Corrections Policy
Our commitment to transparency when we get things wrong.
Last updated: September 2024
Guiding Principles
- Accuracy first: We prioritize getting it right over being first.
- Transparency: Corrections are clearly labeled and explained.
- Timeliness: We correct errors as soon as they are verified.
- Preservation: Original content is preserved with correction notices; we don't silently rewrite history.
Types of Corrections
Corrections
Factual errors that change the meaning or accuracy of the content. Examples:
- Incorrect statistics, dates, or names
- Misquoted sources or misattributed statements
- Mathematical errors in data analysis
- Incorrect policy descriptions (e.g., wrong deadline, eligibility rule)
Clarifications
Content that is technically accurate but could be misunderstood or lacks important context. Examples:
- Ambiguous phrasing that could mislead
- Missing context that changes interpretation
- Outdated terminology
Updates
Content that was accurate when published but has changed due to new developments. Examples:
- Policy changes (new legislation, regulation updates)
- New data releases superseding previous figures
- Institutional changes (college closures, mergers, leadership changes)
Correction Process
- Report received: Error reported via contact form, email to [email protected], or internal review.
- Verification: Editorial team verifies the error against primary sources.
- Classification: Error classified as Correction, Clarification, or Update.
- Correction drafted: Clear, concise correction note written explaining what was wrong and what is correct.
- Publication: Correction appended to the article with timestamp and classification.
- Notification: For significant corrections, a note may be added to the homepage or newsletter.
How Corrections Appear
Corrections appear at the top of the affected article in a distinct format:
CORRECTION (September 15, 2024)
An earlier version of this article stated that the 2024-25 FAFSA opens on October 1, 2023. In fact, it opened on December 31, 2023. The article has been updated.
Clarifications and updates follow a similar format with appropriate labels.
Significant Corrections Log
Corrections that materially affect the article's conclusions or involve significant factual errors are logged here:
| Date | Article | Error | Correction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 2024 | FAFSA Simplification: What the 2024-25 Changes Mean | Stated FAFSA opened Oct 1, 2023 | Corrected to Dec 31, 2023 |
Reporting an Error
If you believe we've made an error, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact form: /contact/ (select "Correction request")
Please include:
- Article URL and title
- Specific error (quote the incorrect passage)
- Correct information with source if possible
- Your name and contact information (for verification)
Retractions
In rare cases where an article's core conclusion is fundamentally flawed and cannot be corrected, we may retract the article. Retractions include:
- Full explanation of why the article was retracted
- Preservation of the original article with retraction notice
- Notification to anyone who shared or cited the article (where feasible)