sales and free shipping) may help you save big! Just don’t forget to look at the per-check price to avoid overpaying during a “sale.”

Ordering Checks Online

When ordering personal checks online, there are many factors to consider beyond the base price. In addition to shipping and processing, it’s also helpful to know how long it will take to place an order, to receive your checks in the mail and to contact customer support.

When I first started researching the best places to order checks online back in November 2019, I ordered checks from Sam’s Club, Super Value Checks, Walmart, Costco and Bradford Exchange for a first-hand look at each of these factors.

Time Spent Ordering Checks Online and Receiving Checks in the Mail

Ordering checks online at each of these stores was a fairly quick, simple process. It helped that I had my bank account and routing numbers handy as well as my Costco and Sam’s Club membership numbers.

I ordered the smallest packages available without any special features. In each case, I received my order in just over a week (I’d selected standard, non-trackable shipping). Note that shipping times may vary. Also, if you’re placing a bigger or more elaborate order, it may not arrive as quickly. And if you need to, you can pay more for expedited services.

Ordering checks in the mail takes a little time, so be prepared and order early! And remember that having at least one check from your old box will make it easier to locate your routing and account number.

Customer Service

Once I finished placing my orders with each seller, I contacted customer service with a simple question regarding the order to see how long it took to get in touch with a representative.

I called each company’s customer service phone number listed online and was connected to a live representative in under seven minutes each time. I called on a Tuesday morning, and honestly, I had expected longer hold times.

Bradford Exchange was the fastest to respond, followed by Super Value Checks, Costco and Walmart. Sam’s Club took the longest to connect at just over six minutes. When calling Costco or Sam’s Club customer service, be sure to have your membership number ready for faster service.

The Overall Best Stores for Ordering Cheap Checks Online

I reflected on my overall experience to determine where you’ll save the most when it comes to ordering checks online. Here are the main takeaways:

1. Sam’s Club Checks

Sam’s Club makes the check-ordering process simple for its members. Like many other companies, it automatically ships to the address that will be displayed on the check for added security.

2. Super Value Checks

Ordering from Super Value Checks was quick and easy, but this is the only company I ordered from that allowed you to enter a different address for shipping. Be sure to double-check all of your information before placing your order here.

3. Checks.com

While I haven’t ordered from Checks.com, the company has recently moved up in our top picks thanks to its low prices. You’ll find cheaper single checks than you will at Walmart or Costco, and Checks.com offers the same low prices on duplicate checks that you’ll find at Super Value Checks. For both types of checks, Checks.com has lower prices than Costco.

4. Walmart Checks

Ordering checks from Walmart took just around five minutes, and it was easy to reach customer service. As with the other companies, trackable shipping was available for an additional fee.

5. Costco Checks

Ordering checks from Costco as a member was simple and quick. Customization was available, though if you’re going to pay additional fees, go for added security features instead.

More Ways To Save

• Consider ordering more than one box at a time to avoid additional delivery fees.
• Check for online sales and promotions.
• Make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller by checking the Better Business Bureau page.
• If you’re going to pay more than the base price for classic checks, pay for added security features . These are a far better use of your money than getting a pricey design.

Have you ordered checks online? Share your experience in our Clark.com Community !

• April 1, 2024: Updated current prices and selections
• September 12, 2023: Update current check pricing and selection

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